Patents Issued in July 15, 2014
  • Patent number: 8779593
    Abstract: Also in a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a copper embedded wiring as a main wiring layer, generally, the uppermost-layer wiring layer is often an aluminum-based pad layer in order to ensure wire bonding characteristics. The aluminum-based pad layer is also generally used as a wiring layer (general intercoupling wiring such as power source wiring or signal wiring). However, such a general intercoupling wiring has a relatively large wiring length. This causes a demerit for the device to be susceptible to damages during a plasma treatment due to the antenna effect, and other demerits. With the present invention, in a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a metal multilayer wiring system having a lower-layer embedded type multilayer wiring layer and an upper-layer non-embedded type aluminum-based pad metal layer, the non-embedded type aluminum-based pad metal layer substantially does not have a power supply ring wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tamotsu Ogata
  • Patent number: 8779594
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device provided with an active element in a multilayer interconnect layer and decreased in a chip area. A second interconnect layer is provided over a first interconnect layer. A first interlayer insulating layer is provided in the first interconnect layer. A semiconductor layer is provided in a second interconnect layer and in contact with the first interlayer insulating layer. A gate insulating film is provided over the semiconductor layer. A gate electrode is provided over the gate insulating film. At least two first vias are provided in the first interconnect layer and in contact by way of upper ends thereof with the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Inoue, Kishou Kaneko, Yoshihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8779595
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including high-frequency interconnect and dummy conductor patterns (second dummy conductor patterns). The dummy conductor patterns are disposed in a interconnect layer different from a interconnect layer in which the high-frequency interconnect is disposed. The dummy conductor patterns are disposed so as to keep away from a region overlapping the high-frequency interconnect in plan view. The semiconductor device further includes dummy conductor patterns (first dummy conductor patterns) in the interconnect layer in which the high-frequency interconnect is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutaka Nakashiba
  • Patent number: 8779596
    Abstract: Disclosed structures and methods inhibit atomic migration and related capacitive-resistive effects between a metallization layer and an insulator layer in a semiconductor structure. One exemplary structure includes an inhibiting layer between an insulator and a metallization layer. The insulator includes a polymer or an insulating oxide compound. And, the inhibiting layer has a compound formed from a reaction between the polymer or insulating oxide compound and a transition metal, a representative metal, or a metalloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Farrar
  • Patent number: 8779597
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a semiconductor chip with a base support structure having a surface and an opposed surface. At least one device structure extends from the surface of the base support structure. A first conductive region is coupled to the base support structure. At least a portion of the first conductive region extends below the opposed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Sang-Yun Lee
  • Patent number: 8779598
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a method of manufacturing integrated circuit (IC) devices. The method includes coupling a first surface of a first intermediate substrate to a first surface of a second intermediate substrate, forming a first plurality of patterned metal layers on a second surface of the first intermediate substrate to form a first substrate and a second plurality of patterned metal layers on a second surface of the second intermediate substrate to form a second substrate, and separating the first and second substrates. Each of the first substrate and the second substrate is configured to facilitate electrical interconnection between a respective IC die and a respective printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Fan Yeung, Raymond (Kwok Cheung) Tsang, Edward Law
  • Patent number: 8779599
    Abstract: A device includes a bottom chip and an active top die bonded to the bottom chip. A dummy die is attached to the bottom chip. The dummy die is electrically insulated from the bottom chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jing-Cheng Lin, Cheng-Lin Huang, Szu Wei Lu, Jui-Pin Hung, Shin-Puu Jeng, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 8779600
    Abstract: A dielectric stack and method of depositing the stack to a substrate using a single step deposition process. The dielectric stack includes a dense layer and a porous layer of the same elemental compound with different compositional atomic percentage, density, and porosity. The stack enhances mechanical modulus strength and enhances oxidation and copper diffusion barrier properties. The dielectric stack has inorganic or hybrid inorganic-organic random three-dimensional covalent bonding throughout the network, which contain different regions of different chemical compositions such as a cap component adjacent to a low-k component of the same type of material but with higher porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Son Van Nguyen, Griselda Bonilla, Alfred Grill, Thomas J. Haigh, Jr., Satyanarayana V. Nitta
