Patents Examined by Esayas Yeshaw
  • Patent number: 9573474
    Abstract: An electric drive system for an electric vehicle has a DC power source and a contactor with an output coupled to a main bus and an input adapted to be connected to the DC power source. The contactor is selectably switched between an open state and a closed state. A link capacitor is coupled to the main bus. A precharge circuit is coupled between the DC power source and the link capacitor comprised of a controlled current source. The controlled current source is selectably activated with the contactor in the open state to charge the link capacitor to a predetermined voltage to before switching the contactor to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Arnold K. Mensah-Brown, Hasdi R. Hashim, Bruce C. Blakemore, Allan R. Gale
  • Patent number: 9573475
    Abstract: A drive unit for driving and starting a motor in the form of an internal combustion engine designed for driving a traction generator coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Christoph Stemmler, Thomas von Hoff, Urs Ehrler
  • Patent number: 9566871
    Abstract: This non-contact power supply system contactlessly supplies power by means of magnetic coupling between a power receiving coil (22) provided in a vehicle (200) and a power-transmission coil (12) on the power supply device (100) side. This non-contact power supply system is provided with a first communication means which wirelessly communicates between the vehicle (200) and the power supply device (100) in order to detect the distance therebetween, and a second communication means which performs wireless communication in order to detect the relative position of the power receiving coil (22) and the power transmission coil (12). The second communication means is started when the distance between the vehicle (200) and the power transmission device (100), measured by the first communication means, is shorter than a prescribed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Konno, Hiroshi Tanaka, Tomoya Imazu
  • Patent number: 9561867
    Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Liffring, John T. Paterson, Mark S. Shander, Marvin J. Whitney, Ed Woods, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Patent number: 9561761
    Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
  • Patent number: 9561760
    Abstract: A modular truss assembly configured to be placed in small or narrow spaces such as within the floor, sidewall, or crown of a vehicle for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, all or part of the modular truss assembly can be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shander, Ty A. Larsen, Robert T Johnson, Mark E. Liffring, Margaret Douglas, Christopher M. Severns
  • Patent number: 9553481
    Abstract: A freestanding solar-powered charging system includes a baseplate, a substantially vertical frame member having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to and extending from the baseplate, one or more panels coupled to the second end of the vertical frame member, each of the panels having an upper surface with a photovoltaic cell, an energy storage device electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cell, and one or more electrical connectors supported by the vertical frame member and electrically coupled to the energy storage device, the electrical connectors configured to engage any one or more of a plurality of consumer electronic devices for charging the consumer electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Mark Prommel, Marco Perry, Pil Ho Chung, Kevin O'Leary, Avi Bajpai, Todd Brunner, Keyvan Vasefi, Walker Ford, Robert Norman Gardner
  • Patent number: 9543074
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for receiving power wirelessly, and an apparatus and a method for transmitting power wirelessly are provided. The apparatus for transmitting power wirelessly includes: a source resonator configured to transmit power wirelessly to a target resonator through a mutual resonance with the target resonator; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the source resonator; and a matching unit configured to connect a passive device to the power supply unit in series or in parallel to match an output impedance of the power supply unit and an input impedance of the source resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hyun Park, Young Ho Ryu, Sang Wook Kwon, Ki Young Kim, Yun Kwon Park, Keum Su Song, Chi Hyung Ahn
  • Patent number: 9543758
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for adjusting power distribution to remote radio heads in a telecommunication network. Multiple buses are implemented in a configuration to individually distribute power to remote radio heads. Each bus is connected to a remote radio heads allowing the remote radio head to receive power on an individual basis and different from other remote radio heads. An eNodeB collects operational measurements from a cell site which are used to provide instructions to adjust the power to each bus and corresponding remote radio head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Nitesh Manchanda, Sreekar Marupaduga, Sharath Somashekar, Eugene S. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9541928
    Abstract: A power supply device includes: a comparator that compares an error voltage and a slope voltage to generate a comparison signal; a PWM pulse generation portion that generates a PWM pulse based on a clock signal and the comparison signal; an on-time fixed pulse generation portion that uses the comparison signal as a trigger to generate an on-time fixed pulse where an on-time and an on-time number are constant; a one shot pulse generation portion that generates once, when a soft start voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a one shot pulse where the on-time and the on-time number are constant; and a selector that selects any one of the PWM pulse, the on-time fixed pulse and the one shot pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuhei Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9530588
    Abstract: A circuit breaking arrangement is disclosed, which is adapted to be coupled to a transmission line arranged to carry direct current for controllably effecting discontinuation of flow of direct current in the transmission line. The circuit breaking arrangement includes a current interrupter unit adapted to, when actuated, interrupt current in the transmission line and a first resonance circuit and at least a second resonance circuit. Each of the first and the at least a second resonance circuit is adapted to, upon actuation of the current interrupter unit and when the respective resonance circuit is activated, generate a resonance current superposing current of any arc generated in the current interrupter unit after actuation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Kenneth Johansson
