Patents Examined by Dharti Patel
  • Patent number: 10199820
    Abstract: A delay circuit configured to delay the disconnection of one or more line conductors from one or more load conductors, wherein the one or more line conductors are disconnected from the one or more load conductors in a tripped condition. The delay circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The first switch is configured to receive a fault detection signal and trigger in response to receiving the fault detection signal. Wherein the triggering of the second switch and the third switch is delayed for an amount of time, and after the amount of time has elapsed, the second switch and the third switch are activated to place the one or more line conductors and the one or more load conductors in the tripped condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Simonin
  • Patent number: 10186854
    Abstract: The invention discloses a circuit protection device with self fault detection function. The ground fault protection unit comprises a ground fault detection circuit, an AC power supply path and an electromagnetic drive circuit. The self fault detection unit comprises an automatic detection circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit starts periodically a self fault detection process, controls the automatic detection circuit to generate a ground fault current GFC to the ground fault protection unit, and detects the fault status signal from the electromagnetic drive circuit. Based on the fault status signal, operation situations of the ground fault protection unit can be determined. If a fault occurs, an emergency interruption signal is generated, and that activates the electromagnetic drive circuit to make the ground fault protection unit trip in emergency, and cut off the AC power supply on load and socket terminals, and thus the emergency protection function is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: JIAXING SHOUXIN ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaohua Gao, Qianhui Gao
  • Patent number: 10176913
    Abstract: An output driving circuit outputs an output current to a solenoid incorporated in a vehicle through an output terminal. A detection resistor connected between the output terminal and the output driving circuit. An amplification unit configured to output an analog detection signal generated by amplifying a voltage between both ends of the detection resistor. A current generation circuit configured to output a reference current. A reference resistor connected between the current generation circuit and a ground and configured to output a reference voltage according to the reference current. An A/D converter configured to convert the analog detection signal into a digital detection signal using the reference voltage as a reference. A control circuit configured to control the output current output from the output driving circuit according to the digital detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Kondo, Kazuaki Kubo, Noriyuki Itano
  • Patent number: 10174738
    Abstract: A control device suitable for use in a vehicle (such as, for example, for a glow plug of a vehicle) includes an electrically conductive element having a first end in electrical connection with a first solder joint and a second end in electrical connection with a second solder joint. A center region of the electrically conductive element is in electrical connection with a vehicle power source via an electrical connector node at the center region. When a temperature at the first solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature and a temperature at the second solder joint is below the threshold temperature, electrical connection at the first solder joint is broken and electrical connection at the second solder joint is not broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael Vogelbacher
  • Patent number: 10175298
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of an operating coil driver circuitry. The instructions include instructions to instruct a switch to supply a specific current to an operating coil of a switching device using a pulse-width modulated signal; determine duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal; and determine wellness of the switching device based at least in part on the duty cycle of the pulse-width module signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Bock, Christopher J. Wieloch, James J. Kinsella, Stefan T. Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 10164424
    Abstract: An overvoltage protector uses a low-power shunt regulator to provide precise overvoltage protection at low voltages. The shunt regulator communicates with the current limiter to the input voltage allowing precise current measurement while protecting the shunt regulator from excessive power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Center. Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kian Kiat Koh
  • Patent number: 10148084
    Abstract: Protection circuits, USB interface integrated circuits, and methods for protecting host circuitry from USB port pin overvoltages, in which a switch is connected between a USB port pin and a middle node, and a detection circuit compares the middle node voltage with a reference voltage. A control circuit turns off the switch and turns on a clamp circuit to conduct pull down current from the middle node in response to the middle node voltage exceeding the reference voltage to mitigate overvoltage conditions on a host pin coupled to the middle node. When the middle node voltage falls below the reference voltage, the control circuit delays for a predetermined time and then turns off the clamp circuit and turns on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hassan Pooya Forghani-Zadeh, Timothy Bryan Merkin, Ariel Dario Moctezuma
