Patents Issued in December 31, 2013
  • Patent number: 8619399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for composing a desirable trip curve, such as an I2*t trip curve, for an electrical protective device from at least one less desirable trip curve, such as an I*t trip curve. The method is accomplished by defining a selected parameter of the desirable overload trip curve and defining the selected parameter as a function of one or more monitored input values, such as current, trip class or phase unbalance, and modulating the selected defined parameter value between a maximum boundary trip curve and a minimum boundary trip curve. The modulated parameter is used to adjust the less desirable trip curve such that it has the characteristics of the desired trip curve. The method is implemented by one or more electrical circuits (filter circuits) representing the less desirable trip curve(s) and composing an output signal representing the desirable trip curve by modulating between the one or more electrical circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Jefferies, Timothy B. Phillips, Benjamin W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8619400
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection method and circuit includes a positive supply input node, an output node, and a negative supply node. The overvoltage protection circuit further includes a first functional circuit configured to turn ON a MOSFET and maintain it in a low resistance state. A second functional circuit is configured to detect an overvoltage and control the gate of the MOSFET to regulate a voltage at the output node. A third functional circuit is configured to provide a startup wherein the overvoltage protection circuit is not damaged and/or to regulate an operating voltage such that an overvoltage does not appear on the overvoltage protection circuit. The external components include the MOSFET, which has a gate coupled to the output of the charge pump of the overvoltage protection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Curtis Dobkin, David Henry Soo
  • Patent number: 8619401
    Abstract: A current source regulator for controlling an output device (Mp) of current source, the output device (Mp) providing an output current (Isrc) to a load. The current source regulator comprises a first feedback loop (1) and second feedback loop (2). The first feedback loop (1) includes a first sensing path to provide a first sensing signal (Is1) for comparison with a first reference to generate a first control signal. The second feedback loop (2) comprises a second sensing path to provide a second sensing signal (Is3, Is3?) for comparison with a second reference (Ib5) to generate a charging current signal (Icharge). The charging current signal (Icharge) is applied to the control signal during a transient state of the current source regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: AMS AG
    Inventor: Pramod Singnurkar
  • Patent number: 8619402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting data bus ports and their corresponding PHY devices from taking damage associated with excess voltage across one or more signal pairs during an intermittent connection are provided. Such connections cause the signal pins to carry external device current which raises the signal voltage above the power rails, exceeding the PHY device ratings and causing PHY degradation or destruction. In an exemplary embodiment, an RC circuit is used to detect the voltage level across a signal pair. If this voltage level exceeds a certain preset voltage level, power to the outgoing serial bus port is shut off and return power is abated. While the circuit is responding, the exemplary embodiment uses a 3.6V Zener diode to bleed excess voltage to ground. A current monitor/limiter is also used for limiting current if the voltage level detected exceeds a certain threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Patent number: 8619403
    Abstract: This device comprises an electromagnetic coil (3) in which there is able to slide a piston (6) which has at least a portion made of a material having paramagnetic susceptibility and which is placed in contact with the mechanical member when the drive device (1) is in the rest state. Electrical energy supply means are provided in order to store electrical energy and to abruptly release this energy into the coil and thus apply the high-energy magnetic movement pulse to the mechanical member. According to the invention, the piston (1) comprises a stack (9) of blocks (11, 12) which are made alternately from the material having paramagnetic susceptibility and an insulating material; and the electrical energy supply means are provided in order to allow the energy to be applied to the coil in the form of a series of electrical pulses which appear as the piston (6) moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: Alkan, Institut Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint-Louis
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Derksema, Klaus Sterzelmeier
  • Patent number: 8619404
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventor: John J. Haller
  • Patent number: 8619405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wavefront sensor using a pair of screens, each having a two-dimensional array of circular apertures, to achieve Moiré effects, and its use to measure the slope of a wavefront.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Wavetec Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Y. Van Heugten
  • Patent number: 8619406
