Patents Issued in March 8, 2016
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Patent number: 9281748Abstract: Operating a DC-DC converter on a chip that includes: micro-power-switching phases and magnetic material, each phase including: a high-side and low-side switch with control inputs for activating the switch, and an output node; where: the output node of each phase extrudes through the magnetic material to form, in each phase, a toroidal inductor with a single loop coil, and to form, for the plurality of phases, a directly coupled inductor; the output node of each micro-power-switching phase is coupled to a filter and a load; each high-side switch is configured, when activated, to couple a voltage source to the phase's single loop coil; and the low-side switch of each phase is configured, when activated, to couple the phase's single loop coil to a ground voltage and the switches are alternatively activated where no two switches of any phase are activated at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Jamaica L. Barnette, Raymond M. Clemo
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Patent number: 9281749Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a power supply system comprising a plurality of power supplies. Each of the power supplies can include an oscillator system configured to generate a clock signal at a clock node. Each of the power supplies can include an error amplifier configured to generate an error voltage at an error amplifier output node. Each of the power supplies can also include a pulse-width modulation (PWM) generator configured to generate a PWM switching signal based on an error voltage and the clock signal. Each of the power supplies can further include a power stage configured to generate an output voltage based on the PWM switching signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: F. Dong Tan, Kwang M. Yi
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Patent number: 9281750Abstract: A power supply device includes a transformer including primary winding and secondary winding, a sensor configured to sense at least one of output voltage and output current in the power supply device, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller configured to perform PWM switching so that voltage is selectively provided to the primary winding based on one of the sensed output voltage and output current, and a regulator configured to stop PWM switching of the PWM controller and keep the PWM switching in stopped state when at least one of the sensed output voltage and output current exceeds a preset value.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kwan-bin Yim
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Patent number: 9281751Abstract: A voltage control method for a power converter includes: acquiring a current of a first primary side winding of a transformer circuit of the power converter; integrating the acquired current to obtain an average voltage; comparing the average voltage with a reflected voltage associated with a current of a secondary side winding of the transformer circuit; and adjusting a duty cycle of a switch of the power converter based on an obtained comparison result for adjustment of an output voltage of the power converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Chien-Yu Lin, Wei-Lieh Lai, Ya-Jhe Liu, Yu-Kang Lo, Huang-Jen Chiu, Cheng-Ting Lin
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Patent number: 9281752Abstract: A method comprises providing a resonant converter, wherein the resonant converter comprises an input switch network coupled to a power source, wherein the input switch network comprises a plurality of power switches, a resonant tank coupled to the plurality of power switches, a transformer coupled to the resonant tank and an output stage coupled to the transformer, wherein the output stage comprises a synchronous rectifier formed by a first switch and a second switch, detecting a drain voltage of the first switch, comparing the drain voltage with a predetermined voltage threshold, wherein the drain voltage is coupled to a negative input of a comparator and the predetermined voltage threshold is coupled to a positive input of the comparator, generating a logic state based upon an output of the comparator and adjusting, by a control circuit, a switching frequency of the resonant converter based upon the logic state.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dianbo Fu, Heping Dai, Liming Ye, Daoshen Chen
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Patent number: 9281753Abstract: A resonant power converter system includes an output load and a rectifier stage that provides a DC output voltage to the output load from an AC intermediate voltage. The resonant power converter system also includes a resonant inverter stage that provides the AC intermediate voltage from a DC input voltage, wherein an inverter gain is controlled by switching between full-bridge and half-bridge topologies based on an external variable of the resonant power converter system. The resonant power converter system further includes a controller that controls the resonant power converter system. Additionally, a method of operating a power converter includes rectifying an AC intermediate voltage to provide a DC output voltage and providing the AC intermediate voltage by inverting a DC input voltage, wherein an inversion gain of the AC intermediate voltage is controlled by switching between full-bridge and half-bridge inversion topologies based on an external variable.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Raghothama Reddy
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Patent number: 9281754Abstract: An electrical circuit, in particular a circuit used for generating electric power, wherein this circuit comprises a generator with n phases, a converter and a transformer to which a p-phase load can be connected. The converter comprises m partial converters, each of the partial converters is composed of p units and each of these units is provided with n/m switching circuits. The switching circuits of the individual units are connected symmetrical to the generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Ltd.Inventors: Georg Moehlenkamp, Reinhard Wagnitz
