Patents Examined by Jared J. Fureman
  • Low-voltage CMOS space-efficient 15 KV ESD protection for common-mode high-voltage receivers
    Patent number: 7969697
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disposed between true-complement input pins of a differential signal pair and a ground node. A common node couples the three diode stacks together. A first and a second diode stack each connect to one of the differential signal pair input pins. The third diode stack couples to the ground node. Each of the diode stacks is fabricated by a pair of high concentration p-type contact dopant regions within a low concentration n-well region. Each of the p-type contact dopant regions is configured to form back-to-back diodes connected in series with cathodes in common. In protecting common mode receivers, current from an ESD event is channeled to ground rather than to the complementary receiver node. The diode stacks are capable of withstanding a 15 kV incident and save up to 25% in area compared to a fully parallel configuration for differential signal pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Exar Corporation
    Inventors: Bahman Farzan, Hung Pham Le
  • Ground fault detection and localization in an ungrounded or floating DC electrical system
    Patent number: 7969696
    Abstract: An ungrounded or floating DC electrical power distribution system may experience a single line to ground fault. Such a fault may not disrupt operation of the system, but its presence may raise a risk of additional problems if left uncorrected. A system for progressively grounding the ungrounded system may be initiated when a line to ground fault is suspected based on the voltage difference measured to a common chassis point. As grounding through successively lower impedance proceeds, fault current may increase and detection of severity of the line to ground fault may be more readily achieved, thus facilitating localization of the fault. Localization may be achieved through an analysis of direction of capacitive currents in isolatable zones of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Lazarovich, Srinivasa Rao Dangeti, Subodh Keshri, Ileana Rusan, Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary
  • Arc flash detection system
    Patent number: 7965486
    Abstract: An arc flash detection system includes a sensor for determining and responding to the presence of an arc flash condition in electrical equipment by detecting a pressure rise, rate of pressure rise and/or ultraviolet radiation characteristic of an arc flash, and generating a signal in response thereto; and processing means responsive to said signal for operating a protective system to de-energize the electrical equipment within a period of time of sufficiently short duration to prevent a pressure wave from the arc flash from causing unacceptable darn age to equipment or personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: H. Bruce Land, III
  • Neutralization apparatus having minute electrode ion generation element
    Patent number: 7965487
    Abstract: A neutralization apparatus comprising an ion generation element employing a novel, high efficiency discharge system capable of generating high concentration ions with a low ozone concentration. In the neutralization apparatus, the ion generation element is a minute electrode ion generation element consisting of a discharge electrode and an induction electrode having minute protrusions arranged in one direction on a plane, and a thin dielectric film sandwiched between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: FISA Corporation, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takafumi Seto, Makoto Hirasawa, Masaaki Tsuji, Akira Okuyama, Susumu Saito
  • Power supply apparatus
    Patent number: 7964990
    Abstract: An uninterrupted power supply unit is provided with a straightforward switch connected between a power source and a load to supply or interrupt a power to a system. The combination of the outputs from two kinds of single phase inverters enables compensating for a variation in the system voltage in the normal condition and to supply a predetermined voltage to the load after decreasing in the system voltage and opening of a straight forward switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Yamada, Akihiko Iwata, Yoshihiro Hatakeyama
  • Lighting apparatus
    Patent number: 7964997
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a power unit, a fan unit, a charging unit, a light source unit and a control unit. The power unit receives power from an external power source. The fan unit is rotated using the power supplied from the power unit. The charging unit stores power generated from rotation of the fan unit. The light source unit generates light. The light source unit employs an LED as a light source. The control unit connects the light source unit to the charging unit when power level of the charging unit is greater than a specified level, and the control unit connects the light source unit to the power unit when the power level of the charging unit is lower than the specified level. Therefore, power consumed by the lighting apparatus is reduced and vibration resistance of the lighting apparatus is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Kuk Son
  • Method for assigning a delay time to electronic delay detonators
    Patent number: 7965490
    Abstract: In the method for assigning a delay time to an electronic delay detonator. The detonator includes a data register (24) into which a desired delay time value, supplied by a controller, is written. Subsequently, over a predetermined time period (t) the contents of the data register (24) is repetitively added to a counter register (26) in which the contents is accumulated. After a division of the counter register contents through the calibration time, the contents of the counter register (26) is subsequently counted down using the same oscillator (18) which has controlled the accumulation process. The invention allows the delay time value supplied by the controller to be exactly adhered with, using an oscillator (18) of low accuracy and without feedback from the detonator (12) to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Dirk Hummel
  • Drive control apparatus, system and method
    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
  • Methods of removing aerosols from the atmosphere
    Patent number: 7965488
    Abstract: An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Ionogenies Corp.
    Inventor: Phillip Kaufman
  • Power supply control device and method of detecting abnormality of relay
    Patent number: 7964985
    Abstract: When an ignition key is turn ON, an ECU drives a bidirectional DC/DC converter to charge a capacitor to a voltage Vth1. The ECU turns on a first relay only and diagnoses whether or not a second relay, which is off, is welded, based on a change in a voltage VL at that time. After the diagnosis on welding, the ECU turns on the second relay, and the capacitor is charged to a voltage level of a main power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahito Ozaki, Kenji Uchida, Hisato Nishida
  • Electrostatic discharge protection circuit
    Patent number: 7965480
    Abstract: A network device comprises an interface coupling an electronic device to a differential pair of signal lines, and an integrated active common mode suppression and electrostatic discharge protection circuit coupled to the interface in parallel to differential signal lines of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Akros Silicon Inc.
