Patents Issued in April 1, 2014
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Patent number: 8686663Abstract: A lighting system according to embodiments includes a first light source, a second light source, a first lighting circuit, a second lighting circuit, a signal input unit, and a control circuit. The first light source has a predetermined color temperature. The second light source has a color temperature which is different from that of the first light source. The first lighting circuit lights the first light source. The second lighting circuit lights the second light source. The signal input unit receives an external signal. The control circuit includes a first light source lighting control cycle which performs a predetermined lighting control of the first light source, and a second light source lighting control cycle which performs a predetermined lighting control of the second light source, controls the first and second lighting circuits so as to start the lighting control.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology CorporationInventors: Toru Ishikita, Naoko Iwai, Makoto Kono, Hiroya Kan, Takao Kowada, Kiyoteru Kosa, Hitoshi Kawano, Yosuke Saito
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Patent number: 8686664Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated control of lighting systems at individual-light-fixture, local, regional, and larger-geographical-area levels. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a hierarchical lighting-control system including an automated network-control center that may control up to many millions of individual lighting fixtures and lighting elements, regional routers interconnected to the network-control center or network-control centers by public communications networks, each of which controls hundreds to thousands of individual light fixtures, and light-management units, interconnected to regional routers by radio-frequency communications and/or power-line communications, each of which controls components within a lighting fixture, including lighting elements, associated ballasts, sensors, and other devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Virticus CorporationInventors: Joseph E. Herbst, Mark VanWagoner
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Patent number: 8686665Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to control of lighting systems at individual-light-fixture, local, regional, and larger-geographical-area levels. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a hierarchical lighting-control system including an automated network-control center that may control up to many millions of individual lighting fixtures and lighting elements, regional routers interconnected to the network-control center or network-control centers by public communications networks, each of which controls hundreds to thousands of individual light fixtures, and light-management units, interconnected to regional routers by radio-frequency communications and/or power-line communications, each of which controls components within a lighting fixture, including lighting elements, LED-luminaire drivers, sensors, and other devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Virticus CorporationInventors: Joseph E. Horbst, Mark VanWagoner
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Patent number: 8686666Abstract: A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
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Patent number: 8686667Abstract: A lighting power source provides AC or DC power as needed to power an electric light source. A first switching element and a diode are coupled in series across output ends of a DC power source, with a second switching element coupled across the diode. An inductor forms an output loop with the diode. A driving capacitor has a first end coupled to a node between the first switching element and the diode. A charging power source is coupled to a second end of the driving capacitor and supplied with power from the DC power source. During a charging operation, a control circuit charges the driving capacitor by turning on the second switching element while maintaining the first switching element in an OFF state. During a normal operation which follows the charging operation the control circuit repeatedly turns on/off the first switching element while maintaining the second switching element in the OFF state.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masanori Mishima, Katunobu Hamamoto
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Patent number: 8686668Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining at least a holding current in a leading-edge phase-cut dimmer during a period of transient voltage variations, the apparatus connectable to the dimmer and connectable to a load connected to draw current from the dimmer. The apparatus may comprise an edge detector connected to receive a voltage from the dimmer and generate a leading-edge signal in response to a leading-edge of a phase-cut waveform, and a current offset circuit connected to receive the leading-edge signal and draw a supplementary offset current in response to the leading-edge signal, wherein the supplementary offset current is sufficient to maintain at least a holding current in the dimmer during the period of transient voltage variations. The current offset circuit may comprise a holding current circuit which also draws supplementary current in response to an instantaneous value of load current.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Miroslaw Marek Grotkowski, Milen Moussakov, Gregory Bernard Sheehan, Tom William Thornton, Thomas George Foxall
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Patent number: 8686669Abstract: A method of controlling a linear motion system has a linear synchronous motor comprising a stator and at least two carrier units moveable in relation to the stator, the stator comprising a number of coil units, each of the at least two carrier units comprising a magnetic unit including an array of alternate-pole magnets having a regular magnet pole-pitch, wherein in order to form a train the at least two carrier units are arranged relative to each other so that the mutual distance between two identically poled magnets of two different magnetic units is an integer multiple of the magnet pole-pitch.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Walrick Dirkx, Wilco Pancras
