Patents Issued in April 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7692372
    Abstract: A display device includes an insulating substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface opposing the upper surface, a display element including a first electrode, an organic light emitting layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the organic light emitting layer, a first film connected to a first side of the upper surface, and a first circuit substrate connected to the first film and including a first surface facing the display element, a second surface opposing the first surface, and an electric element protruding from the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Si-Duk Sung, Byung-Sik Koh
  • Patent number: 7692373
    Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising a population of quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a host matrix and a primary light source which causes the QDs to emit secondary light and a method of making such a device. The size distribution of the QDs is chosen to allow light of a particular color to be emitted therefrom. The light emitted from the device may be of either a pure (monochromatic) color, or a mixed (polychromatic) color, and may consist solely of light emitted from the QDs themselves, or of a mixture of light emitted from the QDs and light emitted from the primary source. The QDs desirably are composed of an undoped semiconductor such as CdSe, and may optionally be overcoated to increase photoluminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Moungi E. Bawendi, Jason Heine, Klavs F. Jensen, Jeffrey N. Miller, Ronald L. Moon
  • Patent number: 7692374
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The organic light emitting diode includes: a first electrode disposed on a substrate; an organic layer including at least an emitting layer disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode including at least two layers and a Ca thin layer interposed between the at least two layers on the organic layer. In this case, the Ca layer acts as a moisture-absorbing material for preventing moisture and oxygen from penetrating, so that pixel shrinkage and dark spot defects due to the penetration may be prevented, thereby providing an organic light emitting diode and a method of manufacturing the same without using any moisture absorbing material at the time of encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Wook Kang
  • Patent number: 7692375
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an organic light emitting element having a high efficiency and a high quality in which electron and hole injection efficiency of an electrode is reproduced in an insulated or contaminated first electrode. In an organic light emitting display apparatus, a substrate, a first electrode, an insulation film bank formed so as to cover edges of the first electrode, a metal thin film formed on the first electrode and the insulation film bank, an organic light emitting layer, and a second electrode are disposed in the cited order. A lower part of a side face of the insulation film bank takes a reverse tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Shimizu, Hajime Murakami, Sukekazu Aratani, Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7692376
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical device comprising a substrate carrying at least one component comprising at least one electrode, a first connecting line electrically connected to said electrode, wherein the first connecting line bridges a second connecting line by means of a crossover. The crossover is, at least at one side, bounded by an electrically insulating structure. The invention allows new testing methods and efficient lead-outs for an electrical device, such as electroluminescent display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Herbert Lifka, Erik Albertus Hendrikus Monica Stroex, Mark Bakker, Sietze Jongman, Markus Heinrich Klein
  • Patent number: 7692377
    Abstract: A display apparatus capable of preventing thermal deterioration of an organic EL layer to improve a reliability without increasing a frame area thereof includes a display area, a circuit and wiring area, a pixel circuit common supply line, a contact hole, an external connection terminal, and an adhesion area. In the display area, EL devices and pixel circuits are arranged in a matrix. In the contact hole, a common voltage line and a transparent electrode electrically connected to an output of the EL device are electrically connected to each other. To the external connection terminal, an image signal, a control signal, and electric power are externally supplied. The contact hole and the common voltage line are disposed to surround a peripheral of the display area. To the pixel circuit common supply line, the electric power is supplied from the external connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7692378
    Abstract: When light generated in a light emitting layer of a display device is emitted through insulating films such as a planarizing film, an interlayer insulating film and a gate insulating film of a transistor, diffused reflection is caused due to slight-rough surfaces of the insulating films every time light passes through each insulating film. Accordingly, problems are caused in which stray light is caused, an outline of a pixel becomes indistinct, and a characteristic of the transistor is deteriorated. A display device according to the invention includes a transistor formed over a substrate, an insulating film with a light shielding property formed on the transistor, an opening for transmitting light therethrough formed in the insulating film with the light shielding property, and a light emitting element formed overlapping the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7692379
    Abstract: A display device including a transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a first electrode that is transparent and formed the first surface of the substrate; a light emitting layer formed on the first electrode; a second electrode formed on the light emitting layer; and a lens formed on the second surface of the substrate. The display device further includes a reflective plate formed between the first surface of the substrate and the first electrode or between the second surface of the substrate and the lens and including a plurality of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Sun Lim
