Patents Issued in April 9, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150097494
    Abstract: There is provided a display device including a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix shape. A predetermined amount of light emission variation is added to a light emission state of each pixel and a cycle of the light emission state of the pixel array unit in the case of the addition is shorter than the cycle of a light emission state of the pixel array unit before the predetermined amount of light emission variation is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Tsutomu Shimayama
  • Publication number: 20150097495
    Abstract: A method for creating a display lighting presentation is provided. The method includes providing a light sequence definition graphical user interface configured to enable entry of lighting states associated with a lighting sequence to be included in the display lighting presentation, and receiving input via the light sequence publication user interface, the input specifying lighting states to be included in the display lighting presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Moore, Matthew Eliot Neutra, Jesse Flack
  • Publication number: 20150097496
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrically controlling a Iuminaire to alter it s appearance and illumination effects are disclosed. A luminaire (100) having a multiplexing controller controlling one or more LED light sources (110) and one or more electrically switchable optical elements (150). The light sources are switched between at least two illumination states and the optical elements are switched between at least two optical states during an illumination period. The switching sequence is fast enough not to be detected by an observer. As a result the lighting module or luminaire is perceived to have a substantially continuous light output. The multiplexing controller rapidly time sequences the states of light sources and switchable surfaces to produce visual changes to the luminaire and/or objects illuminated by the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Martin John Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150097497
    Abstract: A light emitting device including a drive transistor that generates a drive current IDR of a current amount corresponding to a gate-source voltage IDR, a light emitting element that emits light at a luminance corresponding to the current amount of the drive current, and a control unit that controls the gate-source voltage according to a specified gradation is configured as follows. The gate-source voltage varies within a range between a first voltage value or more and a second voltage value or less. A third voltage value which is a gate-source voltage when a change rate of the drive current with respect to an environmental temperature change is a predetermined value or less is a voltage value out of the range. The first voltage value is a value of the third voltage value or more, and the second voltage value is a value of the third voltage value or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Hitoshi OTA
  • Publication number: 20150097498
    Abstract: A method for moving a stage includes coupling a stage mover to the stage, and directing current to the stage mover with a control system. The stage mover includes a magnet array and a conductor array positioned adjacent to the magnet array. The conductor array includes a first layer of coils and a second layer of coils, with the first layer of coils being closer to the magnet array than the second layer of coils. The control system directs current to the first layer of coils and the second layer of coils independently. Further, the control system directs more current to the first layer of coils than the second layer of coils during a movement step to reduce the power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Neyram Hemati, Michael Binnard
  • Publication number: 20150097499
    Abstract: A control system for a thrust reverser with a movable cowl includes an electromechanical actuator to actuate the movable cowl, an electric drive unit (M) driving the actuator, and a power control unit capable of controlling the electric drive unit (M). The power control unit moves the movable cowl to a closed position and/or to a deployed position. In particular, the control system includes an electronic circuit for electric braking capable of braking the electric drive unit (M), in case of overspeed of the drive unit when the movable cowl is moved to the closed position and/or to the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Hakim MAALIOUNE, Alain Nourrisson
  • Publication number: 20150097500
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric motor (motor) includes providing a processor having an associated memory storing a stator resistance (Rs) estimation (RSE) algorithm that is programmed to implement the RSE algorithm to execute steps including injecting a current waveform at an arbitrary frame of reference into the stator using a field-oriented-control (FOC) motor controller including an Id controller and an Iq controller, and measuring current and voltage values from the motor responsive to the injecting. The measured current and voltage values are then transformed into transformed current and voltage values in a d/q coordinate system. The transformed current and voltage values are low pass filtered to generate filtered d/q current and voltage values, and a value for Rs is estimated from the filtered d/q current and voltage values. The arbitrary frame of reference can be a time-varying frame of reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID PATRICK MAGEE, ANDRÉ VELTMAN, JORGE ZAMBADA
  • Publication number: 20150097501
    Abstract: An electric vehicle power conversion system may include an exclusive discharge circuit for discharging stored charges of a smoothing condenser. The electric vehicle power conversion system may also include a discharge controller for driving a DC/DC converter if a control circuit for controlling the electric vehicle power conversion system detects a fault of an exclusive discharge circuit, such that the stored charges of the smoothing condenser may be supplied to auxiliary devices or a DC auxiliary power supply and be discharged therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Futoshi YAMANE, Masami ISHIKAWA, Mitsutoshi MURAOKA, Taro YOSHIDA, Kenji FURUSAWA, Yoshinari MURAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150097502