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Patent number: 8686670Abstract: A system and method for determining the holding torque of a brake in a material handling system is disclosed. The material handling system may include a bridge, a trolley, and a hoist, each driven along a different axis by a motor. A brake is operatively coupled to the motor to prevent unwanted motion of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to each motor which controls operation of the motor and its corresponding brake. The motor controller generates a torque command to the motor while keeping the brake set. The initial torque command is less than the holding torque of the brake. The torque command is incremented until motion is detected on the motor. The torque value when motion is detected is stored in the motor controller and displayed to an operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Magnetek, Inc.Inventors: Kurtis L. Verheyen, Aaron Kureck
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Patent number: 8686671Abstract: The present invention provides a method for compensating nonlinearity of a resolver to control a motor in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, thereby stably controlling the motor current during high-torque and high-speed operation. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides a method for compensating nonlinearity of a resolver to control a motor in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, the method including collecting resolver position data; determining whether to perform resolver position correction in the corresponding vehicle; and compensating nonlinearity of the resolver based on the collected resolver position data, if it is determined that the resolver position correction is not performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Woo Yong Jeon, Shin Hye Chun, Won Kyoung Choi, Bum Sik Kim, Young Kook Lee, Jin Hwan Jung, Sang Hyeon Moon, Sung Kyu Kim
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Patent number: 8686672Abstract: A current command value computation section 22 is provided with a q-axis current command value correction section 31 and an expected voltage utilization factor computation section 32. The expected voltage utilization factor computation section 32 estimates an expected voltage utilization factor f based on a rotational angular velocity ? of a motor 12, a q-axis current command value Iq*, and a power voltage Vb (the maximum voltage Vmax). The expected voltage utilization factor f is the ratio of required output voltage to the maximum voltage Vmax applicable to a drive circuit 18. Based on the expected voltage utilization factor f, the q-axis current command value correction section 31 corrects the q-axis current command value Iq* such that the corrected expected voltage utilization factor f does not exceed a predetermined value that corresponds to the voltage saturation limit.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8686673Abstract: A control device controls a power conversion circuit so as to adjust control values of a motor generator to optimum values. The power conversion circuit has switching elements for selectively connecting and disconnecting a battery and terminals of the motor generator. The control device sets a simulated voltage vector V(n+1) in one control-period forward to perform a prediction model control. On predicting a current, the control device uses a model in a rotary coordinate system, and sets the median value of the voltage vector V(n+1) in one control-period Tc to a value of the voltage vector V(n+1) in the rotary coordinate system. The control device sets, as the value of the voltage vector V(n+1) in the rotary coordinate system, the voltage vector V(n+1) when the half-time of the control-period Tc is elapsed from the time at the electric angle ?(n+1).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yousuke Matsuki, Akihiro Imura
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Patent number: 8686674Abstract: A method for controlling a brushless DC motor, comprising transmitting a phase-inversion signal to a motor control unit by a rotor position detecting unit after a motor enters a stable state, advancing or delaying phase shift by the motor control unit at an offset electrical angle, recording and comparing phase current values In at different offset electrical angles whereby obtaining an optimum offset angle ?m corresponding to the minimum phase current value Imin, and advancing or delaying phase shift by the motor at the optimum offset angle ?m. As the motor enters a stable state, the motor advances or delays phase shift at the optimum offset angle ?m, at this time operating current of a coil winding of the motor is the minimum, which saves power and reduces cost.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Zhongzshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ronghua Bi, Yong Zhao
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Patent number: 8686675Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool including: a motor; a switching device that switches over, in response to a conduction angle thereof, an AC voltage to be applied to the motor; a rotation speed setting unit that sets a target rotation speed of the motor; a rotation speed detection unit that detects an actual rotation speed of the motor; and a controller that determines the conduction angle by comparing the actual rotation speed with the target rotation speed and that controls the switching device by use of the conduction angle based on a maximum conduction angle, the maximum conduction angle being set in accordance with the target rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Kawano, Nobihiro Takano, Eiji Nakayama, Kenro Ishimaru, Kazumi Tanaka, Masahiro Isono
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Patent number: 8686676Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Patent number: 8686677Abstract: A synchronous fan system is provided which intermittently calibrates the fans by rotating periodically the fans each to a common stop position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Larry R. Gordon