  • Patent number: 8779601
    Abstract: An eWLB package for 3D and PoP applications includes a redistribution layer on a support wafer. A semiconductor die is coupled to the redistribution layer, and solder balls are also positioned on the redistribution layer. The die and solder balls are encapsulated in a molding compound layer, which is planarized to expose top portions of the solder balls. A second redistribution layer is formed on the planarized surface of the molding compound layer. A ball grid array can be positioned on the second redistribution layer to couple the semiconductor package to a circuit board, or additional semiconductor dies can be added, each in a respective molding compound layer. The support wafer can act as an interposer, in which case it is processed to form TSVs in electrical contact with the first redistribution layer, and a redistribution layer is formed on the opposite side of the support substrate, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Kah Wee Gan, Yaohuang Huang, Yonggang Jin
  • Patent number: 8779602
    Abstract: There are provided steps of providing a dielectric layer and a wiring layer on a surface of a support to form an intermediate body, removing the support from the intermediate body to obtain a wiring board, and carrying out a roughening treatment over a surface of the support before the intermediate body forming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kentaro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8779603
    Abstract: Provided is a stacked semiconductor device (50) in which a semiconductor package (5) is stacked via connection terminals (8) on a semiconductor package (1), including a heat dissipating member (10) which is disposed between the semiconductor packages (1, 5), is brought into thermal contact with both of the packages (1, 5), and hangs over whole outer peripheral portions of the package (5). Such a structure causes heat generated from the package (5) to be released by heat dissipation into air above the package (5), heat dissipation into the air below the semiconductor package (5), heat transfer via the heat dissipating member (10) and a semiconductor element (3) to a first wiring substrate (2), heat transfer via the connection terminals (8) to the first wiring substrate (2), and heat dissipation via the heat dissipating member (10) into the air, thereby enhancing a temperature reduction effect of the semiconductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8779604
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a device, a conductive pad on the device, and a Ag1-xYx alloy bump over the conductive pad. The Y of the Ag1-xYx bump comprises metals forming complete solid solution with Ag at arbitrary weight percentage, and the X of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump is in a range of from about 0.005 to about 0.25. A difference between one standard deviation and a mean value of a grain size distribution of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump is in a range of from about 0.2 ?m to about 0.4 ?m. An average grain size of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump on a longitudinal cross sectional plane is in a range of from about 0.5 ?m to about 1.5 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chipmos Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Jye Cheng, Tung Bao Lu
  • Patent number: 8779605
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor die includes forming a trench around a conductive stud extending from the first side to a second side of a substrate to expose a portion of the stud and then forming a conductive layer inside the trench and in electrical contact with the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Pratt
  • Patent number: 8779606
    Abstract: A package-on-package (POP) electronic device may include first and second packaging substrates, a solder interconnection providing electrical and mechanical coupling between the first and second packaging substrates, and first and second sealing layers between the first and second packaging substrates. The first and second sealing layers may be respective first and second epoxy sealing layers. Moreover, the second epoxy sealing layer may include a solder flux agent, and the first epoxy sealing layer may have a lower concentration of the solder flux agent than the second epoxy sealing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choongbin Yim, Hae-Jung Yu, Taesung Park
  • Patent number: 8779607
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device includes forming a covering layer having affinity for a filler to be injected into a space between a first base and a second base, on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the first base and the second base, and then injecting the filler into the space between the first base and the second base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ode
  • Patent number: 8779608
