Patents Examined by Hal I. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 8035255
    Abstract: Described herein are improved capabilities for a source resonator having a Q-factor Q1>100 and a characteristic size x1 coupled to an energy source, and a second resonator having a Q-factor Q2>100 and a characteristic size x2 coupled to an energy drain located a distance D from the source resonator, where the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among the source resonator and the second resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler, Marin Soljacic
  • Patent number: 8022571
    Abstract: This is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing circuitry that can be used to control multiple solar cells to generate power for a portable electronic device. For example, in response to determining that one or more of the solar cells is generating a reduce voltage output (e.g., due to a partial obstruction of one or more of the solar cells), the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a constant preset voltage, as long as a subset of the solar cells is operating. The voltage generated by the solar cells can then be boosted to a value suitable for powering the portable electronic device and/or any of its individual components. As another example, the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a startup voltage to directly power the portable electronic device and/or any of its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Warren, Michael Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8013478
    Abstract: A power bank apparatus includes a power storage unit, a first power output port and a first power input port. The power storage unit is connected to the first power input and output ports. The power bank apparatus is connected to a controller through the first power output port. The controller includes a control unit, a second power input port and a second power output port. The control unit is connected to the second power input and output ports, and the second power input port is connected to the first power output port, and the control unit is provided for controlling an output voltage value of the second power output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennrich International Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Hui Chen, Chin-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 8013475
    Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement includes a semiconductor body having a substrate and at least one substrate terminal. At least one semiconductor component is integrated in the semiconductor body and is connected between a first supply terminal and a second supply terminal. The first supply potential is higher than the second supply potential during normal operation of the semiconductor component and the first supply potential is lower than the second supply potential during reverse voltage operation of the semiconductor component. A switch is adapted to couple at least one of the substrate terminals to the first supply terminal during reverse voltage operation and to the second supply terminal during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Wotruba, Andrea Logiudice, Andrea Scenini, Salvatore Pastorina
  • Patent number: 8008811
    Abstract: A power supplying apparatus includes a conversion device to convert direct current (DC) power from a battery set into alternating current (AC) power. A current transformer arrangement may generate a DC charging signal based on the AC power and provide the DC charging signal to the battery set. The current transformer may include a plurality of current transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Todd
  • Patent number: 8004112
    Abstract: A communication apparatus has a electrical outlet that is electrically connected to a power connector so as to supply power externally; a connection detector that detects connection of an external plug to the electrical outlet; and a controller that uses a receiver and a transmitter so as to perform setting with a device connected to the electrical outlet, when external connection is detected at the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Koga, Nobutaka Kodama, Yasushi Yokomitsu, Mutsuhiko Ooishi
  • Patent number: 7999410
    Abstract: The power conversion system allows for multiple segregated and ground independent power sources to provide redundant power to modules within an electronics equipment cabinet with increased reliability and reduced sensitivity to common fault propagation. The power conversion system provides power conditioning modules having independent supply rails that supply power to each module within an electronics equipment cabinet. FET and diode solid-state control and driver logic enable each individual supply rail. Efficient power distribution is facilitated by primary and hot-backup operation of one or more power conditioning modules. Power conversion is facilitated by one or more input supply power feeds and one or more converter stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLC
    Inventors: David B. Hartung, Brian G. Krug
  • Patent number: 7986057
    Abstract: A method and system for improving peak power capability in an electrical system is disclosed. The system may include an auxiliary generator operated in conjunction with one or more main engine generators during the need for increased transient load demands. The system may include a main engine generator, an auxiliary generator, an inverter/converter controller (ICC) connected to respective generators, a semi-conductor power device connected between the ICCs, and a main bus between the semi-conductor power device and a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeni Ganev, Bulent Sarlioglu, William Warr
  • Patent number: 7977810
    Abstract: A signal coupling apparatus for power line communications includes an impedance matching transformer and a transmission mode control circuit for high data rate power line communications on a three-phase four-wire distribution line. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power line communications, to minimize signal loss, and to construct an optimal high voltage distribution path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Electro Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung Soo Choi, Jae Jo Lee, Kwan-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7973431
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 7969044
    Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft. The system comprises a variable speed prime mover adapted to generate an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to the speed of the prime mover, a power switch, a power distribution bus connected to the A/C output of the prime mover and connected, via the switch, to the motor such that the motor's speed is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output, and a variable frequency drive operatively connected to the A/C output of the prime mover via the bus and effective to provide an alternate A/C output to the motor after the motor is disconnected from the bus. The switch is adapted to disconnect the motor from the bus when the prime mover's speed is equal to or within a predetermined range of the prime mover's speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: DRS Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Armstrong, Edward Thaxton