    Abstract: This invention relates to substrate supports, e.g., coated electrostatic chucks, having a dielectric multilayer formed thereon; dielectric multilayers that provide erosive and corrosive barrier protection in harsh environments such as plasma treating vessels used in semiconductor device manufacture; process chambers, e.g., deposition chambers, for processing substrates; methods for protecting substrate supports; and methods for producing substrate supports and electronic devices. The dielectric multilayer comprises (a) an undercoat dielectric layer comprising a metal oxide or metal nitride formed on a surface; and (b) a topcoat dielectric layer comprising a metal oxide formed on the undercoat dielectric layer. The topcoat dielectric layer has an aluminum oxide content of less than about 1 weight percent. The topcoat dielectric layer has a corrosion resistance and/or plasma erosion resistance greater than the corrosion resistance and/or plasma erosion resistance of the undercoat dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: FM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaeyong Cho, John Sirman
  • Patent number: 8619407
    Abstract: There is provided a multilayered ceramic capacitor capable of being implementing as a micro supercapacitor capable of minimizing a mounting area and increasing a mounting efficiency thereof. The multilayered ceramic capacitor includes a capacitor body in which a plurality of dielectric layers having a size of 1.6 mm in length and 0.8 mm in width are stacked; an internal electrode unit having a plurality of internal electrodes arranged on each of the plurality of dielectric layers; and an external electrode unit, having a plurality of external electrodes horizontally arranged in the capacitor body and electrically connected to the internal electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tae Sung Si, Kyung Nam Hwang, Sang Mi Lee, Jong Hoon Bae
  • Patent number: 8619408
    Abstract: This document discusses capacitive elements including a first, second and third electrode arranged in a stack. The third electrode is positioned between the first and second electrode. An interconnect includes a unitary substrate shared with the first and second electrodes. The interconnect is adapted to deform to accommodate the stacked nature of the first and second electrodes. The unitary substrate includes a sintered material disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Sherwood, Jay E. Daley, Mary M. Byron, Eric Stemen, Peter Jay Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8619409
    Abstract: An electrochemical device, e.g., an electric double layer capacitor, is applicable to high-temperature reflow soldering wherein a lead-free solder is used, and is provided with an electric storage element, a package having the electric storage element sealed therein, and a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, each of which is led out from the electric storage element and is provided with a part sealed in the package with the electric storage element and other part led out to the outside the package. On a part of the positive electrode terminal and on a part of the negative electrode terminal, increased thermal resistance sections for suppressing heat transfer to the electric storage element via the terminals from other parts of the positive electrode terminal and other parts of the negative electrode terminal are arranged, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Yawata, Naoto Hagiwara, Katsuei Ishida
  • Patent number: 8619410
    Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body formed from an electrically conductive powder and a dielectric coating located over and/or within the anode body is provided. The present inventors have discovered a technique that is believed to substantially improve the uniformity and consistency of the manganese oxide layer. This is accomplished, in part, through the use of a dispersant in the precursor solution that helps minimize the likelihood that the manganese oxide precursor will form droplets upon contacting the surface of the dielectric. Instead, the precursor solution can be better dispersed so that the resulting manganese oxide has a “film-like” configuration and coats at least a portion of the anode in a substantially uniform manner. This improves the quality of the resulting oxide as well as its surface coverage, and thereby enhances the electrical performance of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Pinwill, David Masheder, Silvie Vilcova, Petr Stojan, Jiri Hurt, Ivan Horacek
  • Patent number: 8619411
    Abstract: Electrical switchgear comprising electrical switching equipment for a multi-phase electrical power distribution system, a supporting structure for a bus assembly for supplying electrical current to the switching equipment, and a plurality of spaced buses mounted on the supporting structure each for connecting the switching equipment to respective phases of the multi-phase electrical power distribution system. Each bus comprises a plurality of substantially co-planar, spaced, elongated flat conductors arranged with at least one longitudinal edge surface of each conductor in that bus opposed to and spaced from a longitudinal edge surface of another conductor in that same bus, and a connector at each end of said conductors for connecting the plurality of flat conductors in each bus to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric, USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlton R. Rodrigues, Mark J. Fisher, Nicholas J. Pasquerilla, Mauricio Diaz, Jose Carlos Suarez
  • Patent number: 8619412
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dave Greenblat, Brandon W. Ewing
  • Patent number: 8619413