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Patent number: 8686678Abstract: An electric motor, having a stator (465), a rotor (470), and an apparatus for evaluating a signal provided for controlling said motor (110), comprises a receiving unit (430, 440) for receiving a control signal (PWM_mod), which is a pulse width modulated signal (PWM) onto which a data signal (DIR, DATA) is modulated. An evaluation unit (440) is provided for evaluating the modulated control signal (PWM_mod). The unit is configured to extract, from the modulated control signal (PWM_mod), data provided for operation of the motor (110). The control apparatus includes a signal generator (450) configured to generate, on the basis of the extracted or ascertained data provided for operation of the motor (110), at least one control signal for the motor (110), such as a commanded direction of rotation. Piggybacking other control data onto the PWM power level signal reduces hardware investment, by permitting omission of a signal lead which would otherwise be required in the motor structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: EBM-Papst St. Georgen GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Markus Hirt
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Patent number: 8686679Abstract: A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Joseph L. Jones, Philip R. Mass
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Patent number: 8686680Abstract: Certain embodiments of a system for reducing backlash include a member geared for rotation in first and second directions. In various implementations, a first motor causes rotation in the first direction with an output biased to preclude space between mating gear components in the first direction, and a second motor, which is mechanically independent of the first motor, causes rotation in the second direction with an output biased to preclude space between mating gear components in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Rethink Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Deegan
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Patent number: 8686681Abstract: An apparatus for power supply to electronic, electrical or electromechanical equipment, the apparatus including a chargeable power source in the form of at least one high energy capacitor package (1); equipment control unit (3) for controlling power supply to the equipment, a power source control unit (2) for controlled charging and discharging of the power source, and a means (4; 10?; 11?; 12?) for power supply from an external energy source (10; 11; 12) to the power source control unit (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Oceaneering ASInventors: Hope StĂĄle, Lars Gunnar Hodnefjell, Tor Forsmann
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Patent number: 8686682Abstract: An auxiliary power supply (150) includes an auxiliary battery (152), power supply circuitry (154), and a connector (108b). The power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output which provides electrical energy for powering the electrical circuitry (102) of a battery powered device (100) and for recharging a battery (104) associated therewith. In one embodiment, the power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output current which is a function of the charge state of the auxiliary battery (152) and a load current presented by the electrical circuitry (102).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Jon S. Eager, Peter F. Hoffman
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Patent number: 8686683Abstract: A charge clip having a main body and plug received through an aperture therein includes a cradle for holding a personal electronic instrument (PEI) thereon. The plug is inserted into a wall outlet and the main body is selectively rotationally moveable with respect to the plug so that the main body is maintained in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the wall outlet. The plug includes at least one rib that is selectively engageable with at least one notch formed in the aperture, preventing rotational movement of the main body with respect to the plug. The plug further includes an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts standard AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging the PEI. The charge clip further includes at least one USB port in electrical communication with the AC/DC conversion circuit that receives a USB plug in electrical communication with the PEI.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventors: Henry Dale Caskey, David Anthony Benedetti
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Patent number: 8686684Abstract: A charging station wirelessly transmits power to mobile electronic devices (MEDs) each having a planar-shaped receiver coil (RC) and a capacitor connected in parallel across the RC. The station includes a planar charging surface, a number of series-interconnected bank A source coils (SCs), a number of series-interconnected bank B SCs, and electronics for energizing the SCs. Each SC generates a flux field perpendicular to the charging surface. The bank A and bank B SCs are interleaved and alternately energized in a repeating duty cycle. The coils in each bank are also alternately wound in a different direction so that the fields cancel each other out in a far-field environment. Whenever an MED is placed in close proximity to the charging surface, the fields wirelessly induce power in the RC. The MEDs can have any two-dimensional orientation with respect to the charging surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jim Turner, Scott Saponas, Desney Tan, Dan Morris
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Patent number: 8686685Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for charging devices. The system includes a master device and a slave device. Some embodiments provide a method for charging devices in a system that includes a slave device and a master device. The slave device includes (1) an antenna to receive a radio frequency (RF) beam and (2) a power generation module connected to the antenna that converts RF energy received by the slave antenna to power. The master device includes (1) a directional antenna to direct RF power to the antenna of the slave device and (2) a module that provides power to the directional antenna of the master device.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Golba, LLCInventor: Mehran Moshfeghi