    Abstract: A swing system of a construction machine having a power generation function is provided. The construction machine includes a lower driving structure capable of traveling, an upper swing structure mounted on an upper portion of the lower driving structure and provided with a working device, a swing ring gear fixed to the lower driving structure, a swing ring gear cover fixed to the upper swing structure and engaged with the swing ring gear to perform a rotational operation, a permanent magnet installed on one of the swing ring gear and the swing ring gear cover, and an induction coil installed on the other of the swing ring gear and the swing ring gear cover. Induction current is generated in the induction coil in accordance with the rotational operation of the swing ring gear cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Ji Yun Kim
  • Patent number: 8779609
    Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Poisson
  • Patent number: 8779610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind energy system having a support (5), a rotor (6) that is rotatably supported on the support (5) about a rotor axis (7), said rotor having multiple rotor blades (9, 10) and being driven or drivable by means of wind energy (15), an electric generator (16) that is coupled to the rotor (6), said generator being drivable or driven by the rotor (6), a first converter (23) that is electrically coupled to the generator (16), said converter being coupled or capable of being coupled to an electric distribution network (27), at least one electric or partially electric auxiliary system (20), wherein the at least one auxiliary system (20) is or can be electrically coupled to the generator (16) while interconnecting a second converter (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Henning Luetze
  • Patent number: 8779611
    Abstract: Method for operating a pitch-controlled wind turbine, in which a set-point value for the generator torque (M) is prescribed in dependence upon a rotational speed (n) of the generator or of the rotor. A transition point (n3, M3) is provided at which a transition from a partial-load operation to a nominal-load operation occurs. A control of the rotational speed takes place by adjusting the blade pitch angle for a set-point value (M3) from the transition point. The values (n3, M3) of the transition point are determined in dependence upon a current value of the air density. With falling air density, the rotational speed (n3) is increased and/or the set-point value for the generator torque (M3) is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kabatzke, Hermann Rochholz, Jochen Birkemeyer
  • Patent number: 8779613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating energy from ocean wave movement, comprising at least: one vessel (2) having at least one rotor shaft (3) that acts on an electricity generator; at least one tank (5) which is joined and solidly connected to the vessel (2) and which is full of sea water such that it remains at the water line (f); at least one float (1) joined to the vessel (2) by means of a boom (11); and mechanical means for transmitting the movement of the float (1) to the corresponding rotor shaft (3). In addition, the vessel (2) is attached to a float frame (4). A plurality of vessels (2) can be connected to a float frame (4) and/or a plurality of float frames (4) can be connected to one another. Furthermore, one or more tanks (5) can be attached to said float frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Francisco Azpiroz Villar
  • Patent number: 8779614
    Abstract: A technique facilitates powering of devices at a subsea location without requiring routing of hydraulic pressure and/or electric signals through an umbilical from a surface location. A fluid flow, such as an injection chemical fluid flow, is at least partially routed through a flow converter disposed at a subsea location. The flow converter converts energy from the fluid flow to energy used to operate a power generation device. The power generation device may be designed to generate electrical, hydraulic, or other suitable power which is utilized at the subsea location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Yarnold, Jason Gandolfi, Larry W. Phillips, Matt W. Niemeyer, Javier Cascudo
  • Patent number: 8779615
    Abstract: There is provided a maritime current power plant park that includes a plurality of maritime current power plants, where each of the plurality of maritime current power plants has a rotor-like water turbine, an electric generator, and a drive train connecting the electric generator to the rotor-like water turbine. The drive train has bearing components for supporting the rotor-like water turbine. At least two of the plurality of maritime current power plants have differently dimensioned rotor-like water turbines, and the drive train of each of the at least two of the plurality of maritime current power plants is uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Raphael Arlitt, Frank Biskup, Norman Perner
  • Patent number: 8779616
    Abstract: A vertical wind-driven electricity generation device is described, which, in one embodiment, utilizes a segmented Savonius rotor and which is easily handled, transported, assembled and maintained, even by a single person. The blades of the rotor are segmented into a plurality of modest size blade segments, each of which comprises two, low height, helically-curved blade portions. The blade segments are preferably of the same height and diameter. The rotor is mounted on a central vertical shaft connected to a generator. When the plurality of blade segments are installed on the device's central shaft, the overall blade configuration functions as an unitary Savonius rotor. Flow of gas (normally air in the form of wind) causes the rotor to move, turning the shaft and rotating member of the generator to rotate, causing the generator to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Ken Morgan, Michael Slattery