  • Patent number: 7692380
    Abstract: When a light emitting element is actuated to allow the light emission, the generation of Joule heat occurs, leading to the decomposition or crystallization of an organic compound to cause the degradation of the light emitting device. Therefore, a light emitting element of the present invention is provided for effecting removing or decreasing the generation of heat. In the present invention, between two electrodes, layers having organic compounds and carbon-based thin films are alternatively laminated one after another for stepping down the driving voltage in the light emitting element using the tunnel effect. In addition, a carbon-based thin film is placed on a film containing an organic compound, so that it prevents the electric filed from being locally concentrated and also prevents the generation of short-circuit between the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideaki Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 7692381
    Abstract: An organic light emitting display device which can prevent separation of a buffer layer, thereby reducing an electrical short is disclosed. One embodiment of the organic light emitting display device includes a substrate made of a metal, a metal thin film formed on the substrate, a buffer layer formed on the metal thin film, and an organic light emitting diode formed on the buffer layer. Accordingly, a leakage current caused by an electrical short can be effectively prevented by preventing the separation of the buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Se Yeoul Kwon, Hyun Soo Shin, Jae Kyeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7692382
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a light emitting element, a first thin film transistor, and a capacitor. The light emitting element has a light emitting region. The first thin film transistor is arranged outside the light emitting region in plan view. The capacitor is arranged inside the light emitting region in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Abe, Shinji Takasugi
  • Patent number: 7692383
    Abstract: EL panels having a longer life are provided. The EL panel according to the present invention contains a substrate; an EL element formed on the substrate; a sealing plate facing the substrate and covering the EL element on the substrate; and an adhesive interposed between the substrate and the sealing plate and containing multiple plate-shaped or needle-shaped fillers, wherein a projection and depression part is formed on a contact area of the substrate with the adhesive, and on a contact area of the sealing plate with the adhesive, and one ends of the fillers are inserted in a depression part of the projection and depression part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Satomi
  • Patent number: 7692384
    Abstract: An envelope has a glass bulb body and a cylindrical glass bulb base. The glass bulb body includes an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere. The upper hemisphere is curved in a substantially spherical shape. The lower hemisphere is substantially curved in a spherical shape and connects the upper hemisphere and glass bulb base. A photocathode is formed on the inner surface of the glass bulb body. An avalanche photodiode is disposed on the glass bulb body side relative to an intersection between an imaginary extended curved surface of the lower hemisphere within the glass bulb base and an axis. When light enters the photocathode, electrons are emitted from the photocathode. The electrons are converged at the position above and in the vicinity of the APD by an electrical field in the electron tube, so that the electrons enter the APD in an efficient manner and are detected satisfactorily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kyushima, Motohiro Suyama, Suenori Kimura, Yasuharu Negi, Atsuhito Fukasawa, Yoshihiko Kawai, Atsushi Uchiyama, Yasuyuki Egawa
  • Patent number: 7692385
    Abstract: A plasma display panel (PDP) that has improved discharge efficiency and luminance includes: a first substrate and a second substrate which are provided to oppose each other; barrier ribs which are provided between the first and second substrates and by which a plurality of discharge cells are partitioned; a phosphor layer formed in each of the discharge cells; address electrodes formed either on the first substrate or on the second substrate; and display electrodes formed on the first substrate to extend in a direction intersecting with the address electrodes. The display electrodes include: at least a pair of first display electrodes which are provided close to both peripheral portions of each discharge cell; and a second display electrode provided between the first display electrodes to cross the discharge cell, the second display electrode facing the first display electrodes on both sides to form at least two discharge gaps within each discharge cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bong-Kyoung Park
  • Patent number: 7692386
    Abstract: In a plasma display panel first and second substrates are located apart and substantially parallel to each other. A barrier rib layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. Discharge cells having various cross-sectional areas are formed within the barrier rib layer. Phosphor layers are formed within the discharge cells. Ring shaped first and second electrodes, conforming to the cross-sectional area of the discharge cells, surround the discharge cells adjacent to one or the other of the first and second substrates. The first electrodes are coupled together along a first direction and the second electrodes are coupled together along the same first direction. Address electrodes extend in a direction crossing the first direction and include protruding portions conforming to inner contours of the discharge cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Doo Kang, Won-Ju Yi
  • Patent number: 7692387
    Abstract: Provided is a plasma display panel that can increase bright room contrast and luminous efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Tae Park
  • Patent number: 7692388