  • Patent number: 10148080
    Abstract: A single-phase-to-earth fault processing device for a neutral non-effectively grounded distribution network includes a split-phase arc quenching device connected between earth and a three-phase bus of the distribution network, and a controller with an input end connected with a single-phase-to-earth phase selection device of the distribution network. The split-phase arc quenching device includes a multiphase switching device which operates independently for each phase, and a fuse connected in series with the multiphase switching device. The controller is for controlling opening and closing of three single-phase switches in the multiphase switching device. A single-phase-to-earth fault processing method firstly controls the split-phase arc quenching device to preprocess the fault. If the fault still exists, through a ground resistor a zero-sequence current is generated on a fault line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, STATE GRID SHAANXI ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jian Liu, Pinde Li, Xiaoqing Zhang, Zhihua Zhang, Shuren Zhao
  • Patent number: 10141143
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a method that includes in a first switching operation of an electrical power switching system including three separately controllable single pole, single current-carrying path switching devices that provide three-phase power to a load, and control circuitry coupled to the switching devices to control closing and opening of the current-carrying paths, commanding at least one of the switching devices to open or close in advance of at least one other of the switching devices based upon a current zero-crossing or a predicted current zero-crossing of input three-phase power; and in subsequent switching operations alternating which of the three switching devices is closed or opened in advance of another of the switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Bock, Christopher J. Wieloch, James J. Kinsella, Stefan T. Dziekonski, James P. Miller
  • Patent number: 10134725
    Abstract: The present application provides an electrostatic discharge protection circuit including a first N-type transistor, a second N-type transistor and a high-voltage tracing circuit. The high-voltage tracing circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to the metal pad to receive a metal pad voltage. The second input terminal receives a supply voltage. The output terminal is coupled to the second N-type transistor and configured to output a high-voltage tracing voltage, wherein the high-voltage tracing voltage is larger than or equal to the metal pad voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 10135236
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing direct and indirect electronic attacks, cyber attacks, and/or minimizing the impact of high voltage pulses are disclosed. In an aspect, an example system can comprise an electromagnetic plasma disrupter device. The electromagnetic plasma disrupter device can comprise a gas pressurized enclosure such a waveguide, grounded metal enclosure, or Faraday shield having a first pair of opposed electrodes at least partially enclosed in the enclosure. A first electrode of a first pair of the opposed electrodes can be connected to ground. A second electrode of the first pair of opposed electrodes can be coupled to a voltage source. The system can optionally comprise a second pair of opposed electrodes. The second pair of electrodes can allow, under normal operation, for signals to enter and leave an electronic circuit that is being protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada Systems of Higher Education on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    Inventor: Robert A. Schill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10135234
    Abstract: A current flows between the drains of FETs, which function as a switch. A first constant current circuit causes a constant current to flow from the FET side of a resistor to the other side thereof. A first comparator outputs a high level voltage to the control section if the electric potential at the drain of the FET is higher than the electric potential at one end, on the first constant current circuit side, of the resistor. Furthermore, the first comparator outputs a low level voltage to the control section if the electric potential at the drain of the FET is lower than the electric potential at one end, on the first constant current circuit side, of the resistor. The control section turns the FETs off when the first comparator outputs the low level voltage. Furthermore, the control section changes the current that is caused to flow through the resistor by the first constant current circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Yano, Katsuma Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 10123404
    Abstract: An anti-static method, an anti-static device and flat display manufacture equipment are disclosed. The anti-static device includes an adjustable gas supply system, configured for supplying gas; a plurality of outlets, wherein gas supplied by the gas adjustable system blows a substrate, and discharge needles disposed in the gas outlets and configured for ionizing air near pinpoints of the discharge needles or the gas passing by the pinpoints of the discharge needles, making gas blown out of the gas outlets contain ions. The anti-static device can solve a problem that a display panel is damaged by static charges due to accumulation and hence discharging of static charges in a flat display field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yangkun Jing