  • Patent number: 8779617
    Abstract: A method for reducing vibrations of a wind turbine includes a plurality of set points characterizing set values of operation parameters of the wind turbine. The method includes measuring an acceleration force value corresponding to acceleration forces acting on the turbine, and determining whether the measured acceleration force value is above a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, in case it is determined that the acceleration force value is above the predetermined threshold value, the set point value of at least one set point of the plurality of set points is modified in order to reduce the vibrations in such a way that a power output of the wind turbine is not reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Per Egedal, Dennis Soebye Jensen
  • Patent number: 8779618
    Abstract: A wind turbine alternator module having an enclosure, turbine and rotor assembly with peripheral magnets and multi-phase stator for the production of energy from air movement. A bi-directional symmetrical vane turbine and rotor assembly is suspended in the enclosure by guide bearings around the periphery to permit operation in all wind conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a polygonal housing with bottom inlets and attached to a roof vent structure to generate power from wind and/or rising heated air. A low temperature heating circuit is used for protection in cold conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a manually portable polygonal housing with storage batteries, charging circuit, inverter circuit, power connectors and ancillary convenience apparatuses such as lighting, radio, tv, and emergency locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel E. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8779619
    Abstract: A wind power installation includes a machine frame and a rotor shaft which extends between a rotor bearing in a front end of the machine frame and a transmission in a rear end of the machine frame. The rotor shaft is carried by a base of the machine frame to provide increased stiffness and safety in operation. The wind power installation further includes a stiffening element which stiffens the base and extends from the base over the rotor shaft to at least partly cover an upper portion of the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Anders Haslund Liingaard, Erik Markussen
  • Patent number: 8779620
    Abstract: The rotary windmill power generator comprises a rotatable member; a plurality of iso-grid panels interconnected in pairs, with each pair forming a panel assembly of two foldable iso-grid panels with one panel assembly connected to the rotatable member at a first end thereof and a corresponding panel assembly connected to the rotatable member at an end opposite the first end, a hollow upright tower; a turbine assembly assembly in engagement with said rotatable member for converting wind energy provided from each iso-grid panel assembly into electrical power and a drive gear assembly connected to each iso-grid panel assembly at each opposite end of the rotatable member for controlling the opening and closing of each iso-grid panel assembly relative one another in synchronism such that when one iso-grid panel assembly is open the opposite iso-grid panel assembly is closed and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Mele
  • Patent number: 8779621
    Abstract: A communication apparatus that performs communication with a communication medium while supplying power to the communication medium includes a communication distance detection unit configured to detect a distance to the communication medium and a transmission power control unit configured to control transmission power of a transmission amplifier in accordance with the detected distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8779622
    Abstract: A customizable energy system for a vehicle includes a plurality of interchangeable energy modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules is an energy storage module configured for storing a first form of energy. The customizable energy system also includes a receptacle defining at least one cavity therein and configured for operatively communicating with the plurality of interchangeable energy modules, wherein the at least one cavity is configured for receiving any one of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules. Each of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules has a substantially similar shape and is interchangeably insertable into and removable from the at least one cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Adam T. Timmons
  • Patent number: 8779623
    Abstract: A photovoltaic array cable bus system can include a cable bus and at least one electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddika Pasi, Kristian Van Derzee
  • Patent number: 8779624
    Abstract: Methods and systems for branch encoding an electric network to identify a direction of power flow in the electric network are provided. Sequential numbers are assigned to a first power source, each one of a plurality of power branches, and each one of a plurality of nodes. A rationalized value indicative of a direction of current flow through a branch is assigned to each branch of the plurality of branches. The rationalized value of each branch is determined as the difference between the numbers assigned to that branch's first connecting node and its second connecting node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sparling, Stuart Gilmour