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Patent number: 8686686Abstract: A method of delivering power from a power supply to an electric vehicle is described herein. The method includes receiving, by a charging station from the electric vehicle, a request to deliver power from the power supply to the electric vehicle. A signal that is indicative of a unique identifier associated with the electric vehicle is received, and the charging station determines whether the unique vehicle identifier is associated with a stolen electric vehicle, and delivers power, from the charging device to the electric vehicle, after determining the unique identifier is not associated with a stolen electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John Christopher Boot
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Patent number: 8686687Abstract: A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Comverge, Inc.Inventor: John Rossi
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Patent number: 8686688Abstract: A portable charging apparatus, charging method and system for charging a battery of a mobile communication terminal are provided. The portable charging apparatus includes a first Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface connected to an external charging device, a second USB interface connected to a mobile communication terminal, and a switch located between data lines for USB communication. The method includes determining whether the portable charging apparatus is connected to the external charging device, switching on the switch when the portable charging apparatus is not connected to the external charging device, and determining whether the portable charging apparatus is connected to the mobile communication terminal, and supplying electric power from an additional battery of the portable charging apparatus to the mobile communication terminal when the portable charging apparatus is connected to the mobile communication terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki Wook Han, Ik Hyun Cho, Tae Soo Kim, Tae Seon Kim, Shong Uk Shin
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Patent number: 8686689Abstract: A battery assembly includes a bare cell; a protection circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell and having a first terminal portion; a holder case between the bare cell and the protection circuit module, the holder case having a second terminal portion, a terminal connection portion connected to the second terminal portion and an insulating support, wherein the protection circuit module is coupled to the holder case such that the first terminal portion is electrically coupled to the terminal connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Joo Lee
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Patent number: 8686690Abstract: A method of charging a battery pack that can prevent a battery or an external power source from being damaged due to a trickle charge current in order to improve battery safety, and the battery itself. The method of charging the battery pack includes determining whether a charge current exists, determining whether the charge current and a charge voltage are changed if determined that the charge current exists, determining whether the charge current is changed from a first current level to a second current level less than the first current level, and a present voltage level of the battery is less than a former voltage level if determined that the charge current and the charge voltage are changed, and maintaining the charge current at the second current level for a predetermined maintenance time if determined that the present voltage level of the battery is less than the former voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seongpyo Hong
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Patent number: 8686691Abstract: A determination system for determining whether metal lithium is precipitated in a lithium ion secondary battery includes: a discharging unit that causes the lithium ion secondary battery to perform constant current discharge until a voltage of the lithium ion secondary battery becomes a voltage corresponding to a predetermined low state of charge; a natural increase acquisition unit that acquires a natural increase in voltage of the lithium ion secondary battery after the constant current discharge is terminated; and a precipitation determining unit the compares the acquired natural increase with a predetermined threshold, that determines that the metal lithium is not precipitated when the natural increase is larger than or equal to the threshold, and that determines that the metal lithium is precipitated when the natural increase is smaller than the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryo Mano, Yusuke Ito
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Patent number: 8686692Abstract: An in-vehicle charge control system includes a vehicle-state detector that detects a running state of a vehicle, a battery-state detector that detects a charge level of an in-vehicle battery, a fuel-efficiency-enhancement controller that predicts a discharge amount to be discharged by the battery under a discharge condition, sets a lower limit of the battery charge level on the basis of the battery charge level detected by the detector such that the lower limit of the battery charge level is higher than a battery charge level at which the battery begins to degrade by the predicted discharge amount, and controls a power generation amount of a vehicle generator according to the vehicle state detected by the detector. The system with this configuration can maintain the battery charge level and enhance the fuel efficiency simultaneously under practical use conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shin Takahashi, Shunichi Maeda
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Patent number: 8686693Abstract: A system and method for scalable configuration of intelligent energy storage packs are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises providing a first current measurement of a first energy storage cell electrically connected to a first converter circuit, and the first converter circuit controls the charge and discharge of the first energy storage cell. A first voltage measurement of the first energy storage cell is provided. First control signals are received and the first control signals are determined according to a load policy. The first converter circuit transforms a first voltage from the first energy storage cell to a desired first bus contribution voltage according to the first control signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Shibashis Bhowmik, Eric Macris