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing the life of a fluorescent lamp suitable for use as a backlight in an avionics or other liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus includes a channel configured confine a vaporous material that produces an ultra-violet light when electrically excited. A layer of light-emitting material is disposed within at least a portion of the channel is responsive to the ultra-violet light to produce the visible light emitted from the lamp. An electrode assembly that electrically excites the vaporous material includes a first post, a second post, a conductive filament suspended between the first post and the second post and having a tail portion extending therebeyond, and a benign insulating material such as glass frit substantially covering the tail portion to prevent radio frequency (RF) emissions from the tail portion of the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Scot Olson
  • Patent number: 7692389
    Abstract: The impedance of a variable load is matched to the output resistance of an HF generator by performing a first impedance matching for a first load impedance and by performing a second impedance matching for a second load impedance. The first impedance matching is carried out at a first frequency and the second impedance matching is carried out at a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: HUETTINGER Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Kirchmeier
  • Patent number: 7692390
    Abstract: A high-power amplifier having a current-adding array is provided for high-speed driving of an inductive element, e.g., a deflection coil of an electron beam gun. The amplifier includes a first voltage node (U1) and a second voltage node (UV), at least one of which is connected to a regulated power supply, and a plurality of first switchable bridges (B11, B12, B13, . . . , B1k) connected in parallel between the first and second voltage nodes. Each switchable bridge includes at least one resistor (R11, R12, R13, . . . , R1k) with a resistance value that is selected so that a first resistor (R11) has a first resistance value WR11 equal to Rmin, a second resistor (R12) has a second resistance value WR12 greater than or equal to WR11 and an n-th resistor has an n-th resistance value WR1n greater than or equal to WR1n?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: All Welding Technologies AG
    Inventor: Karsten Zosel
  • Patent number: 7692391
    Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast having a starting circuit including a second inductor connected between a first end of a discharge lamp and the positive voltage side of a first capacitor; a second capacitor forming a resonance circuit together with the second inductor; a second switching element connected between the positive terminal of a DC power source and the second end of the lamp; a third switching element connected between the second end of the lamp and the negative voltage side of the first capacitor; and a starting controller that controls both switching elements. The starting controller alternately turns both switching elements on and off so as to contribute resonance voltage of the resonance circuit for starting of the lamp in case of the starting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Nakada, Hirofumi Konishi, Junichi Hasegawa, Koji Watanabe, Kiyoaki Uchihashi, Toshiaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7692392
    Abstract: A discharge lamp controlling apparatus includes a detector for detecting a discharge condition of a discharge lamp; a frequency changing unit for gradually changing a frequency of a voltage to be applied to the discharge lamp until the discharge condition reaches a predetermined lighting condition; and a voltage controller for controlling the voltage to be applied to the discharge lamp on the basis of the frequency changed by the frequency changing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kesatoshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7692393
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Great Stuff, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Anthony Caamano, Michael J. Lee, James B. A. Tracey, Martin Koebler
  • Patent number: 7692394
    Abstract: A motor current control method is provided to reduce voltage and current spikes within a spindle motor and a power supply. Subsequently, the amount of current applied to the spindle motor is monitored. In addition, an apparatus for limiting motor power is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hill, Garry E. Korbel
  • Patent number: 7692395
    Abstract: A controller is provided for operating a DC motor through a commutation circuit and for synchronizing the commutation circuit to motor position and speed by measuring back EMF voltages along commutation cycle steps during which the measured phase is not being driven. In connection with each such step, the back EMF voltage is measured at two points offset from the center of the step. The controller uses the measured voltages and their corresponding locations to locate the center point of the step through extrapolation. The motor can be analyzed for determining suitable locations for the measuring points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Bergquist Torrington Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Brown
  • Patent number: 7692396
    Abstract: An electromotive furniture drive for adjusting at least one movable component of a piece of furniture, has at least one electric motor for adjusting the movable component, at least one operating device with switching elements for actuating the electric motor, at least one control unit for controlling the at least one electric motor as a function of the operating device, and at least one power supply unit. At least one analyzing device has at least one actuating element for checking the function of the at least one electric motor, the at least one control unit, the at least one operating device and of the at least one power supply unit, and has at least one signaling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Dewert Antriebs-und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ctvrtnicek
  • Patent number: 7692397
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a speed control method for reducing current ripple and speed ripple at constant dynamics behavior while reducing the hardware required to a minimum. For this purpose, a control signal, especially a speed deviation (ev) is divided up into at least two signal portions (evhi and evlo). Every one of the at least two signal portions (evhi and evlo) is processed in a different manner. The low-order portion (evlo) can be smoothed by means of a low-pass filter (F). In an adder (Sum6) mounted downstream thereof the differently processed signal portions are then added up for further control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Finkler