    Abstract: A method for estimating a motor parameter in a load commutated inverter arrangement, including the steps of: measuring a motor side ac-voltage; detecting commutation interval information of the measured motor side ac-voltage; estimating a motor parameter based on the detected commutation interval information; and indicating when the estimated motor parameter deviates from a monitoring parameter thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jan Wiik, Edgar Jellum, Trond Haugen, Harald Fretheim
  • Publication number: 20150097503
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an engine portion configured to perform image forming, a direct current (DC) motor configured to mechanically operate the engine portion, a driver including a resistor to measure current that flows to the DC motor according to the measured current and configured to provide a predetermined voltage to the DC motor, and a drive controller configured to measure a driving speed of the DC motor based on a voltage value of the resistor and to control the driver to provide a voltage that corresponds to the measured driving speed to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hak-young KIM, Hyoung-il KIM, Yong-ho YOU
  • Publication number: 20150097504
    Abstract: In a system that receives power from an electric power grid, a variable frequency AC drive has an output connected to an AC electric motor, and an input connected to the power grid. The motor is in 1 connection with a load, and the AC drive includes an active converter having a predetermined maximum apparent power capacity. The converter is coupled to a controller programmed to regulate reactive power generation and consumption of the variable frequency AC drive so that the drive produces reactive power when the converter is utilizing less than its maximum apparent power capacity. This reactive power is fed to the power grid. A device monitors current and voltage in the power grid and calculates power factor, which is then used as a feedback to an external controller that generates a reactive power reference signal intended to control the system's power factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Harold Wells Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Lamascus, Lloyd Wentworth
  • Publication number: 20150097505
    Abstract: A current source inverter device according to an embodiment includes an inverter that supplies AC power to a number n (integer of 1 or greater) of AC motors each having a number m (integer of 2 or greater) of windings per phase; and a controller that controls the inverter and AC motor. The inverter includes a switching unit, in which a number n×m+1 of switching elements per phase are connected in series, and a number n×m of nodes among the switching elements are respectively connected with a number n×m of different windings with the same phase among the windings of the number n of the AC motors. The controller includes a mode selector that selects at least one winding as a supply target of the AC power from the number n×m of the windings based on a rotation speed of the AC motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Tsuneo KUME, Hidenori HARA, Katsutoshi YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20150097506
    Abstract: A three phase step-up autotransformer construction is discussed herein. The passive 12-pulse AC-DC converter offers simplicity, high reliability and low cost solution to AC-DC power conversion. The autotransformer is a component of the passive 12-pulse AC-DC converter. The autotransformer converts three-phase AC power into six-phase AC power. With appropriate vector design, the autotransformer may be configured to draw a near sinusoidal 12-pulse current waveform from the three-phase voltage source. The six-phase output may be configured to drive a rectifier (non-linear) load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: FRANK Z. FENG, MUSTANSIR KHERALUWALA, WALEED M. SAID
  • Publication number: 20150097507
    Abstract: A motor driving apparatus may include a bidirectional converter including an energy storage unit and converting power bidirectionally; an inverter receiving the power from the bidirectional converter and driving a motor; and a power passing unit transferring energy stored in the energy storage unit of the bidirectional converter to the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Tae KIM, Min Sup SONG, Kyeoung Hun PARK
  • Publication number: 20150097508
    Abstract: A method for measuring the displacement of a planar motor rotor. The measuring method comprises: four magnetic induction intensity sensors are distributed on the planar motor rotor; sampled signals of the four distributed sensors are processed to obtain signals Bsx, Bcx, Bsy and Bcy and magnetic field reference values Bksx, Bkcx, Bksy and Bkcy; and X-direction displacement and Y-direction displacement can be measured respectively according to inequalities (I) and (II) by judgments, wherein ?x and ?y are X-direction displacement resolution and Y-direction displacement resolution respectively, and BM is the magnetic induction intensity amplitude of the magnetic field of said planar motor. The method provided by the invention is simple in calculation, can avoid calculation of a transcendental function and solve the quadrant judgment problem, is favorable to real-time high-speed operation and has a high engineering value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Yu Zhu, Jinchun Hu, Dengfeng Xu, Yuting Sun, Wensheng Yin, Ming Zhang, Kaiming Yang, Haihua Mu
  • Publication number: 20150097509