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Patent number: 8686694Abstract: A discharge circuit for a DC power supply smoothing capacitor that is used in a power conversion device that supplies DC power via a switch to the DC power supply smoothing capacitor and an inverter, includes; a resistor that discharges charge in the capacitor; a switch connected in series with the resistor, that either passes or intercepts discharge current flowing from the capacitor to the resistor; a measurement circuit that measures a terminal voltage of the capacitor; and a control circuit that controls continuity and discontinuity of the switch; wherein the control circuit, after having made the switch continuous and starting discharge of the capacitor by the resistor, if a terminal voltage of the capacitor as measured by the measurement circuit exceeds a voltage decrease characteristic set in advance, makes the switch discontinuous and stops discharge by the resistor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Funaba, Yasuo Noto, Masashige Tsuji
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Patent number: 8686695Abstract: A method for controlling a variable speed wind turbine generator is disclosed. The generator is connected to a power converter comprising switches. The generator comprises a stator and a set of terminals connected to the stator and to the switches of the power converter. The method comprises: determining a stator flux reference value corresponding to a generator power of a desired magnitude, determining an estimated stator flux value corresponding to an actual generator power, determining a difference between the determined stator flux reference value and the estimated stator flux value, and operating said switches in correspondence to the determined stator flux reference value and the estimated stator flux value to adapt at least one stator electrical quantity to obtain said desired generator power magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Anshuman Tripathi, Lars Helle, Allan Holm Jörgensen, Cao Shu Yu, Saurabh Gupta
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Patent number: 8686696Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a power conversion portion including a switching element; a first resistor having one terminal electrically connected to the power conversion portion; a second resistor having one terminal electrically connected to the other terminal of the first resistor; a third resistor having one terminal electrically connected to the other terminal of the first resistor; a constant current supply electrically connected to the other terminal of the third resistor; and a control circuit electrically connected to the other terminal of the third resistor and configured to control the switching element. Resistance R1 of the first resistor, resistance R2 of the second resistor, resistance R3 of the third resistor, a reference current Iref output from the constant current supply, and an output voltage Vout output from the power conversion portion satisfy a following formula: { ( 1 + R 3 R 2 ) · R 1 + R 3 } · I ref > - V out .Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Watanabe
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Patent number: 8686697Abstract: A DC voltage booster apparatus includes a booster coil, a first capacitor, a switching device, and a second capacitor. The booster coil includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the booster coil is connected to a DC power supply source. The second end of the booster coil is connected to a rectifier diode. The first capacitor is connected between the rectifier diode and a ground. The first capacitor includes a smoothing capacitor. The switching device is disposed between the second end of the booster coil and the ground. The second capacitor is connected in parallel with the rectifier diode.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironori Ujike, Minoru Torii
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Patent number: 8686698Abstract: A power converter and method of controlling the same for selected modes of operation. In one embodiment, the power converter includes a first power switch coupled to a source of electrical power and a second power switch coupled to the first power switch and to an output terminal of the power converter. The power converter also includes a controller configured to control an operation of the first and second power switches during selected modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Enpirion, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Dean Lopata, Ashraf W. Lotfi
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Patent number: 8686700Abstract: A boost type power converting apparatus is disclosed. The boost type power converting apparatus includes a boost type power converting circuit and a protection circuit. The boost type power converting circuit receives an input voltage and generates an output signal at an output terminal thereof according to the input voltage, and outputs the output signal to a load. The protection circuit is coupled between the boost type power converting circuit and the load in serial to form an electrical loop, and turns on or off the electrical loop according to the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Beyond Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chiu-Yuan Lin, Chien-Pang Hung
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Patent number: 8686701Abstract: An active wire compensation circuit, adapted to compensate a level of an output voltage detecting signal, is disclosed. A feedback controller controls a converting circuit according to the compensated output voltage detecting signal to have a load voltage for driving a load stabilized at a predetermined voltage level. The active wire compensation circuit comprises a compensating unit and a feedback compensating unit. The compensating unit detects the load current flowing through the load and accordingly generates a compensating current. The feedback compensating unit modulates the level of the output voltage detecting signal according to the compensating current and generates the compensated output voltage detecting signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Analog Vision Technology Inc.Inventor: Ming Chiang Ting