    Inventors: Philip John Crawley, Amit Gattani, Jun Cai
  • Overheat protection circuit
    Patent number: 7965475
    Abstract: An overheat protection circuit of a semiconductor apparatus has an output current detecting circuit for detecting an output current of a constant voltage circuit; a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the apparatus; an output current control circuit for controlling the output current in accordance with output of the temperature detector; a bias current source for providing a bias current for the temperature detector; and a switch for controlling the bias current from the bias current source to the temperature detector. The output current control circuit interrupts the output current when the temperature detector detects a temperature that is higher than a predetermined temperature. The output current detecting circuit and the output current control circuit may be used to control the switch to prevent oscillation of the output current in the vicinity of the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohichi Morino
  • Network devices with solid state transformer and class AB output stage for active EMI suppression and termination of open-drain transmit drivers of a physical device
    Patent number: 7964993
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a network device including a class AB common mode suppression (CMS) circuit coupled in parallel between a line voltage source and a physical layer (PHY) device that provides active EMI suppression and Phy device termination. A network connector is coupled to provide the line voltage source to the class AB CMS circuit. The class AB CMS circuit provides current to the PHY device, terminates open-drain transmit drivers of the PHY device and suppresses common mode noise thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference. In other embodiments, the class AB CMS circuit is coupled in parallel between the network connector and a physical layer (PHY) device. The class AB CMS circuit suppresses common mode noise, and terminates open-drain transmit drivers of the PHY device, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Akros Silicon Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Cai, Amit Gattani
  • Method and system for controlling power to an electrically powered device
    Patent number: 7964989
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling power to an electrically powered device in a simple and efficient manner is disclosed herein. The system comprises an apparatus, an electrically-powered device and a controller. The apparatus comprises a cord, an alternating current outlet socket, an alternating current input plug, a latching relay, a processor and a transceiver. The system preferably uses a WiFi communication signal to transmit commands from the remote controller to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Green Power Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Puschnigg, Michael Krummey
  • Circuit device including multiple parameterized power regulators
    Patent number: 7964992
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a circuit device includes a plurality of programmable voltage regulator circuits adapted to produce one or more unique power supplies. Each programmable voltage regulator circuit includes a power supply output terminal and a base regulator circuit module that has multiple configurable parameters to support a plurality of regulator configurations. The base regulator circuit module includes a plurality of leads. Each programmable voltage regulator circuit further includes selected circuitry coupled to the plurality of leads and to the power supply output terminal. The selected circuitry is adapted to cooperate with the base regulator circuit module to provide a selected type of regulator circuit and to apply a power supply to the power supply output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Apfel
  • Device for protecting a speed controller against overcurrent
    Patent number: 7965484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed controller comprising: a rectifier module (12) for generating a direct voltage on a power bus (10, 11) from an alternating voltage available on an electrical power-supply network (A); a bus capacitor (Cb) connected between a positive line and a negative line of the power bus; and an inverter module (13) powered by the power bus and controlled to deliver an alternating voltage to an electrical load (2); a protection device (14) for protecting the controller against overcurrents linked with voltage variations on the electrical power-supply network (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Baudesson, Hocine Boulharts
  • Side illumination light emitting diode lighting device
    Patent number: 7960872
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a side illumination LED lighting device which includes at least one semiconductor light emitter mounted on a thermally conductive substrate and positioned within a reflective cavity such that the forward light path of the LED is directed towards a reflective member. The reflective member is effective in re-directing the light from the semiconductor light emitter such that the light is extracted from the side of the lighting device through a substantially transparent output window, thereby provide a side illumination solid-state semiconductor lighting device. The lighting device may further include a wavelength conversion element to facilitate the production of a white light that can be extracted from the side of the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: LEDnovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinhui Zhai, Israel J. Morejon
  • Method of detecting fault extinction during a three-phase autoreclosing cycle in an AC transmission line
    Patent number: 7961445
    Abstract: A new method for three-phase reclosing of transmission lines is disclosed. According this method, after the type of fault is identified and the faulted line is opened for all three phases from both ends, fault extinction is recognized by comparison of amplitudes and angles of voltages induced at opened phases with predetermined settings. The transmission line is reclosed after the fault is found to be extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark I. Khoroshev
  • Redundant current supply with diagnostic capability and a suppressor
    Patent number: 7960861
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement and method for redundantly supplying current to a downstream load are provided. The circuit arrangement includes a first current path including a first switch element to which a first voltage is applied on the input side, a second current path including a second switch element to which a second input voltage is applied on the input side, a first control device which is connected to the first current path and used to control the first switch element, a second control device which is connected to the second current path and used to control the second switch element, and a common output terminal of the first and second current paths, from which a load supply voltage is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gscheidle, Michael Rimpel, Klaus Haefele
  • Methods for generating high voltage pulses with a transmission line
    Patent number: 7960868
    Abstract: A method of generating an electrical pulse to an output load is disclosed. The method includes the steps of establishing a first voltage on a first electrical conductor throughout an electrical length of the first electrical conductor, initiating the propagation of a voltage step at a first end of a second conductor having an electrical length that is substantially the same as the electrical length of the first electrical conductor, reversing a polarity of the voltage step and shifting the first voltage on the first electrical conductor when the voltage step reaches the second end of the second electrical conductor, and maintaining a shifted first voltage on the first electrical conductor when the voltage step on the second conductor returns to the first end of the second conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy L. Cargol