    Abstract: A power supply unit is provided for supplying low voltage power. The supply unit includes at least one power plug contact connectable to a supply voltage; at least one output lead for outputting the low voltage; and a voltage transformer unit having at least one electronic component for transforming the supply voltage to the low voltage. The power supply unit includes a casing made of a casing base element and a lid element, such that the power plug contact is held in the casing base element or in the lid element in such a way that it can be plugged into a power socket. The voltage transformer unit is mounted on a circuit carrier which is arranged in the casing base element in such a way that a defined first region of the circuit carrier is received in a casting space filled with an electrically insulating casting compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Jürgen Gausepohl, Taner Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 8619414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device in which a front cover and so on exposed to an outside of the display device have a gradation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 8619415
    Abstract: In one general aspect a computing device can include a base portion including an input region, a display portion, and a rotating mechanism fixedly coupled to the display portion. The computing device can include a connecting rod coupled to the rotating mechanism and to the base portion. The rotating mechanism and connecting rod can be configured to move a bottom portion of the display portion in a direction away from the input region in response to the display portion being rotated about an axis of the rotating mechanism from a closed position with respect to the base portion toward a flat position with respect to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Gadi Amit
  • Patent number: 8619416
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a dual-orientation docking apparatus for a mobile computing device. According to one embodiment, the docking apparatus includes a main body having a first side and a second side perpendicular to the first side. A docking connector is disposed on the first side of the main body, and a locking member formed on the second side of the main body. Furthermore, the locking member is configured to automatically engage and maintain a mobile computing device in a docked state when the mobile device is moved from a first orientation to a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Hui Leng Lim
  • Patent number: 8619417
    Abstract: A computer docking station is provided having an enclosure unit, a cable-to-panel connector, a dock cover, an electrical connector that includes an open box configuration; and a cable-to-panel component. The enclosure unit connects to the docking station. The dock cover is disposed inside the enclosure unit. The electrical connector is also disposed inside the enclosure unit and connects to the dock cover. The electrical connector comprises connectors to enable electrical connections to peripheral devices, a mounting plate positioned over the enclosure unit, a docking connector operatively connected to the dock cover and extending through the mounting plate, and a plurality of gaskets connected to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Justin R. Helton
  • Patent number: 8619418
    Abstract: A mouse structure includes a housing and a sliding apparatus slidably engaged with the housing. The sliding apparatus includes a reacting portion having a cover and a bottom board, wherein the cover is provided with a first magnet group and at least two engaging portions, and the bottom board is provided with a second magnet group and at least two position portions. The first and second magnet groups are in polar opposition to and spaced from each other. When the sliding apparatus is in a closed state, the cover is propped against an upper wall of the housing by a repelling magnetic force, while the reacting portion moves out of the housing, the cover is being automatically pushed outwards by the repelling magnetic force and is retained by the engaging portions engaged with the position portions so as to position the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Shih Lee
  • Patent number: 8619419
    Abstract: The docking station (10) comprises a casing (11) presenting an air inlet (12) and a cooled air outlet (13) and housing a refrigeration system (30) for cooling an air flow which is caused to pass through the interior of the casing (11), from the air inlet (12) to the cooled air outlet (13). The refrigeration system (30) comprises: a compressor (31) pumping refrigerant fluid through a refrigeration circuit comprising a condenser (32) and an evaporator (33) and, preferably, a ventilation means (34) producing said air flow which is conducted through the evaporator (33) to be cooled thereby and released, through said cooled air outlet (13), to the interior of a computer (20) seated against the docking station (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Augusto Jose Pereira Zimmermann, Fabricio Caldeira Possamai, Otavio Santini, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8619420
    Abstract: A low profile heat removal system suitable for removing excess heat generated by an integrated circuit operating in a compact computing environment is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Gregory Tice
  • Patent number: 8619421
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include hard drive mounting structures. The hard drive mounting structures may include elastomeric support members. Each elastomeric support member may have a relatively rigid inner portion. The inner portion may include a hole that receives a hard drive mounting pin. Each elastomeric support member may also have a relatively flexible outer portion. The relatively flexible outer portion may be mounted within an opening in a plastic support member. The rigid inner portion may have a square outline and may be mounted within a square opening in the flexible outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Reid, Ron Hopkinson, Cheng P. Tan, John Brock, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre
  • Patent number: 8619422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal capable of being slid in two directions. The mobile terminal includes a front body, a rear body, and a slide module configured to allow the front body to be slid along a lengthwise direction and widthwise direction with respect to the rear body. The slide module includes a cover plate having an area to cover a whole rear side of the front body; a middle plate having a pair of guide rails on a front side thereof, a slide plate on a rear side thereof, and a first keypad disposed on a region that is not occupied by the pair of guide rails and the slide plate, the pair of guide rails being configured to allow the cover plate to be slid along the lengthwise direction; and a guide plate coupled to the rear body, and configured to allow the slide plate slid along the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoungtaek Lim, Kwanghyun Ahn, Hyunho Lee, Chanyong Mo, Woojin Lee
  • Patent number: 8619423
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fan module used in electronic equipment and the like. The fan module of the present invention includes a dust-collecting part which has an air’-suction port and an air-discharge port, and which has a rotational region forming a passage linking the air-suction port to the air-discharge port and has a dust-collection box for collecting dust and detritus rotating in the rotational region; and a fan which is joined to one side of the dust-collecting part and makes air flow into the rotational region. The present invention can use centrifugal force to effectively remove various forms of dust and detritus contained in the air which flows into the casings of electronic equipment, household appliances and the like due to the action of a fan. Further, since a filter is not used, there is the advantage that the cooling efficiency is not reduced by the dust collection as the smooth flow of the air being sucked in is not disturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: V.L. System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol-Hyun Kim, Sung-Chul Park
  • Patent number: 8619424
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, an air channel having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and is arranged such that the air channel and the main body oppose each other, a boundary base disposed between the main body and the air channel, a heat sink mounted on the boundary base such that a fin thereof protrudes into the air channel, a power converter tightly mounted on an upper surface of a base of the heat sink so as to be positioned in the main body, cooling fans disposed near the air outlet port of the main body and the air outlet port of the air channel, and a first reactor disposed on a windward side of the heat sink in the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Kazutaka Kishimoto, Makoto Kojyo
  • Patent number: 8619425
    Abstract: Cooling apparatuses and methods are provided for immersion-cooling one or more electronic components. The cooling apparatus includes a housing at least partially surrounding and forming a fluid-tight compartment about the electronic component(s), and a boiling fluid mixture of first and second dielectric fluids within the fluid-tight compartment, with the electronic component(s) immersed within the mixture. A condensing fluid is also provided within the fluid-tight compartment, and is immiscible with the boiling fluid mixture. The condensing fluid has a lower specific gravity and a higher thermal conductivity than the boiling fluid mixture, and facilitates condensing of vaporized boiling fluid mixture. A cooling structure is provided within the compartment, and includes a condensing region and a sub-cooling region, with the condensing region being in contact with the condensing fluid, and the sub-cooling region being in contact with the boiling fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Milnes P. David, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 8619426
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for effective cooling of electronic devices are presented herein. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more heat pipes thermally coupled to electronic components and to a first heat sink and a second heat sink. The heat pipes are constructed to transfer heat generated at the one or more electronic components to the first heat sink and to the second heat sink. The first heat sink is operable to transfer heat energy to the ambient air using dissipation or advection. The second heat sink is able to transfer heat energy to the ambient air using dissipation. A controller is operable to switch between a passive mode of operation and an active mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Ahmad Chamseddine, Mark Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8619427
    Abstract: A media content receiving device, such as a set top box, includes a chassis that incorporates a heat bridge, a heat shield or both. The heat bridge may take the form of a structural wall coupled to, but preferably integrated with, the chassis to facilitate conductive heat transfer into a chassis panel. The heat bridge may be configured to receive heat radiated from a chip having a die to be cooled. The heat shield may take the form of a wall-type structure protruding from a chassis panel. For example, the heat shield may extend from a top panel of the chassis in a fin-like or flange-like manner to provide a thermal barrier between adjacent electrical components arranged on a circuit board. While the heat shield protects the adjacent component from potential thermal damage or degradation, it may also operate to transfer heat into the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Robert Burton, Trevor Hardaker, Matthew Stephens, Greg Blythe, Chris Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8619428