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Patent number: 8686702Abstract: Generated are an error signal representative of a difference between a signal representative of the output voltage of a current mode switching power supply and a reference voltage, and a peak current threshold signal that is indicative of a peak current that should be reached in an inductor within the power supply during each cycle of a periodic clock signal and that has a level that is based on the error signal. A switch control signal regulates the voltage output of the power supply by closing and then opening a power switch during each cycle of the periodic clock signal. Timing of opening is based on the peak current threshold signal. Negative slope compensation causes the switch control circuit to delay opening the power switch during each cycle of the periodic clock signal in an amount that decreases with increasing duty cycles of the switch control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventor: Michael Thomas Engelhardt
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Patent number: 8686703Abstract: The present invention provides a controller used in a switching power supply. The controller comprises an oscillator, a first comparison circuit and a logic circuit. The oscillator generates a slope compensation signal and a clock signal. The first comparison circuit generates a first comparison signal in accordance with a current sensing signal, a feedback signal and the slope compensation signal. The logic circuit generates a control signal to control the main switch based on the clock signal and the first compensation signal. If the on time of the main switch is longer than the predetermined time period, the slope compensation signal will have a first slew rate during the predetermined time period and a second slew rate out of the predetermined time period, wherein the second slew rate is smaller than the first slew rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xiaoyu Xi
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Patent number: 8686704Abstract: A current sense circuit for use with a switching regulator including a first transistor, connected to an inductor, configured to switch a current flowing through the inductor from a power supply; and a second transistor, connected to a node to which the inductor and the first transistor are connected, configured to be turned on during a part of an OFF period of the first transistor. The current sense circuit includes a current generator configured to generate a sense current corresponding to a current flowing through the first transistor; a hold circuit configured to output a voltage corresponding to the sense current during an ON period of the first transistor, and to hold and output the voltage corresponding to the sense current during the OFF period of the first transistor; and an output transistor configured to generate a current corresponding to the voltage output by the hold circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takuya Ishii, Takashi Ryu, Satoshi Wada
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Patent number: 8686705Abstract: A current mode synchronous rectification direct current (DC)/DC converter according to the present invention includes: a soft start function unit (in FIG. 1, a reference voltage generation unit (104) enabling a reference voltage REF to slowly increase while starting), for inhibiting a target value of an output voltage VO to be lower than that at a normal action while starting; and an output stabilization function unit (in FIG. 1, a frequency variable type oscillator (110A) generating a clock signal CLK and a slope voltage SLOPE through an oscillation frequency corresponding to a reference voltage REF), for performing at least one of waiting for start of a switching action and reduction of a drive frequency while starting.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haruo Yamakoshi, Hirotaka Nakabayashi
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Patent number: 8686706Abstract: The present invention relates to reference voltage regulating methods and circuits for a constant current driver. In one embodiment, a method can include: setting a reference voltage circuit matching with a current output channel of a constant current source; setting a first resistor of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal equivalent resistor of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first resistor and the ideal equivalent resistor to be no less than a predetermined value M; setting a first current of the reference voltage circuit to follow an ideal output current of the current output channel, and maintaining a proportion of the first current and the ideal output current to be no less than 1/M; and setting a product of the first current and the first resistor to be a reference voltage of the reference voltage circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) Ltd.Inventor: Shuai Cheng
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Patent number: 8686707Abstract: A voltage regulator with a low quiescent current is provided. The voltage regulator includes a pulse voltage generating unit, a first switch unit, a regulating unit and a power output unit. The pulse voltage generating unit receives an input voltage to provide an intermittent signal with a predetermined period, and output a pulse voltage according to the intermittent signal. The first switch unit is turned on according to the intermittent signal. The regulating unit converts the pulse voltage into a continuous voltage. The power output unit receives the continuous voltage to output a voltage power through a power output terminal. And, the power output unit detects an output current of the power output terminal to adjust current drive capability of the power output unit dynamically. Thus, the pulse voltage generating unit consumes power while the intermittent signal is enabled, so as to achieve the power saving effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: SONIX Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu-Pao Kung, Chih-Ping Chen