    Abstract: An electric motor control device includes a torque command generation portion that outputs a torque command ?c generated on the basis of a rotation speed R and specifying an output torque, a minimum energization point number generation portion that generates a minimum number of energization points, Nmin, indicating the minimum number of points to be energized in windings of an armature and a field on the basis of the rotation speed R and the torque command ?c, an energization signal generation portion that outputs an energization signal S on the basis of a state quantity M of an electric motor, the minimum number of energization points, Nmin, the torque command ?c, a DC voltage value Vdc, a current value I, and a field position ?, and an energization portion that energizes an armature winding and a field winding according to the energization signal S.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuya HISANO, Ryo NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150097510
    Abstract: A motor driving device includes a control unit which outputs a pre-driving signal to control a motor based on command information of an input target number of rotations and detection information of a number of rotations of the motor, and a motor driving unit which drives the motor based on the pre-driving signal. The control unit includes a speed control circuit which outputs speed command information based on the command information of the target number of rotations and the detection information, a stop control circuit which when an input of the command information of the target number of rotations is stopped, outputs stop command information after a predetermined time elapses from detection of stop of the motor, and a driving signal generation circuit which generates a control signal based on the stop command information and the speed command information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Keiichi KATAYAMA, Tomohiro INOUE, Shuhei NISHI
  • Publication number: 20150097511
    Abstract: A ceiling fan motor with a switch device for controlling rotation speed and direction includes a motor starting capacitor, a multi-stage switch and an AC power source. The motor has a main coil and a secondary coil. The motor starting capacitor is electrically connected between the main and secondary coils. The multi-stage switch includes a common contact, at least one rotation speed contact electrically connected to a second main contact of the main coil, a rotation direction contact electrically connected to a second secondary contact of the secondary coil, and a conductive member having a first conductive end electrically connected to the common contact and a second conducive end electrically connected to the rotation speed or direction contact. The motor starting capacitor cooperates with the multi-stage switch to control rotation speed and direction of the ceiling fan without requiring the use of a rotation direction switch or remoter controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung CHANG
  • Publication number: 20150097512
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle traction battery charge setpoint strategy is disclosed which enables the adjustment of the maximum battery State of Charge (SOC) setpoint used for battery charging from an electric utility grid. Based on knowledge of the upcoming route and related driving behavior, the vehicle calculates a setpoint less than the maximum battery SOC charging setpoint so that when the vehicle begins operation, it can utilize regenerative braking and historical driving behavior to allow the battery charge to be maximized during the trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Johannes Geir Kristinsson, Fling Tseng
  • Publication number: 20150097513
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an accessory device usable with a portable electronic device and an aerosol delivery device. The accessory device may include a case configured to receive the portable electronic device and the aerosol delivery device therein. Further, the accessory device may include an interface that provides an electrical connection and/or a data connection between the aerosol delivery device and the portable electronic device. Thereby, the portable electronic device may charge the aerosol delivery device or vice versa and/or data may be exchanged therebetween. A related method and a computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Liberti, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150097514
    Abstract: A smart mobile power device includes an input interface for electrically connecting an external power supply device; a charging circuit unit electrically connected with the input interface; a control unit electrically connected with the charging circuit unit; an electricity storage unit electrically connected with the charging circuit unit and the control unit; a discharging circuit unit electrically connected with the electricity storage unit and the control unit; and an output interface for electrically connecting a hand-held electronic device. A positive power cord, a negative power cord and at least one data transmission cable are connected between the output interface and the hand-held electronic device. The output interface is electrically connected with the discharging circuit unit. The present invention can be used for charge of an electronic product. The input interface and the output interface adopt the common configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Kun-Jung YANG
  • Publication number: 20150097515
    Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a pressure vessel configured to hold water under pressure, and configured to expand and contract based on the pressure of the held water; a selectable throttle configured to receive water at a first pressure, configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a first setting, and configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a second setting; a control circuit configured to control whether the selectable throttle is at the first setting or at the second setting; and a piezoelectric element attached to the pressure vessel and configured to generate electricity when the pressure vessel expands or contracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Signature Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John PARGAS, Brian J. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20150097516
    Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses involving providing a clock signal. As consistent with one or more embodiments herein, a sawtooth waveform signal is generated in a manner that facilitates low power operation. In some implementations, the sawtooth waveform signal is generated using an oscillator that operates without necessarily employing R-C circuits and/or without rail-to-rail voltage supply, such as via a nonlinear oscillator. The sawtooth waveform signal is used to generate a trapezoidal waveform signal, and a clock signal is generated using the trapeziodal waveform signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Chiahung Su, Madan Mohan Reddy Vemula
  • Publication number: 20150097517
    Abstract: Portable electronic devices comprise a housing having one or more straps attached thereto. The straps include battery cells disposed therein that are operatively connected to the housing. The straps comprise a construction material accommodating a number of the battery cells therein, wherein the battery cells are separated from one another to enable bending of the strap to facilitate wearing the device. The battery cells are operatively connected together in the strap by circuits, cables, or conduits. The straps include an attachment element configured to facilitate mechanically connecting the strap to the housing, which attachment element may also facilitate electrical connection with the housing. The straps may be releasibly attached to the housing to permit removal for recharging, or for replacement with charged straps. The straps may also include one or more accessories otherwise disposed in the housing for further reducing device packaging size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey James Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20150097518
    Abstract: A hybrid battery controller operable to control charging of a hybrid battery comprising at least two types of rechargeable cell, a method of controlling charging of a hybrid battery and a computer program product operable to perform that method. The hybrid battery controller comprises battery characteristic logic operable to determine an optimised charge profile for the at least two types of rechargeable cell; power source characteristic logic operable to assess operational characteristics of a charging power source; and adaptation circuitry operable to adapt the operational characteristics of said charging power source to enable optimised charging of the at least two types of rechargeable cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Peter William Dale Bishop, Paul Gillie, Edward Christopher Oram
  • Publication number: 20150097519
    Abstract: A wireless charger includes a base unit including a base member and a rack mounted at the base member for holding a mobile electronic device, a push-pull unit including a sliding seat mounted in the base member and slidable along a predetermined sliding path and automatically lockable to the base member at an adjusted position, and a power supply unit including a power-supplying coil mounted in the sliding seat and a circuit module mounted in the base member and electrically connected with the power-supplying coil for controlling the power-supplying coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field for enabling a power-receiving coil of a loaded mobile electronic device to take power from the electromagnetic field and to convert it back into electrical current for charging a battery in the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: CyberPower Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ming CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150097520
    Abstract: Power distribution circuitry to improve wireless power distribution and facilitate wireless power transfer (WPT) operations in a wireless communication device under a variety of operating conditions. In various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the power distribution circuitry operates to provide a wireless power (WP) supply voltage to wireless communication circuitry of the device in order enable a WPT connection procedure under certain low power conditions. Such conditions might include a power off mode, a sleep mode, and dead/low battery operating conditions wherein the available battery supply voltage is less than a threshold voltage required to enable device components. The power distribution circuitry may switch the supply voltage of the wireless communication circuitry to another available supply voltage source after the WPT connection procedure is completed and wireless power is being received by the wireless communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming Yu Lin, Lee Song Cher, Khim Leng Low, John Stuart Walley, Domitille Odile Emmeline Esnard-Domerego, Yasantha Nirmal Rajakarunanayake, Angel Arturo Polo
  • Publication number: 20150097521
    Abstract: Provided are an antenna sheet for a non-contact charging device and a charging device using the antenna sheet. The antenna sheet is configured to allow for a high degree of freedom in respect of arrangement of a transmitting side and a receiving side during power charging. The antenna sheet is an antenna sheet for a non-contact charging device, and is usable as a transmitting-side resonator for a transmitting-side device or a receiving-side resonator for a receiving-side device. The antenna sheet comprises: a substrate; and a coil-shaped antenna formed on the substrate, wherein the coil-shaped antenna is configured to function as a pickup coil operable to resonate at a resonant frequency f, when a resonance capacitor is set to have a capacitance C. The resonant frequency (f) is 13.56 MHz, the transmitting-side resonator comprises a resonance capacitor having a capacitance of 1 to 5 pF, and the receiving-side resonator comprises a resonance capacitor having a capacitance of 70 to 100 pF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: HITACHI CHEMICAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Endou, Kazuhito Kobayashi, Masahiko Oota
  • Publication number: 20150097522