  • Patent number: 8779625
    Abstract: An apparatus for powering a load from solar energy comprises logic is coupled to the converter to control its conversion rate. A detector is coupled to the converter and detects its power output. The logic is operable to adjust the conversion rate until the solar panel operates at the smaller of a maximum power point of the solar panel and a power point of the solar panel that results in a maximum desired power and second logic adjusts the energy consumption over a period of time as a function of the energy available from the solar panel over a previous same period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Carmanah Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Jason N. Work, Neil D. Wyper, Simon H. Lightbody
  • Patent number: 8779626
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an internal supply rail with over voltage protection using a host power source, an external power source, and a switch configured to receive indications of host and external power source validity. In an example, the switch can be configured to provide the internal supply rail using the host power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates a valid host power source and the external power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates an invalid host power source and the indication of external power source validity indicates a valid external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Maher, Myron J. Miske
  • Patent number: 8779627
    Abstract: A grid tie system includes a plurality of solar panels, a plurality of inverters, wherein each of the inverters is in electrical communication with at least one of the solar panels to convert a direct current to an alternating current, wherein each of the inverters has an active state and an inactive state and at least one of the inverters includes a tracking component to track a maximum power point of at least one of the solar panels, and a controller in communication with at least one of the inverters for selectively toggling the at least one of the inverters between the active state and the inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nextronex, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Gerhardinger, David R. Feltner, Richard L. Ashton, Robert J. Simons
  • Patent number: 8779628
    Abstract: A power integrated circuit includes, in part, a multitude of controllers, a multitude of pulse-width generators, a multitude of output stages and a configuration matrix. Each controller is adapted to be responsive to a feedback signal and a reference signal to generate a control signal carrying pulse width information. Each control signal causes a difference between an associated output voltage feedback signal and the reference signal to be less than a predefined value. Each pulse-width generator is associated with and responsive to a different one of the controllers to generate a pulse-width modulated signal in response. The configuration matrix selectively couples the plurality of pulse-width generators to the output stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Decicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Hakan Ates Gurcan
  • Patent number: 8779629
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for transmitting and receiving wireless energy using meta-material structures having a zero refractive index. The apparatus includes a wireless energy transmission unit and a wireless energy reception unit. When external power is applied thereto, the wireless energy transmission unit generates wireless energy to be wirelessly transmitted, and then wirelessly transmits wireless energy, which is normally propagated radially when the generated wireless energy is transmitted, using a magnetic resonance method while concentrating the wireless energy in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd., Soongsil University Research Consortium Techno-Park
    Inventors: Hyoung Jun Kim, Chul Hun Seo, Eung Ju Kim, Jeong Hoon Kim, Kwang Du Lee, Sang Hoon Hwang, Jung Ho Yoon, Chul Gyun Park
  • Patent number: 8779630
    Abstract: A power generation system for feeding electrical power from a generation unit into a three-phase grid via three AC terminals is disclosed. The system includes a relay arrangement for disconnecting the system from the grid having at least three relays. Each of the three relays includes a control coil and two switching contacts operated by the corresponding control coil. Each of the AC terminals is connectable to the grid via a first and a second switching contact, each of which is assigned to a different one of the relays. Further disclosed are a relay arrangement and an inverter with a relay arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Oliver Prior, Thomas Schroeder, Henrik Wolf
  • Patent number: 8779631
    Abstract: Provided is a switching circuit with high withstand voltage. The switching circuit switches whether two terminals are electrically connected to each other, according to a switching signal input thereto. The switching circuit comprises a first switching section that switches whether the two terminals are electrically connected to each other; a first control section that is electrically insulated from the first switching section and controls the first switching section according to an input current; a second switching section that switches whether the input current is input to the first control section; and a second control section that is electrically insulated from the second switching section and controls the second switching section according to the switching signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Sakai