  • Patent number: 9520749
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission method and system for prevention frequency interference is provided to prevent frequency interference and collision between a wireless power transmitter and other devices which use a frequency adjacent to frequency band of the power signal transmitting from the wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmission method includes outputting a using signal upon use of a wireless device and operating the wireless power transmitter based on whether the using signal is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong-Gyu Kim, Kyong-Ho Shon, Nam-Woong Hur, Sin-Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 9520227
    Abstract: An apparatus for a contactless transmission of electrical energy between a wall and a door leaf/window sash fastened to the wall in an articulated fashion via hinges about a hinge axis includes a primary coil configured to be fastened to the wall, a secondary coil fastened to the door leaf/window sash, and a hinge bolt as a magnetic flux conduction body between the primary coil and the secondary coil. The hinge bolt comprises at least one flux element provided as a prefabricated structural component and at least one bearing piece comprising a mating frontal side. The at least one flux element comprises at least one frontal side. The at least one frontal side of the at least one flux element braces against the mating frontal side of the at least one bearing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: DR. HAHN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tibor Herglotz, Ingo Steinfeld
  • Patent number: 9520745
    Abstract: A low standby consumption power supply system having multi-channels for power supply is used to power first and second circuit blocks. The main supply module provides power to the first circuit-block, while the second supply module provides power to the second circuit-block. The enabling line is used to transmit an enabling signal to the main supply module to switch the main supply module from a power-off status to a power-on status. The enabling line operates under enabling mode and power-off mode. Under enabling mode, the enabling line transmit the enabling signal to the main supply module, such that the main supply module and the low-current supply module respectively provide power to the first circuit-block and the second circuit-block simultaneously. Under the power-off mode, the enabling signal is cut off and the main supply module stop providing power, so as to cut off standby current of the main supply module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Chia Jung Yang
  • Patent number: 9511657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable battery module for an electrically driven vehicle, with at least one bracket that can be detachably arranged on a bearing structure of the motor vehicle, and carries at least one battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Friedhelm Engler, Clarence Kim, Richard Shaw
  • Patent number: 9511728
    Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shander, Mark E. Liffring, Todd B. Brouwer, Robert T. Johnson, Carolyn Kerr, John T. Peters, Timothy E. Jackson, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Steven M. Walstrom, Arnold W. Nordsieck, Robert L. Springgay
  • Patent number: 9502886
    Abstract: One or more systems and techniques for managing one or more electronic devices are provided. A determination is made that a first capacitor in a set of one or more capacitors has a defect. Responsive to the determination, the first capacitor is disabled, and a second capacitor is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chien-Jung Wang, Huan-Neng Chen, Chewn-Pu Jou, Chwei-Ching Chiu
  • Patent number: 9499270
    Abstract: A supply module is provided for a passenger transport vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a first supply unit for supplying passengers with a first supply medium in a first supply area and a second supply unit for supplying passengers with a second supply medium in a second supply area. Furthermore, the supply module includes, but is not limited to a control unit which is configured to activate the first supply unit in a first subregion of the first supply area and to activate the second supply unit in a second subregion of the second supply area, based on a predeterminable seating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Riedel, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Patent number: 9494637
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for detecting islanding operation of a distributed power generator. The method can include determining a frequency of a grid to which the distributed power generator is connected, measuring a rate of change of the frequency of the grid at an output of the distributed power generator, determining a threshold value for an alteration speed, comparing the rate of change of the frequency of the grid with the threshold value, and detecting islanding operation when the measured rate of change of the frequency exceeds the threshold value for a certain time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Janne Hellberg, Kimmo Heinonen, Jari Uusimäki
  • Patent number: 9484749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric power supply system for an aircraft having a transformer-less HVDC architecture, the system including: at least one multiphase engine generator in a star configuration which provides a multiphase alternating (AC) voltage; a converting circuit for converting the multiphase AC voltage into a corresponding direct (DC) voltage for supplying at least one aircraft load; an electric power supply interface for connection with a standardized GPU plug of an external GPU, the electric power supply interface comprising a supply voltage output terminal coupled to a self-contained power source for providing a low voltage control signal for driving a GPU internal switching circuit wherein the power source is decoupled from the AC voltage and DC voltage. The present invention further relates to an aircraft and an airport power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Brombach, Detlef Schulz