    Abstract: The energy conversion system comprises a primary and a secondary modules. The primary module includes input terminals, a primary winding, and a primary capacitor connected to the primary winding and the input terminals. The secondary module includes output terminals, a secondary winding and a secondary capacitor connected to the secondary winding and the output terminals. A current is induced in the secondary winding when the primary and secondary windings are magnetically coupled, the current received between the input terminals flowing through the primary winding. The secondary module comprises a secondary switch electrically connected to the secondary capacitor and the secondary winding, and means for controlling the secondary switch, between a first configuration wherein the current induced in the secondary winding flows up to the output terminals, and a second configuration wherein said induced current flows in a closed loop through the secondary winding and the secondary capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Yann HERRIOT, Dimitrios LADAS, Lionel DORBAIS
  • Publication number: 20150097523
    Abstract: A wireless charger having a support for receiving an electronic device, the support including a base and a retaining element. The retaining element is movable relative to the base for assuming a position depending on the dimensions of the electronic device when it is retained on the support. The charger further includes a wireless energy emitter for wirelessly charging an electronic device retained on the support. The energy emitter is borne by a mechanism mechanically connecting the energy emitter to the base and to the retaining element. The mechanism is laid down so that a displacement of the retaining element relative to the base causes a displacement of the energy emitter relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Omar Ben Abdelaziz
  • Publication number: 20150097524
    Abstract: A vehicle has a control system configured to perform, and a method for controlling a battery in a vehicle includes, the steps of modifying a state of charge of at least some battery cells in the battery, based on: a vehicle idle state, and the battery having at least a predetermined decay rate. The SOC of the at least some battery cells is modified such that the battery has less than the predetermined decay rate after the SOC is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Paik, Satish B. Chikkannanavar, Szushen Ho, Edward Vann Decker
  • Publication number: 20150097525
    Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles connect to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to recharge a traction battery. Existing standards define the signal interface between the vehicle and EVSE including control pilot and proximity detect signals. The vehicle may use the status of these signals to detect when a connection is established with EVSE. The vehicle may indicate a connection when the signals provide conflicting statuses. The vehicle may prevent driving off and permit charging in the event of a proximity detect signal indicating a state of engagement other than connected as long as a valid control pilot signal is present. The status of the control pilot signal may be utilized to prevent drive-off and permit charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • Publication number: 20150097526
    Abstract: A vehicle connected to electric vehicle supply equipment is configured to wake-up an onboard charger based on a pilot signal. A controller is configured to interrupt the pilot signal to prevent the pilot signal from subsequently waking the charger to reduce power consumed by the charger while the vehicle is connected. The interruption may be triggered by a completion of a charge cycle, an extensive charge wait interval, or a charging system condition that prevents charging. The controller may discontinue interruption of the pilot signal in response to a wake-up source other than the pilot signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • Publication number: 20150097527
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, a charger, and two DC-DC converters. A first DC-DC converter is connected between the traction battery and the auxiliary battery through a main contactor. A second DC-DC converter is connected between the charger and the auxiliary battery. The charger is configured to charge the auxiliary battery via the second DC-DC converter when the charger is receiving power. The second DC-DC converter is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the first DC-DC converter is disconnected from the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter can charge the auxiliary battery independent of the charger charging the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter may be configured to generally maximize power conversion efficiency in a range of power outputs associated with charging the auxiliary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • Publication number: 20150097528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for charging a motor-driven device battery (5). Said charging device (2) includes: a first conversion module (3); a second conversion module (4); and a means (6) for controlling the first conversion module (3). The first conversion module (3) is suitable for converting an input AC current into an intermediate current and supplying said intermediate current to the second conversion module (4). The second conversion module (4) is suitable for converting the intermediate current into an output current and supplying said output current to the battery (5). The intermediate current is direct current, and the output current is also direct current. The controlling means (6) is suitable for adjusting the voltage of the intermediate current on the basis of operating parameters of the second conversion module (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Biagini
  • Publication number: 20150097529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for electrically coupling an electrical charging device to the power storage means of a vehicle. The system includes a bar, a protective panel, a flap, a drive means, and a control device for synchronizing the movements of the bar, protective panel, and flap between a stowed position and a position for extending from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Conductix Wampfler France