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Patent number: 8686708Abstract: A switching circuit includes: a switching section including at least one first terminal, a plurality of second terminals, and a switching element configured to connect the first terminal to one of the second terminals; a driver driving the switching element in accordance with an external terminal switching control signal; a DC-to-DC converter, which supplies electric power to the driver, having a first state with a response to a load transient and a second state with the response to a load transient being slower than the first state; and a power controller controlling the DC-to-DC converter to operate with the first state during a first time period corresponding to change in the external terminal switching control signal, and to operate with the second state during a second time period other than the first time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Toshifumi Ishimori, Mitsuru Sugawara, Toshiki Seshita
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Patent number: 8686709Abstract: Apparatus and associate method including a substrate having a first surface; a lid having a second surface; at least one spacer element interposed between the substrate and the lid so as to maintain the first and second surface spaced apart; a partition with a plurality of nanometric size through-openings interposed between the spacer element and the lid defining a first chamber a second chamber fluidically connected together through at least one of the openings; the substrate has at least one first electrode on the first surface and the lid has a second electrode, the first electrode being configured to detect an electric signal associated to the passage of one of said particles through one of the through-openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Silicon Biosystems S.p.A.Inventors: Marco Tartagni, Michele Rossi, Nicolò Manaresi
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Patent number: 8686710Abstract: The electromagnetic wave driven rotation device provides instrumentation for cataloging environmental anomalies that may occur along the circumferential path of a rotating electromagnetic (EM) wave beam having sufficient RPM that the instantaneous change in radial direction of the beam approaches light speed. Under those conditions, it is hypothesized that environmental anomalies, such as energy spikes, which ultimately can be harnessed as an energy source, may occur along or proximate to the circumferential beam path. Sensors may be disposed along the circumferential path of the rotating beam. Sensor data providing energy readings may be recorded in real time. Any sensor data collected may be analyzed in real time, and also post-processed. Since the wavefront energy is known along the circumference, any energy spikes recorded may be attributed to mass-like sub-measurable elements of space that may have come in contact with the mass-like components of the high speed rotating electromagnetic wave.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Lester D. White
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Patent number: 8686711Abstract: A method for calibrating a high frequency measuring device so as to accurately measure plasma processing parameters within a chamber. A calibration parameter is calculated from a first set of three reference loads measured by a high frequency measurement device. A second calibration parameter is calculated from S parameters measured between a connection point where the high-frequency measuring device is connected and the inside of the chamber of a plasma processing device. A second set of three reference loads, which include the impedance previously calculated and encompass a range narrower than that encompassed by the first set of three reference loads, is measured with the reference loads in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: DAIHEN CorporationInventors: Ryohei Tanaka, Yoshifumi Ibuki
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Patent number: 8686712Abstract: A time-stretched enhanced recording scope (TiSER) is described using time stretch analog-to-digital conversion in a real-time burst mode. A chirped optical signal is modulated in response to receiving segments of an input signal. The optical signal with its modulated input signal, is stretched through an optical medium and digitized to represent the waveform segment. TiSER provides ultra-fast real-time sampling within short segment bursts of the original input signal while providing an ability to detect non-repetitive events. Methods and apparatus are also described for providing real-time information about inter-symbol information (ISI), rapidly determining bit-error rates (BER), performing time-domain reflectometry (TDR), generating eye diagrams for serial data, facilitating digital correction of data, clock recovery, optical carrier phase recovery, and otherwise increasing the speed and/or accuracy of a diverse range of high-speed signal measurement and processing activities.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Shalabh Gupta, Bahram Jalali, Ali Motafakker-Fard
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Patent number: 8686713Abstract: A voltage gradient detector provides notice when a potentially hazardous voltage gradient is present in water, employing at least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes connected to an LED. The electrode spacing is selected such that, when exposed to a sufficiently large voltage gradient, the voltage between the electrodes causes activation of the LED. The LED can provide visual illumination, or can be a part of a switching device such as a photoMOS relay that in turn activates an alarm device such as an audible sounder or a high-intensity light. Sensitivity in multiple directions can be attained by employing a pair of LEDs between the electrodes, and by employing three pairs of electrodes and associated LED pairs, with the pairs of electrodes being spaced apart along substantially orthogonal axes. These pairs may be discrete or may share an electrode in common.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: George S. Cargill, III