  • Patent number: 7692398
    Abstract: The actuator (ACT) is intended to be linked to phase (AC-H) and neutral (AC-N) conductors. It comprises a motor (MOT) provided with windings (W1, W1), a capacitor (CM) disposed between two ends of the windings and the terminals of which form a first (P1) and a second (P2) phase terminal. It includes a switch (TR) controlled by an electronic unit (CPU) to link the common end of the windings to the neutral conductor, at least one pair of diodes (D1, D2; D3, D4), the diodes of one and the same pair being connected by an electrode of the same type to a resistive circuit (RA, RB, RC, DZ1, DZ2) connected to the neutral conductor, the other electrode of each diode being respectively linked to the first and second phase terminals and means (CS1, CS2) of detecting the state of conduction of the diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventor: Serge Bruno
  • Patent number: 7692399
    Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor is presented. In a determining action, a thermal power dissipation is determined from a motor input and a motor velocity. In another determining action, a motor temperature is determined based on a thermal model using the thermal power dissipation. In an adjusting action, a usage of the motor is adjusted, taking the motor temperature into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Harriman, Michael Teong Seng Ewe, Robert D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7692400
    Abstract: A battery and a DC-to-DC converter are contained in a battery pack. When the battery pack is connected to a load by means of a connector and an output voltage reference value, corresponding to the power supply voltage of the load, the output voltage of the battery is converted according to the output voltage reference value by the DC-to-DC converter. The output voltage reference value is set by an output voltage reference value output means in the connector. Furthermore, the converted voltage is supplied to the load via an output voltage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kanouda, Yasuaki Norimatsu, Fumio Murabayashi
  • Patent number: 7692401
    Abstract: An off-board battery cycler is used to condition an on-board battery system used in electric or hybrid electric vehicles. The battery cycler periodically discharges the vehicle's high voltage traction battery to eliminate battery “memory” that can prevent the battery from being fully charged. The cycler also recharges both the high voltage battery and an on-board low voltage battery used to power the vehicle's electrical system. High voltage AC power used in recharging the high voltage battery is switched using contactors physically isolated within the battery cycler, in order to protect operating personnel from coming onto contact with high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Philip Gonzales, Bijal Patel, Josephine Lee, Majed Mohammed
  • Patent number: 7692402
    Abstract: A portable emergency appliance comprises a housing and an integrated power source. A retractable handle extends from the housing between a first position and a second position. Retractable cables are connected to the power source and are removably connectable to the retractable handle, such that the cables are secured by the handle when the handle is in the first position, and are at least partially extended when the handle is in the second position. The cables are then releasable from the handle at the second position, to typically provide further extension and retraction to render service to an external entity. The power source is preferably rechargeable. The emergency appliance may preferably provide a variety of other functions, such as but not limited to AC power, DC power, pressurized air, lighting, tool storage and/or data storage and/or display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert W. Wise
  • Patent number: 7692403
    Abstract: A power control apparatus and method for an electronic device is provided, which utilizes a charge current control module and a feedback signal control module to transfer the power control signal to a remote-controlled adapter through a feedback circuit, to control the output voltage of the remote-controlled adapter so as to adjust the charge current until the total input current supplied by the remote-controlled adapter is equal to the highest total input current. Therefore, the system of the electronic device can be provided with sufficient power to process needed procedures in a safe condition. Besides, according to the power required by the system of the electronic device, the controller can distribute the power for both the system and the battery in order to improve the efficiency of power use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Tarng Chuang, Jeng-Jye Wu, Shih-Chin Lu, Chien-Hua Chen, Li-Jen Lee
  • Patent number: 7692404
    Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle rearranges the bank of battery cells between a series connection for delivering voltage to a load, e.g. a motor; and a parallel connection for being charged. The battery bank can thus be charged by a 12 volt battery charger. The charger can be a plug in charger, or can be a solar cell. For example, the solar cell can be moved to cover a windshield or other surface of the vehicle whenever the vehicle is shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Scott C Harris
  • Patent number: 7692405
    Abstract: A protection circuit module includes a printed circuit board in which at least one wiring pattern is formed, a conductive pad that is coupled to a wiring pattern of the printed circuit board, and is electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery, and a semiconductor package that is soldered on the wiring pattern of the printed circuit board, so that if the voltage of the rechargeable battery is in the overcharged or over-discharged state, the semiconductor package selectively blocks a charging path or a discharging path of the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngu Kim, Bong Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7692406