  • Patent number: 8779632
    Abstract: A solar module includes a plurality of serially connected photovoltaic solar cells and current connections configured to provide solar current generated by the photovoltaic solar cells and configured for connecting the solar module to at least one additional solar module. A mechanical switching contact is connected in parallel with the serially connected solar cells and a pressure actuator is connected to the switching contact. The pressure actuator is configured so as to open the switching contact against the action of a spring element in response to a control pressure above a predetermined threshold and so as to allow closure of the switching contact by action of the spring element in response to a control pressure below the predetermined threshold. The pressure actuator is connected to a control connection for coupling to a control pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Freyermuth
  • Patent number: 8779633
    Abstract: A device includes a load sensor configured to measure a load demand that indicates that a load is operating in an active state or an inactive state. A load switch is configure to selectively supply electric energy to the a load in accordance with a load control signal. A controller in communication with the load switch and the load sensor is configured to compare the load demand to a load threshold, generate the load control signal based at least in part on the load demand relative to the load threshold, and transmit the load control signal to the load switch when the load demand is substantially equal to or greater than the load threshold. The controller is further configured to determine the load threshold based at least in part on the load demand when the load is operating in either the active state or the inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph W. Hodges, John A. Sopuch, Thomas D. Lasky, Richard J. Hodges
  • Patent number: 8779634
    Abstract: A target closing phase determining circuit determines energization flux errors in respective phases and respective closing phases of a first phase, and determines a target closing phase of the first phase so as to minimize an evaluated value related to determined energization flux errors in the respective phases. Each of the energization flux errors is the maximum value of absolute values of center values of transformer fluxes generated in a static state after energization. The target closing phase determining circuit determines the energization flux errors based on residual flux values for the first to third phases of a three-phase power supply, respectively, a pre-arc characteristic and a closing time variation characteristic of a three-phase circuit breaker, a connection condition of windings of a three-phase transformer, to which the three-phase circuit breaker is connected, and voltage phase differences among the phases of the three-phase power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsutada, Takashi Hirai
  • Patent number: 8779635
    Abstract: A reticle positioning apparatus for actinic EUV reticle inspection including a sealed inspection chamber containing a reticle stage for holding a reticle. The reticle stage has a magnetically suspended upper stage with a long travel in a “y” direction and a magnetically suspended lower stage with a long travel in an “x” direction; and a cable stage chamber isolated from the inspection chamber by a cable chamber wall. The cable stage chamber has a cable stage movable in the “y” direction; and a tube connected at one end to the reticle stage and to the cable stage at the other end. The tube passes from the cable stage through the inspection chamber through a seal in the chamber wall and opening into the cable entry chamber for entry of cables and hoses within the cable stage chamber, which cables and hoses pass through the tube to the reticle stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Pradeep Subrahmanyan, Mark Williams, Samir Nayfeh
  • Patent number: 8779636
    Abstract: A linear vibrator is disclosed having a structure capable of generating a large vibratory force with a small size, outputting various types of vibrations in a wide bandwidth, and accurately coupling the magnet, the linear vibrator including: a case providing an inner space; a trembler including a yoke formed with a circular plate-shaped wing unit, a one inner lateral end-closed, cylindrical insertion unit bent from the wing unit to have a stair, an inner magnet coupled by being inserted into the insertion unit, and an external magnet coupled to one surface of the wing unit; an elastic member fixed at one end to the case and fixed at the other end to the trembler; and a stator fixed to the case to vibrate the trembler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngil Park, Kapjin Lee
  • Patent number: 8779637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic actuation method according to which a magnetized mobile (4) is directed by means of at least one magnetic element (2, 2a, 2b) placed opposite said magnetized mobile, characterized in that the preferred direction (or easy axis) of magnetization is made to turn at every point of said element by applying at least one mechanical constraint to said magnetic element(s) (2, 2, 2b), causing anisotropy within said element and thus moving the magnetized mobile in a preferred linear direction or causing the same to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Daniel O'Brien, Jérôme Delamare, Orphée Cugat, Olivier Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 8779638