    Abstract: An electronic package structure is provided. The electronic package structure comprises a substrate, a first electronic element, and a second electronic element. The substrate includes a heat-dissipating plate and a circuit board disposed on the heat-dissipating plate. The first electronic element is disposed on the heat-dissipating plate and coupled to the circuit board. The second electronic element is disposed on the circuit board and coupled to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cyntec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Hsiang Lee, Yi-Cheng Lin, Pei-Chun Hung, Bau-Ru Lu, Da-Jung Chen, Jeng-Jen Li
  • Patent number: 8619429
    Abstract: A control unit and a method for assembling a control unit for occupant protection means for a vehicle are described. A p.c. board is enclosed between a plastic cover and a plastic base and assembled. A non-positive and/or positive connection is implemented for this assembly, and the control unit is pre-attached. The at least one connection is produced without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Moser, Mark Wonner, Roland Cupal
  • Patent number: 8619430
    Abstract: A switch/circuit board unit and a hand-held tool equipped with such a switch/circuit board unit are proposed. The switch/circuit board unit is adapted for installation in a handle of the tool and has a switch and a circuit board. The switch/circuit board unit also has a mechanical coupling element for producing a rigid mechanical coupling between the switch and circuit board. The rigid coupling that the coupling element produces between the switch and circuit board allows the arrangement of the switch and circuit board to be embodied as a unit, which can enable maneuvering before installation and permit a simplified installation, and in particular, it is possible to simplify a fastening of the switch and circuit board inside a housing of the tool, and in the accompanying installation of electrical connections, for example in the form of flexible cables, it is possible to avoid an incorrect placement or wedging of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kynast, Markus Schmid
  • Patent number: 8619431
    Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional System-In-Package (SIP) Package-On-Package (POP) structure comprising a support element formed around a first electronic device. A filling material is filled between the first electronic device and the support element. Signal channels are coupled to first die pads of the first electronic device. Conductive elements form signal connection between the first end of the signal channels and the second die pads of a second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ADL Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Nan-Chun Lin, Ya-Yun Cheng
  • Patent number: 8619432
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to a first circuit board configured to include an electronic component. The electronic component includes a plurality of leads. The first circuit board includes first wires configured to connect to a first portion of the plurality of leads. The second circuit board is affixed to the first circuit board. The second circuit board includes second wires. The second circuit board is smaller in size than the first circuit board. A plurality of electrical connectors extend through a thickness of the first circuit board and are configured to connect a second portion of the plurality of leads to the second wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Baska, Daniel M. Dreps, Rohan U. Mandrekar, Roger D. Weekly
  • Patent number: 8619433
    Abstract: A portable electronic device including a casing, a rotating part, a pivot unit and a magnet set is disclosed. The pivot unit is pivotally connected to the casing and the rotating part. The magnet set includes a first magnet, a second magnet and a third magnet disposed in a base of the casing. The first magnet and the second magnet are disposed at the rotating part, and the magnetism of the first magnet is different from the magnetism of the second magnet. The magnetism of the third magnet is the same as the magnetism of the first magnet or the magnetism of the second magnet. When the rotating part is rotated relative to the casing, the magnet set generates magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion so as to lead an electronic component of the casing in the casing or out of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Szu-Tang Chiu
  • Patent number: 8619434
    Abstract: An arrangement system composed of a plurality of electrical/electronic components particularly of a voltage converter device of a power supply system for use in oil/natural gas production composed of at least one support member that is provided on at least one side with a surrounded accommodating recess, a circuit carrier which is arranged in the accommodating recess and electrically connected to the components, and a holding member fixing the circuit carrier and/or the components in the accommodating recess. An insulating material is arranged at least in part between the circuit carrier and/or components and the support member. Such an arrangement system permits an adequate electrical insulation of the corresponding components and optionally also of the circuit carrier in relation to the support member together with an adequately high heat conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow, Volker Zabe
  • Patent number: 8619435
    Abstract: An external EMI diverting structure to electrically shield an electronic device from EMI is presented. The electronic device is physically isolated from the case ground which interrupts the EMI or lightning fault path. This shield provides a return path to ground for the EMI away from the electronic device and replaces conventional EMI filter capacitors, which are not connected to case ground. The external EMI diverter comprises a first conducting enclosure enclosing the electrical circuit and is electrically coupled to the electric circuit and a second conducting enclosure enclosing the first conducting enclosure and being electrically isolated from the first conducting enclosure and the electric circuit. The diverter is physically and electrically connected to the case ground at an attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John Kenneth Tillotson