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Patent number: 9281755Abstract: An inverter for converting a direct current flowing between two input lines into an alternating current flowing between two output lines includes first and second series circuits each including two switches configured to switch at a high frequency and of an inductance connected between the switches, wherein the two inductances are magnetically coupled. The inverter further includes diodes which lead from opposite sides of the inductances to a first intermediate point and diodes leading from a second intermediate point to the opposite sides of the inductances, and an unfolding circuit which forwards a direct current flowing between the intermediate points and consisting of sine-shaped half-waves to the output lines with a polarity changing half-wave by half-wave.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Mehmet Kazanbas, Christian Noeding, Peter Zacharias
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Patent number: 9281756Abstract: A power flow controller with a fractionally rated back-to-back (BTB) converter is provided. The power flow controller provide dynamic control of both active and reactive power of a power system. The power flow controller inserts a voltage with controllable magnitude and phase between two AC sources at the same frequency; thereby effecting control of active and reactive power flows between the two AC sources. A transformer may be augmented with a fractionally rated bi-directional Back to Back (BTB) converter. The fractionally rated BTB converter comprises a transformer side converter (TSC), a direct-current (DC) link, and a line side converter (LSC). By controlling the switches of the BTB converter, the effective phase angle between the two AC source voltages may be regulated, and the amplitude of the voltage inserted by the power flow controller may be adjusted with respect to the AC source voltages.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: VARENTEC, INC.Inventors: Deepakraj M. Divan, Rajendra Prasad Kandula, Anish Prasai
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Patent number: 9281757Abstract: A voltage conversion device includes: first and second loop circuits having a common inductance element. Electric current alternately flows through the first or second loop circuit as a first switching element of the first loop circuit is turned on or off. A magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned on and that penetrates through the first loop circuit and a magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned off after it is turned on and that penetrates through the second loop circuit have the same direction. All elements that constitute the first and second loop circuits are arranged on the same surface of a substrate. The second loop circuit is connected to a second direct-current power source. The first loop circuit is connected to a first direct-current power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Takayuki Naito, Akihiko Nojima, Takashi Imai, Nobuyuki Ishihara, Junzo Ooe, Koichi Mizutani, Masaru Inada, Kouichi Yamanoue, Shigeki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9281758Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a rectifier module configured to rectify an input voltage and a capacitor including a first terminal coupled to the rectifier module. In addition, the power supply circuit includes first and second transistors. The first transistor couples to a second terminal of the capacitor, and the second transistor couples in series to the first transistor. The power supply circuit also includes a resistor, configured to set an inrush current value, in parallel with the second transistor. When coupled to a power supply, the power supply circuit is configured to turn-on the first transistor such that an inrush current flows, at the inrush current value, through the capacitor, first transistor, and resistor. After a delay time, the power supply circuit is configured to turn-on the second transistor such that the inrush current drops to around zero, thus maintaining a low impedance path during steady-state operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Lei Wang, Mehran Mirjafari, Ashish Razdan
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Patent number: 9281759Abstract: A power converting apparatus and a photovoltaic module are discussed. The power converting apparatus includes a converter including a tapped inductor and a first switch, the converter converting a level of an input direct current (DC) voltage and outputting the level-converted DC voltage, and an inverter including a plurality of switches, the inverter converting the level-converted DC voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter operates separately in a first switching mode where the inverter performs a switching operation at a first frequency for a first period of the converted AC voltage and a second switching mode where the inverter performs a switching operation at a second frequency for a second period of the converted AC voltage, the second frequency being lower than the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kiok Lee, Eonjoo Hwang, Myonghwan Kim
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Patent number: 9281760Abstract: A first pair including a highest-outer-side switching element and a switching element that operates as a neutral clamp diode on a higher potential side, a second pair including a lowest-outer-side switching element and a switching element that operates as a neutral clamp diode on a lower potential side, and a third pair including a higher-inner-side switching element and a lower-inner-side switching element are respectively configured from power modules that are two-element-inclusive power modules, a power conversion circuit portion being configured from the first pair, the second pair, and the third pair.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Tomohiro Kobayashi, Yukio Nakashima, Hideo Okayama
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Patent number: 9281761Abstract: A control scheme for reducing current imbalance between parallel bridge circuits in a power converter system is provided. The power converter can include a plurality of bridge circuits coupled in parallel to increase the output power capability of the power system. The parallel bridge circuits can be controlled pursuant to a control scheme for reducing current imbalance between the parallel bridge circuits. In particular, a pulse test can be performed in which a pulse is applied to each of the plurality of bridge circuits. The switch timing of the switching elements responsive to the pulse can be measured and analyzed to determine a timing difference adjustment for one or more of the switching elements of the plurality of bridge circuits. The timing difference adjustment can be stored and used to adjust all subsequent switching events in the parallel bridge circuits.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, David Smith
