Abstract: A switch assembly that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The switch assembly includes first and second switching devices each having an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the transformer, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a first vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, where the fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable contact is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control board controls the first and second switching devices, where the control board is responsive to voltage signals from capacitors in the first and second switching devices.

Abstract: A series Z-source circuit breaker including a semiconductor switch that breaks source power being provided to a load in response to overcurrent. An electromechanical switch is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, a first capacitor is electrically coupled to an output side of the semiconductor switch, a second capacitor is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, and a delay circuit is electrically coupled in series with the first capacitor. The semiconductor switch is in an open position and the electromechanical switch is in a closed position when overcurrent is not present. Upon detection of overcurrent the semiconductor switch is closed, the electromechanical switch is opened and the delay circuit is controlled to delay when reverse bias current is provided from the first capacitor to the semiconductor switch to prevent source power from being provided to the load to give the electromechanical switch time to open.

Abstract: A switch assembly that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The switch assembly includes first and second switching devices each having an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the transformer, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a first vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, where the fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable contact is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control board controls the first and second switching devices, where the control board is responsive to voltage signals from capacitors in the first and second switching devices.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a high impedance fault in an electrical line strung along and between utility poles, where the line is part of an electrical power distribution network. A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment. An observer/repeater device is provided on a number of the poles and each is in communication with certain select ones of the current sensors to receive the current measurements therefrom. One of the observer/repeater devices compares the current readings transmitted to it from the subordinate current sensors, and if a violation of Kirchhoff's current law exists, an indication of a high impedance fault occurs, where the observer/repeater device relays the current irregularity to an upstream recloser to take appropriate action.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a high impedance fault in an electrical line strung along and between utility poles, where the line is part of an electrical power distribution network. A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment. An observer/repeater device is provided on a number of the poles and each is in communication with certain select ones of the current sensors to receive the current measurements therefrom. One of the observer/repeater devices compares the current readings transmitted to it from the subordinate current sensors, and if a violation of Kirchhoff's current law exists, an indication of a high impedance fault occurs, where the observer/repeater device relays the current irregularity to an upstream recloser to take appropriate action.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing first power received from a first power bus to a first switching device configured to switch first power to a first output port based on a first input signal received at a first input port, providing second power received from a second power bus to a second switching device configured to switch second power to a first bootstrap capacitor coupled between the second switching device and the first output port based on a second input signal received at a second input port, providing an output voltage to the first output port, providing the second input signal to the second input port, switching the second switching device based on the second input signal, and charging the first bootstrap capacitor with second power received from the second power bus.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing first power received from a first power bus to a first switching device configured to switch first power to a first output port based on a first input signal received at a first input port, providing second power received from a second power bus to a second switching device configured to switch second power to a first bootstrap capacitor coupled between the second switching device and the first output port based on a second input signal received at a second input port, providing an output voltage to the first output port, providing the second input signal to the second input port, switching the second switching device based on the second input signal, and charging the first bootstrap capacitor with second power received from the second power bus.

Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods for delivering power from a vehicle to a vehicle door. The system includes a supporting device having a first portion fixedly mounted to a main frame and a second portion attached to a door. The second portion being movable about a hinge axis portion that connects the first portion to the second portion. An energy transmitting source is connected to a power frequency generator. The power frequency generator is connected to a power source and configured to couple an oscillating signal to the energy transmitting source. The energy transmitting source is mounted on the hinge axis portion of the supporting device. An energy receiving device is magnetically coupled to the energy transmitting source to receive a power signal from the energy transmitting source. The energy receiving device is mounted on the second portion of the supporting device at a fixed distance from the energy transmitting source.

Abstract: A lighting system for wirelessly providing power to a lighting assembly across a wall. The lighting system may be used, for example, for powering the lighting assembly positioned on an outside portion of the wall, such as on the outside of a boat hull. An example of the lighting system includes a power transmitter with a multi-frequency generator connected to a power source and a controller. The multi-frequency generator is configured to generate an oscillating signal at a predetermined frequency according to a control signal received from the controller. The power transmitter includes a transmitting coil connected to receive the oscillating signal. A receiving coil is positioned to form an inductive coupling with the transmitting coil. A plurality of conditioning units are connected to the receiving coil to receive the oscillating signal. The plurality of conditioning units are connected to provide power to a corresponding light or set of lights.

Abstract: An electronic circuit configured to operate in any of a plurality of charging and heating modes for two batteries, a primary battery and a secondary battery. The electronic circuit includes a plurality of switch and diode pairs in a stacked configuration. The stacks of switch and diode pairs are connected to an inductor, to a plurality of mode control switches, and the two batteries. The mode control switches are used to set the modes, which include a charging mode, a self-heating, a power exchange-heating mode, and a direct power transfer mode.

Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods for delivering power from a vehicle to a vehicle door. The system includes a supporting device having a first portion fixedly mounted to a main frame and a second portion attached to a door. The second portion being movable about a hinge axis portion that connects the first portion to the second portion. An energy transmitting source is connected to a power frequency generator. The power frequency generator is connected to a power source and configured to couple an oscillating signal to the energy transmitting source. The energy transmitting source is mounted on the hinge axis portion of the supporting device. An energy receiving device is magnetically coupled to the energy transmitting source to receive a power signal from the energy transmitting source. The energy receiving device is mounted on the second portion of the supporting device at a fixed distance from the energy transmitting source.

Abstract: A lighting system for wirelessly providing power to a lighting assembly across a wall. The lighting system may be used, for example, for powering the lighting assembly positioned on an outside portion of the wall, such as on the outside of a boat hull. An example of the lighting system includes a power transmitter with a multi-frequency generator connected to a power source and a controller. The multi-frequency generator is configured to generate an oscillating signal at a predetermined frequency according to a control signal received from the controller. The power transmitter includes a transmitting coil connected to receive the oscillating signal. A receiving coil is positioned to form an inductive coupling with the transmitting coil. A plurality of conditioning units are connected to the receiving coil to receive the oscillating signal. The plurality of conditioning units are connected to provide power to a corresponding light or set of lights.

Abstract: An electronic circuit configured to operate in any of a plurality of charging and heating modes for two batteries, a primary battery and a secondary battery. The electronic circuit includes a plurality of switch and diode pairs in a stacked configuration. The stacks of switch and diode pairs are connected to an inductor, to a plurality of mode control switches, and the two batteries. The mode control switches are used to set the modes, which include a charging mode, a self-heating, a power exchange-heating mode, and a direct power transfer mode.