  • Patent number: 8619436
    Abstract: An electrical component (100) includes a housing (1), a number of terminals (2) molded within housing and at least one electrical element (3). The housing has at least a side wall (11) having a number of recesses (112) and an internal cavity (15). Each terminal has a first end (23) extending to a bottom of the side wall and formed with a platform portion (231) located onto the bottom of the side wall and aligned with the corresponding recess. The electrical element has a number of wires (321) wrapped thereon. One end of the wire extends outward the cavity through the recess and is soldered onto the corresponding platform portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Bo Zhang, Zheng-Hua Xu, Chao-Tung Huang
  • Patent number: 8619437
    Abstract: A system simplification can be achieved by reducing the number of sensors required to detect currents and voltages when an output current is estimated. A switching power supply device 6 includes a current transformer 12, a switching circuit 13, a rectifying circuit 15, a smoothing circuit 16, an input voltage detecting circuit 18, a control part 19, an output voltage detecting circuit 22 and a PWM signal generating part 30. The control part 19 calculates a duty rate and an average value of voltage of the secondary side voltage of the current transformer 12 detected by the input voltage detecting circuit 18 based on a waveform of the detected voltage. The control part 19 calculates an output current lo based on the calculated duty rate, the calculated average value of voltage and an output voltage Vo detected by the output voltage detecting circuit 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hachiya, Yusaku Ido, Yasumichi Omoto
  • Patent number: 8619438
    Abstract: A resonant converter includes first and second input terminals for applying an input voltage and first and second output terminals for providing an output voltage. A transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, where both the primary winding and the secondary winding have a first and a second terminal. A series resonant circuit includes a capacitive element and the primary winding of the transformer. A switching circuit is connected between the input terminals and the series resonant circuit. A rectifier circuit is connected between the secondary winding and the output terminals. A clamping circuit is connected between one of the first and second terminals of the primary winding and the input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Zan Wang, Dong Li, Jianwei Liu
  • Patent number: 8619439
    Abstract: A flyback boost circuit includes an output voltage detection terminal provided to a secondary winding of a transformer of the flyback boost circuit, and configured to detect an output voltage. Prior to the start of a boost operation, current is supplied to a secondary side of the transformer via the output voltage detection terminal to detect a voltage generated at the output voltage detection terminal, to thereby detect an unwired state by determining whether or not there is floating of the output voltage detection terminal or a grounding terminal of the secondary winding of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuya Ikezawa, Kunio Kinoshita, Takuya Takenaka, Yasuhiro Yamawaki, Tatsuo Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 8619440
    Abstract: Control methods and controller thereof for a power supply including a power switch and an inductor. The power switch is turned on to increase the inductor current through the inductor, which is sensed to generate a current-sense signal. The current-sense signal is added up with an adjusting signal to generate a summation signal. The power switch is turned off if the summation signal is higher than a peak limit. The turn-on time of the power switch is detected to update the adjusting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Leadtrend Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chien Huang, Ren-Yi Chen, Wen-Chung Yeh
  • Patent number: 8619441
    Abstract: A switching regulator can include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a switching circuit including a switching element that is connected in series to the primary winding, the series-connected circuit of the switching element and the primary winding being connected in parallel to a DC power supply and a rectifying circuit connected to the secondary winding. The switching regulator can also include a control circuit to control switching of the switching element to generate DC output voltage from the DC power supply, the DC output voltage being insulated from the DC power supply, an output voltage detecting circuit including a photo-coupler for insulated detection of the DC output voltage, the photo-coupler having a photo-transistor and a load quantity detector for detecting a state in which power consumption in the load connected to the DC output has reached a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Masayuki Yamadaya
  • Patent number: 8619442
    Abstract: A power factor correction circuit responsive to an input power supply signal at an input supply voltage is described. The circuit includes rectifier circuitry for largely performing full-wave rectification on the input supply signal to produce a full-wave rectified supply signal at a full-wave rectified voltage and a full-wave rectified current susceptible of having at least one overtone of the fundamental supply frequency. The circuit also includes a regulator for regulating the full-wave rectified voltage to produce a regulated power supply voltage with reduced voltage ripple, the regulator operating in buck-boost mode, and control circuitry for measuring at least one such overtone in the full-wave rectified current. The control circuitry also provides the regulator with a primary control signal that causes at least one such overtone to be largely removed from the full-wave rectified current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Robert S. Wrathall