  • Patent number: 7969042
    Abstract: In various embodiments, various systems and methods are provided for power distribution. In one embodiment, power distribution apparatus is provided comprising a power multiplier comprising a multiply-connected electrical structure, and a plurality of power network couplings in the multiply-connected electrical structure. The multiply-connected electrical structure is a resonant circuit tuned to a nominal frequency of a power network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CPG Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Corum, Philip Pesavento
  • Patent number: 7964986
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus automatically stops a drive power source operation of a vehicle under a predetermined operation condition. When a predetermined time period lapses after the automatic stop operation of the drive power source under a condition that a key switch is still held operated, a power supply from a battery to the drive control apparatus is also automatically stopped. The predetermined time period is set to a time period that is supposed necessary until a driver or the like notices the stop of the drive power source and turns off the key switch. Thus, after the drive power source is forced to stop, the battery is protected from unnecessary power consumption by various devices in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Youji Yokota
  • Patent number: 7960867
    Abstract: System and methods for wireless energy and data transmission are described. One aspect includes an emitter and receiver. The emitter may include primary and secondary emitting windings. The receiver may include primary and secondary receiver windings. In further aspects, the emitter may include a tertiary emitting winding and the receiver may include a tertiary receiver winding. In one aspect, the emitter uses driving circuitry and the receiver uses rectifying circuitry and one or more capacitors. In further aspects, the emitter and receiver are reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Extremely Ingenious Engineering
    Inventors: Anthony Francis Issa, Jeffrey Messer, John Michael Tobias
  • Patent number: 7960860
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a circuit device is disclosed that includes a power sourcing equipment (PSE) circuit having a plurality of high-voltage line circuits adapted to communicate with a respective plurality of powered devices via network cables. The PSE circuit includes a serial interface circuit and includes a common controller coupled to the serial interface circuit and to the plurality of high-voltage line circuits. The circuit device also includes a low-voltage circuit having a programmable controller adapted to transmit control signals to the common controller via the serial interface circuit to control operation of the plurality of high-voltage line circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Apfel
  • Patent number: 7956494
    Abstract: The invention provides a monolithic, highly integrated power supply circuit capable of providing various voltages for circuits on an expansion card, either from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The monolithic power supply circuit preferably includes two switching converters, two low-drop-out regulators, a standby regulator, a reset circuit, and a control circuit. An associated method for providing various voltages via a monolithic power supply circuit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Amerom, Guus Jansen, Douglas D. Lopata, Marcel Slomp, Maarten Visee
  • Patent number: 7952222
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a key detector that detects whether an ignition key is in an on state, a control portion that outputs different control signals according to whether the engine is on if the key is on, and a valve, such as a solenoid valve, that controls gear shifts according to the control signals from the control portion. A hydraulic control method includes determining whether an ignition key is on; determining whether an engine is on or off if the key is on; and controlling a valve, such as a solenoid valve, that controls gear shifts, differently depending on whether the engine is on or off, such as by applying different duty values to the valve. A low duty value may be applied to the valve when the engine is off, and a higher duty value may be applied to the valve when the engine is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Ku Lee, Yoshio Koike, Ryogo Kato, Yoshizou Akita, Kiyotaka Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 7948113
    Abstract: A power supply management system includes means for detecting required electric power supply from electric loads installed in the motor vehicle, means for determining a distribution of amounts of the electric power to be distributed to the electric loads from an electric power resource in the motor vehicle based on the requirements of the supply of the electric power from the electric loads, and means for supplying one of amounts of the electric power to a corresponding one of the electric loads in accordance with the distribution of the amounts of the electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 7944084
    Abstract: There is described a peripheral module which in addition to the connection terminals for the process data supply has connection terminals for the supply of voltage. Furthermore, the peripheral module has a changeover switching device to disconnect the peripheral module from an upstream load group. The peripheral module can assume the function of a supply group or a power module when a supply voltage is applied to the terminals. In a peripheral system made of several peripheral modules the voltage within a load group is supplied via an internal self-constructing voltage bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bräunlich, Stefan Dausend
  • Patent number: 7944094
    Abstract: A power station (40) is provided having a turbine section including a gas turbine (12) and a generator (28) which is driven directly by the gas turbine (12) and produces alternating current at a first operating frequency, and whose output can be connected to a consumer (V) having a predetermined second operating frequency. Increased flexibility for design and operation of the power station (40) is achieved in that an electronic decoupling apparatus (27), which decouples the two operating frequencies from one another, is arranged between the generator (28) and the consumer (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Jürgen Hoffmann