    Inventor: Gilles Lacour
  • Publication number: 20150097530
    Abstract: And aircraft recharging station is provided for recharging an aircraft provided with a rechargeable battery. The recharging station includes a parking surface with conductive tiles selectively connected to an electrical power supply. The recharging station also includes a controller configured to determine a position of the aircraft on the parking surface by connecting, including being configured to iteratively connect a different pair of tiles to the electrical power supply to provide a circuit including positive and negative tiles connected thereto, and test an electrical circuit condition of the circuit, until a closed circuit condition is determined, thereby indicating that the aircraft is positioned on the positive and negative tiles, and that the battery is thereby rechargeable by the electrical power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: David Scarlatti, David Esteban Campillo, Enrique Casado, Fernando Caballero, Ivan Maza
  • Publication number: 20150097531
    Abstract: A method for controlling an energy storage system coupled to a power grid is disclosed. The method includes providing a processor configured to receive current state information including energy level in the storage system, current energy price information and current load information from the power grid. A scalar piecewise linear value function is iteratively solved using the current state information and generating charge/discharge control information. The charge/discharge control information is transmitted to the energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Warren Powell, Daniel Salas
  • Publication number: 20150097532
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for discharging a power source such as, for example, a battery, includes determining a capacity of the battery and discharging the battery in response to the capacity of the battery being greater than a reference level. In accordance with another embodiment, a circuit suitable for use with a battery includes a power measurement circuit coupled to a discharge indicator circuit, a control circuit, and a load. The discharge indicator circuit is coupled to the control circuit, which is coupled to a switch configured for activating a discharge operation through the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Susumu Yamada, Seiji Takai
  • Publication number: 20150097533
    Abstract: A method for regulating an electrical power source includes the steps of detecting for one or more predetermined conditions associated with a load power of the electrical power source, whereupon the one or more predetermined conditions is detected, acquiring electrical characteristics of the electrical power source to determine a global maximum load power value arranged to approximate a true maximum load power of the electrical power source, and processing the global maximum load power value to determine a local maximum load power value of the electrical power source, wherein the local maximum load power value is arranged to be more accurate in approximating the true maximum load power of the electrical power source when compared with the global maximum load power value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Shu Hung Henry Chung, Shun Cheung Yeung, Walter Marin
  • Publication number: 20150097534
    Abstract: An overshoot reduction circuit within a low dropout voltage regulator eliminates an overshoot at an output terminal resulting from a transient fault condition occurring at an input or output terminal. The overshoot reduction circuit monitors to sense if there is a transient fault condition occurring at the input or output terminal and provides a Miller capacitance at the output terminal of a differential amplifier of the low dropout voltage regulator to prevent the output of the differential amplifier from being discharged to ground during the transient. A control loop circuit balances current within an active load of the differential amplifier to clamp the output of the differential amplifier to its normal operating point. When the transient fault condition ends, the output voltage of the differential amplifier is set such that a pass transistor of the low dropout regulator responds quickly to resume the regulation to reduce or eliminate the overshoot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventor: Ambreesh Bhattad
  • Publication number: 20150097535
    Abstract: In a switched mode inductive DCDC converter having a first mode that conducts a first current path through an inductor and through a first switch, and a second mode that conducts a second current path through the inductor and through a second switch, a detecting component detects a parameter. The detecting component outputs a biasing signal extend the turn OFF time of one of the switches in order to decrease a voltage build up on the other switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Hans Schmeller, Erich Bayer
  • Publication number: 20150097536
    Abstract: An electromechanical energy conversion system includes a variable capacitor, an electronic charging/discharging unit and a power source/sink; the power source/sink being coupled to the electronic charging/discharging unit which is coupled to the variable capacitor; the variable capacitor including first and second electrodes that are separated by an intermediate medium providing a gap distance therebetween; the gap distance being adjustable between a minimal distance and a maximal distance as a function of an externally applied mechanical force; the electronic charging/discharging unit being arranged for charging the variable capacitor from the power source/sink at substantially a state of the variable capacitor when the gap distance is minimal and the area of the elastically deformed body maximal, and for discharging the variable capacitor to the power source/sink at substantially a state of the variable capacitor when the gap distance is maximal and the area of the elastically deformed body minimal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventor: Rick Van Kessel
  • Publication number: 20150097537