  • Patent number: 8619443
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for increasing and maintaining voltage. A transformer's secondary windings are connected between the hot input line and the hot output line, and are not switched. The secondary windings may be in series for 220/230 Vrms, and in parallel for 120/127 Vrms. Alternatively, the transformer may be a single voltage type specifically for 230 V, 120 V, or any other voltage range. A microprocessor measures incoming voltage and controls an electronic switch on the primary windings side of the transformer to short circuit the primary windings when the transformer is not needed. When voltage boost is needed, the switch may be controlled to connect the primary windings to neutral. When the primary windings are switched to neutral, the secondary voltage adds to the incoming AC line voltage. There may be multiple taps on the primary windings selected by the microprocessor for providing differing boost levels at differing input voltage levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Powerwise Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Lumsden
  • Patent number: 8619444
    Abstract: A voltage booster system of a charge pump type includes a regulator for outputting a constant voltage and a charge pump circuit for boosting a voltage of an output terminal of the regulator. The regulator includes a differential amplifier unit for inputting a reference voltage and a feedback voltage according to the voltage of the output terminal, and an output stage portion including an PN connection element having one end portion connected to an application terminal of a power source voltage and another end portion connected to the output terminal. The PN connection element is configured to be controlled according to an output signal of the differential amplifier unit. The charge pump circuit includes a first capacitor to which the voltage of the output terminal is applied to be charged; a second capacitor; a third capacitor; a first switching section; and a second switching section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Lapis Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suguru Kawasoe
  • Patent number: 8619445
    Abstract: Transient or fault conditions for a switched capacitor power converter are detected by measuring one or more of internal voltages and/or currents associated with switching elements (e.g., transistors) or phase nodes, or voltages or currents at terminals of the converter, and based on these measurements detect that a condition has occurred when the measurements deviate from a predetermined range. Upon detection of the condition fault control circuitry alters operation of the converter, for example, by using a high voltage switch to electrically disconnect at least some of the switching elements from one or more terminals of the converter, or by altering timing characteristics of the phase signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Arctic Sand Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aichen Low, David M. Giuliano, Gregory Szczeszynski, Jeff Summit, Oscar Blyde
  • Patent number: 8619446
    Abstract: Cascade H-Bridge inverters and carrier-based level shift pulse width modulation techniques are presented for generating inverter stage switching control signals, in which carrier waveform levels are selectively shifted to control THD and to mitigate power distribution imbalances within multilevel inverter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingbo Liu, Thomas Nondahl, Zhongyuan Cheng, Navid Zargari
  • Patent number: 8619447
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an apparatus. The apparatus includes a DC source port having a first DC source terminal and a second DC source terminal. Further, the apparatus includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch having first terminals coupled together, and the apparatus includes a fourth switch between the first switch and the second DC source terminal, a fifth switch between the second switch and the second DC source terminal, and a sixth switch between the third switch and the second DC source terminal. Also, the apparatus includes a first inductor coupled between the first DC source terminal and the first terminals of the first, second, and third switches, and a power grid port having a first power grid terminal and a second power grid terminal. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, Acting for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bingsen Wang, Craig R. Bush
  • Patent number: 8619448
    Abstract: In order to reduce the average power of the ringing noise, the present invention provides a power converter comprising: an arm circuit including a high-voltage side switching device to which a first diode is connected in parallel and a low-voltage side switching device to which a second diode is connected in parallel; and a main power supply connected to a series circuit of the high-voltage side switching device and the low-voltage side switching device, wherein a connecting point between the high-voltage side switching device and the low-voltage side switching device is connected to a load, and a resonant frequency calculated from inductances of wirings of a closed circuit including the first diode, the second diode, and the main power supply and a capacitance across the first diode is different form that calculated from the inductances of the wirings and a capacitance across the second diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Ogawa, Katsumi Ishikawa