    Abstract: A retaining sleeve for retaining magnets inserted therein so that the magnets may be overmolded with a polymer pursuant to the manufacture of a rotor for an electric motor. The retaining sleeve comprising a generally cylindrical portion having an inner peripheral surface concentric about a central axis and a plurality of retaining partitions extending inward from the inner peripheral surface of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the retaining partitions are configured to at least substantially limit movement of the magnets toward the central axis upon the magnets being inserted in the retaining sleeve at their respective locations inward of the inner peripheral surface of the retaining sleeve and between retaining partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Burton, Brian Klein
  • Patent number: 8779639
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, includes an input shaft configured to be rotatably connected to an engine, a motor including a rotor and a stator held inside a stator holder, an output shaft arranged coaxially with a rotation axis of the rotor and connected integrally with the rotor, a clutch device selectively engaging the input shaft with the output shaft, and a case supporting the input shaft and the output shaft, accommodating the motor and the clutch device, and including an oil sump for pooling oil, wherein at least one recessed portion is provided on a peripheral wall portion of the case, at a position where the peripheral wall portion is located lower than a level of the oil pooled in the oil sump and where the peripheral wall portion faces the stator holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetaka Isogai, Kazumi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8779640
    Abstract: A Stator arrangement for an electric machine includes a stator having a stator yoke with a plurality of stator slots. Each stator slot accommodates at least two adjacently disposed sets of stator windings and at least one cooling device, wherein the at least one cooling device is disposed between the respective adjacently disposed sets of stator windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mohammad Kimiabeigi
  • Patent number: 8779641
    Abstract: In a busbar unit, which is a distributing device arranged to supply electrical currents to coils, a busbar holder is arranged to support coil connection busbars and sensor connection busbars. Conductor wire connection portions of the coil connection busbars are exposed on both axial sides and welded to a conductor wire defining the coils. The sensor connection busbars are combined with a plurality of electronic components to define a Hall IC circuit designed to output and receive electrical signals to or from Hall ICs. Sensor connection portions of the sensor connection busbars are exposed on both axial sides, and welded to terminals of the Hall ICs. Electronic component connection portions of the sensor connection busbars are exposed on both axial sides, and welded to the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Fujii, Hisashi Fujihara, Kenichiro Hamagishi, Yosuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 8779642
    Abstract: An electric power distribution member for stator is a member for connecting a plurality of coils to one another, each having coil opposing end portions located on an inner circumferential side and on an outer circumferential side in a radial direction of a stator, and it includes a plurality of conductor pieces and a plurality of insulating holding portions. The conductor piece has a first connection end portion in a flat plate shape connected to an inner circumferential side end portion of a coil and a second connection end portion in a flat plate shape connected to an outer circumferential side end portion of another coil. In addition, the insulating holding portion integrally holds adjacent conductor pieces at a distance from each other at a portion other than the opposing connection end portions of each conductor piece. The insulating holding portions are arranged in a manner discrete from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Matsuyama, Yutaka Komatsu, Yasuhiro Endo, Masao Okumura, Takahiro Kayano
  • Patent number: 8779643
    Abstract: A stator includes a stator core and a stator coil comprised of a plurality of electric wires. Each of the electric wires has, at least, first, second, and third in-slot portions and first and second turn portions. The first to third in-slot portions are respectively received in three different slots of the stator core. The first turn portion is located on one axial side of the stator core outside of the slots to connect the first and second in-slot portions. The second turn portion is located on the other axial side of the stator core outside of the slots to connect the second and third in-slot portions. For each of the electric wires, the radial distances of the first to third in-slot portions from the axis of the stator core successively decrease. All of the electric wires are offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the stator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Umeda, Atsuo Ishizuka