  • Patent number: 10114057
    Abstract: A system and method to detect arc faults in branch wiring. The system includes a line conductor and a neutral conductor. A circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current source via the line and neutral conductors. Electrical outlet devices are coupled to the circuit breaker via the line and neutral conductors. Each of the electrical outlet devices has a neutral shorting switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors, and a load control switching element in the line conductor. The electrical outlet devices also each include an outlet controller to control the switching elements. The outlet controllers close the neutral shorting switching elements and the master controller determines if high impedance is present to detect a series arc fault. The outlet controllers open the load control switching elements and the master controller determines if any current is flowing on the line conductor to detect a parallel arc fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Beierschmitt, Jeremy Schroeder
  • Patent number: 10116130
    Abstract: A distribution board includes: a main bar that is connected to a power supply line; a branch bar that is branched from the main bar, the branch bar supplying power to a load; a breaker that is electrically connected to the branch bar, the breaker being configured to be electrically connected to the load, the breaker limiting to a predetermined set value a current to be supplied to the load; and a display unit that is provided to the branched bar or the breaker, the display unit having a display for specifying a load that is planned to be connected to the breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tenda Shibuya, Syunsuke Tsuda
  • Patent number: 10115552
    Abstract: A retrofit CAFI/GFI remote control module may provide dual function protection for simple thermal-magnetic circuit breakers in a residential load center with arc fault and ground fault protection. The module provides line sensors and electronic processing to detect ground faults or arc faults, or both, and operates a bistable relay between the branch breaker and the load to open the circuit, which can then be remotely or manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 10109994
    Abstract: Provided herein are improved current monitoring systems for monitoring currents having large ranges. A current monitor can include two or more current sensors. At least two of the current sensors can have different current measurement ranges and different current measurement sensitivities. Each current sensor can be associated with one or more current monitoring thresholds. A time delay or time threshold can correspond to each current monitoring threshold. Each current sensor can monitor a same current having a large range of possible current values. When a predetermined current threshold is exceeded for an amount of time exceeding a corresponding time threshold, a signal can be generated by the current sensor. The generated signal can indicate that the measured current exceeds the predetermined current threshold for the corresponding predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: James Riley
  • Patent number: 10103537
    Abstract: Provided is a fault isolation apparatus for an inverter configured for coupling to an external power supply. The apparatus includes a plurality of fault detection devices, each configured to (i) complete an electrical path between the inverter and the external power supply and (ii) detect a fault along its respective electrical path. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to instruct the fault detection device to complete its respective electrical path only when the path is devoid of the detected fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: David Everett Frye, Philip Edgar Crapse Stone, Daniel Francis Opila, Robert Gregory Wagoner, Siddharth Pant, Shrutish Dawande
  • Patent number: 10103538
    Abstract: A driver circuit provides power from a power source to a load. The driver circuit includes a surge protector, an input stage (e.g., full wave rectifier), a controller, an overvoltage protection circuit, and an output stage (e.g., a half bridge inverter). The input stage receives power from the power source and provides a direct current (DC) power rail. The controller operates the output stage to provide power from the DC power rail to the load. The overvoltage protection circuit shuts down the controller when the DC power rail exceeds a predetermined voltage. This ceases operation of the output stage, protecting the output stage from damage while the DC power rail is above the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Xiong, Rohan Dayal, Scott Price
  • Patent number: 10101393
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a method that includes determining, using a control circuitry, temperature of a switching device before a make operation by applying a measurement current to an operating coil of the switching device, wherein the measurement current is insufficient to make the switching device; and determining voltage at the operating coil when the measurement current is applied, in which the voltage at the operating coil is directly related to the temperature. The method further includes determining, using the control circuitry, when to apply a pull-in current to the operating coil to close the switching device based at least in part on the voltage at the operating coil, such that the switching device makes at a desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Bock, Christopher J. Wieloch, James J. Kinsella, Stefan T. Dziekonski