    Abstract: A circuit is provided for controlling a battery-charger device with a closed-loop architecture. The circuit includes sensing means for sensing an operative quantity of the device, control means, and driving means. The control means alternately controls the sensing means to track the operative quantity during a tracking phase and to hold the operative quantity during a holding phase. The driving means provides a regulation signal that regulates the operative quantity based on a comparison between the operative quantity sensed by the sensing means and a reference value. The control means causes the driving means to hold the regulation signal during at least part of each of the holding phases. Also provided is a method of controlling a battery-charger device with a closed-loop architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics SA, STMicroelectronics Design Application GmbH
    Inventors: David Chesnau, Giacomo Mercadante, Patrizia Milazzo, Christopher Bernard
  • Patent number: 7692407
    Abstract: A technology for charging the battery of a terminal device with efficiency. In a wireless game controller, a charge control unit supplies electric power from an external power supply to a battery. A communication management unit receives a drive request signal to a vibrating motor. A motor control unit supplies a drive current to the vibrating motor in accordance with the drive request signal. The charge control unit performs charge control for the battery in a first mode when the communication management unit does not receive the drive request signal, and performs charge control for the battery in a second mode when the communication management unit does receive the drive request signal. The charge control unit performs the charge control for the battery in the first mode using a charging current higher than that in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsufumi Nozawa
  • Patent number: 7692408
    Abstract: A charging device for use in charging plural types of secondary batteries includes a power source unit for supplying a charging current to an object secondary battery, a battery type signal receiving unit for receiving a battery type signal, a battery temperature signal receiving unit for receiving a battery temperature signal, a blowing unit for blowing an air to the secondary battery, a storage unit for storing reference judging temperatures for determination of charging-incongruent temperatures of the plural types of secondary batteries, in a matching relationship with the types of the secondary batteries, and a control unit. The control unit allows the blowing unit to perform a blowing operation, if the temperature of the secondary battery exceeds a reference judging temperature, and to stop the blowing operation, if otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyazaki, Toshiharu Ohashi, Masatoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7692409
    Abstract: A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Acutra, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Schaper, Richard L. Proctor, Donald P. Aupperle
  • Patent number: 7692410
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a rate of charge/discharge, C rate, or state of charge, SOC, of a battery having unknown characteristics comprises a circuit for applying at least a two-pulse current load to said battery. A change in voltage, ?V, resulting from the application of the second or a subsequent pulse is used to determine the C rate of the battery as a function of ?V. An Open Circuit Voltage, OCV, of the battery a time interval after the completion of the application of the second or subsequent pulse is used to determine the SOC of the battery as a function of OCV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Martin Coleman, Chi Kwan Lee, William Gerard Hurley, Chunbo Zhu
  • Patent number: 7692411
    Abstract: A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: TPL, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Trainor, Patrick Franz Fleig, Charles D. E. Lakeman, Jenniffer Leigh DeGreeff
  • Patent number: 7692412
    Abstract: A charging control apparatus is adapted to control an alternator which is operable to generate a voltage to charge a battery which is operable to supply the voltage to an electric component. An interface is connected to the alternator, the battery, and the electric component and operable to input and output a signal therebetween. A microcomputer is connected to the inter face and operable to execute a gradual change process in which a generating voltage of the alternator is gradually changed to a target generating voltage of the alternator and a sudden change process in which the generating voltage is suddenly changed to the target generating voltage. The microcomputer is operable to detect a using status of the electric component based on the signal. The microcomputer is operable to judge whether the gradual change process is required or the sudden change process is required based on the detected using status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhi Yamaguchi, Kouji Fukuoka, Shinji Yamashita, Shinji Takemoto, Shinichiro Takatomi
  • Patent number: 7692413
    Abstract: A power control system comprises a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the prime mover and the generator wherein the control device ascertains a power level of the generator and varies an output power of the prime mover according to the power level. The control device measures a duty cycle of a generator output power controller to ascertain the generator power level and generates a signal to a prime mover controller so that the generator duty cycle remains within a pre-determined range. The power control system may include a transmission wherein the control device operation may be conditioned on a state of the transmission. The power control system may include a speed converter coupled with the prime mover wherein the control device converts a speed of the prime mover according to the generator power level. The control device may operate to control an output power of the generator concurrently with controlling the output power of the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: C. E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Issam Jabaji, Shadi Jabaji
  • Patent number: 7692414