    Abstract: A fast transient switching voltage regulator includes a reference signal generator to provide a reference in a feedback path to control switching. The reference signal generator is operative to incorporate a voltage offset into the reference signal timed with the control pulses used to control the switching. The voltage offset moves the reference signal out of the way of pulses introduced in the feedback path due to capacitance ESL in the output capacitor of the switching voltage regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Marko Harry Koski, Visu Vaithiyanathan Swaminathan
  • Publication number: 20150097538
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a feedback system that can control hybrid regulator topologies that have multiple converters or regulators connected in series. The hybrid regulator can include at least two regulators: a switched inductor regulator and a switched-capacitor regulator. The disclosed embodiments of the feedback system can simplify feedback design for the hybrid regulator that can include multiple converter stages. These disclosed embodiments can control the feedback to improve the efficiency of a hybrid regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Hanh-Phuc LE, John CROSSLEY, Alberto PUGGELLI, Wonyoung KIM
  • Publication number: 20150097539
    Abstract: A switching converter having a high-side switching transistor and a low-side switching transistor and an inductor, having a circuit for generating a simulated waveform representing a sawtooth inductor current waveform. A circuit for monitoring and voltage at a switch node between the high-side and low-side transistors to determine a time during which the inductor current is increasing and a time during which the inductor current is decreasing wherein voltage across the low-side transistor when it is conducting represents a first portion of the simulated sawtooth inductor current waveform. A circuit for utilizing the time when the inductor current is increasing, the time when the inductor current is decreasing and the voltage across the low-side transistor when it is conducting to generate a portion of the simulated inductor current waveform when the high-side transistor is conducting. A method and a power supply utilizing this circuit are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Scott E. Ragona, Rengang Chen, David Jauregui
  • Publication number: 20150097540
    Abstract: A low-drop regulator (LDO) apparatus includes an operational amplifier, a buffer stage circuit, and a power transistor. The operational amplifier is used for receiving a reference voltage and a feedback voltage to generate a first voltage. The buffer stage circuit is coupled to the power transistor and the operational amplifier and used for buffering the first voltage to generate a second voltage. The power transistor is coupled to the buffer stage circuit and used for generating an output voltage according to the second voltage wherein the output voltage is proportional to the feedback voltage. In addition, the buffer stage circuit is arranged to determine whether to mirror and generate a mirrored current according to the first voltage and to generate the second voltage for providing the second voltage to the power transistor to control on/off state of the power transistor when the mirrored current is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Silicon Motion Inc.
    Inventor: Chiao-Hsing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150097541
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a linear voltage regulator with improved voltage regulation is disclosed. A linear voltage regulator device with improved voltage regulation that combines good resiliency to noisy ground reference, high Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR), good current load regulation with changes in the current load and good feedback loop stability. The linear voltage regulator comprises of an amplifier, a current source, a pass gate, a current load, a first feedback loop, a second feedback loop, a second amplifier and second pass gate. A second feedback loop is formed to control the bias of the first feedback loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventor: Franck Banag
  • Publication number: 20150097542
    Abstract: A multi-phase DC-to-DC converter is configured to achieve fast transient response and to optimize efficiency over the load range. Phase shedding changes the active number of phases according to output currents. Each phase of the converter has an inductor configured to optimize the efficiency for a range of load currents in which that phase is used. A converter may have 3 phases, the first used only in sleep mode and has a large inductance with low AC losses, the second used in sync mode at low currents and having a lower inductance with low AC losses, the third phase is used in sync mode at high currents and has small inductance with low DC losses. The number of phases is ?2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew Repton, Hidenori Kobayashi, Mark Childs, Jindrich Svorc
  • Publication number: 20150097543
    Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator including a leakage current correction circuit capable of keeping the accuracy of an output voltage of the voltage regulator even when an output voltage of a reference voltage circuit is decreased due to the influence of a leakage current. The voltage regulator includes: a reference voltage circuit configured to output a reference voltage; an output transistor configured to output an output voltage; a voltage divider circuit configured to divide the output voltage to output a feedback voltage; an error amplifier circuit configured to amplify a difference between the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, and output the amplified difference to control a gate of the output transistor; and a leakage current correction circuit connected to an output terminal of the voltage divider circuit. The leakage current correction circuit is configured to decrease the feedback voltage to prevent the output voltage from dropping at high temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Yuji KOBAYASHI, Teruo SUZUKI