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a static excitation system for a superconducting rotor that comprises multiple brushes (12) in contact with the superconducting rotor winding (6), normally via collector rings and field leads. A power conditioning device (16) is connected to the brushes (12), and an energy storage device (18) is linked to the power conditioning device (16). The power conditioning device provides power from the energy storage device to the superconducting rotor when required, and when power to the superconducting rotor is not required, the power conditioning device takes excess power from the superconducting rotor and stores it in the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7692415
    Abstract: A reactive power control apparatus for an AC power system includes a reactive power compensation device, a compensation capacitor device and a compensation capacitor control device. The compensation capacitor control device includes a detection voltage output circuit which outputs a bus detection voltage after the clearing of a voltage drop abnormality, corresponding to the AC voltage of a system bus after the voltage drop abnormality that occurred in the AC power system has been cleared, and a compensation capacitor control circuit which controls the connection status of a compensation capacitor with respect to the system bus. The compensation capacitor control circuit controls the connection status of the compensation capacitor with respect to the system bus, on the basis of the voltage level of the bus detection voltage after the clearing of the voltage drop abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yasuda, Masatoshi Takeda, Hitoshi Teramoto
  • Patent number: 7692416
    Abstract: A voltage up and down synchronization and rectification type DC-DC converter goes up and down an input voltage using an inductor. The voltage up and down synchronization and rectification type DC-DC converter comprises a voltage up and down use rectification circuit including a pair of PMOS and NMOS transistors connected in parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7692417
    Abstract: A voltage converter having a controller capable of maintaining stable operation of a voltage converter over multiple modes of operation. The voltage converter provides a feedback signal to an error signal generator. One or more controllers, which are selectively established as part of the feedback loop, process the error signal to generate a voltage converter charging cycle control signal. A pulse width modulator may be utilized to generate a voltage converter switch control signal that controls the charge cycle. A detector or comparator monitors one or more aspects of operation of the control circuit or the voltage converter to detect changes in the mode of operation. Upon detection of a change, the detector or comparator generate a multi-mode control signal to selectively switch one or more sub-controllers into or out of the feedback loop to thereby maintain desired stability, loop bandwidth, and response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Hani Dagher
  • Patent number: 7692418
    Abstract: A BGR circuit includes a temperature-proportional current generating part configured to generate a current in proportion to a change in temperature through a plurality of current paths; a temperature-inverse proportional current generating part generates a current in inverse proportion to a change in temperature through a plurality of current paths. An internal voltage reference voltage generating part generates a reference voltage for an internal voltage using the current of the temperature-proportional current generating part and the current of the temperature-inverse proportional current generating part. A temperature voltage output part outputs a voltage corresponding to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 7692419
    Abstract: A system and method for enhanced frequency measurement. Embodiments provide an effective mechanism for reducing error associated with frequency measurements by amplifying the frequency of the signal fed to the frequency counter, thereby increasing the number of counts and reducing the error associated with each frequency measurement. Reductions in error enable the gate time for the frequency counter to be reduced, thereby increasing efficiency and cost-savings. After accessing the counts provided for the amplified frequency, the original frequency before amplification may be determined by reducing the amplified frequency (e.g., represented by the accessed counts) by the amount by which the original frequency was amplified. Embodiments provide an effective and efficient mechanism for automatically determining the amount of amplification for a given signal based upon its frequency and a maximum frequency of at least one of the frequency amplification component and the frequency counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: John Peel
  • Patent number: 7692420
    Abstract: The current in a conductor is measured by exploiting the Faraday effect in a sensing fiber. The light returning from the sensing fiber is split into at least two parts, at least one of which is analyzed by a first circular analyzer for generating a first signal. A second part may e.g. be analyzed by a second circular analyzer, and a third part may be analyzed by a linear analyzer. By combining the signals obtained in this way, the current induced phase delay in the returning light can be measured efficiently and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Klaus Bohnert, Andreas Frank, Hubert Brandle
  • Patent number: 7692421
    Abstract: Control meter for controlling the supply of services, in particular the supply of electric energy, having a support base, anchored with which is a main power supply line, and a metering group detachable from the support base and with a measurement apparatus interposed between the main power supply line and a subscriber line. A safety anchorage is provided for preventing fraudulent manipulations at the control meter and comprises mechanical means associated with the metering group and movable into a locking position for engagement with the support base when the metering group is mounted on the support base, and an interrupter for generating an activation signal upon activation by the mechanical means, wherein the mechanical means is arranged to activate the interrupter when the mechanical means is released from the locking position for detaching the metering group from the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ENEL Distribuzione S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Veroni