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Patent number: 9281762Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for coupling a direct current (DC) pre-charging circuit to a motor drive. In one embodiment, an industrial automation device may include an enclosed module that may include a pre-charge circuit. The pre-charge circuit may pre-charge a direct current (DC) bus. Further, the DC bus may couple to an inverter. The enclosed module may also include a power input that may couple the pre-charge circuit to a DC power source and an electrical output structure that may couple the pre-charge circuit to the inverter. Additionally, the pre-charge circuit may be removeably coupled to the inverter and the DC power source via a sliding action of the enclosed module.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Jon Keegan, Yogesh Patel, Bruce William Weiss, James Allen Carter
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Patent number: 9281763Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes: a plurality of actuators arranged into a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; a plurality of row conductors corresponding to the plurality of rows; a plurality of column conductors corresponding to the plurality of columns; and a controller configured to select at least one of the actuators in a row by raising a voltage on the corresponding row conductor to couple each selected actuator to its corresponding column conductor.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMSInventor: Roman C. Gutierrez
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Patent number: 9281764Abstract: An energy harvester device located into an in-ear device and harvesting energy from dynamic motion of the wall of the outer ear canal receiving the in-ear device therein, with an external sheath of the in-ear device generally assuming the contour of the ear canal wall. The energy harvester device has an energy harvesting module mounting on an inner portion of the in-ear device adjacent the external sheath, and is at least partially elastically deformable under a displacement of the ear canal wall to generate energy corresponding to the displacement of the wall. An energy storage module mounts onto the in-ear device and connects to the energy harvesting module to receive energy there from and supplying the stored energy to an electronic device of the in-ear device. The in-ear device having the energy harvester device therein is also part of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: Aidin Delnavaz, Jérémie Voix
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Patent number: 9281765Abstract: A motor deceleration method for a motor driving system is provided. The motor driving system outputs a driving signal containing a voltage value, a current value and a frequency value for driving a motor. When a deceleration of the motor is launched, the descent speeds of the voltage value and the frequency value are controlled according to a preset deceleration time period. Then, a voltage compensation value is generated according to a result of comparing the current value with a preset current level, and the voltage value is increased according to the voltage compensation value, so that the current value is increased to the preset current level. According to a frequency compensation value, the current value is increased to and maintained at the preset current level. Finally, the rotating speed of the motor is gradually decreased to a preset speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Cheng-Te Chen, Chien-Yu Chi, Ting-Chung Hsieh
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Patent number: 9281766Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzing apparatus including a first drive part (71) for rotating a turntable (101) on which an analyzing device is set, a second drive part (72) selectively engaged with the first drive part (71) to reciprocate the analyzing device, and a third drive part (73) for relatively moving the first drive part (71) and the second drive part (72) a position where the first and second drive parts are engaged with each other and a position where the first and second drive parts are not engaged with each other. Thus in the mixing and agitation of a small amount of fluid, necessary acceleration can be obtained even in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Nakanishi, Masahito Shiraishi, Tsugio Wakita
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Patent number: 9281767Abstract: Disclosed herein is a motor driving apparatus including: an actuator for converting electric energy into rotary motion; a monitoring unit for monitoring a state of the actuator; a control unit for generating a control signal based on an output voltage of the monitoring unit; and a driving signal generation unit for generating a driving signal for the actuator based on the control signal. The control unit may determine whether the monitoring unit normally operates, based on an output voltage of the monitoring unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Kyu Yeong Je
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Patent number: 9281768Abstract: A method for synchronizing a rotation speed of a permanently excited rotor of an electric motor with a frequency of a rotation field of a sensorless commutated stator of the electric motor during a run-up procedure of the electric motor includes determining a phase position of the rotation field and a phase position of a countervoltage that is induced by the rotor in the stator in order to obtain a phase offset between the rotation field and the countervoltage. The method further includes adjusting a prevailing amplitude of one component of the rotation field using the phase offset to synchronize the rotation speed with the frequency. The amplitude of the component is increased if the rotor is lagging behind the rotation field or the amplitude of the component is reduced if the rotor is running ahead of the rotation field.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Matthias Schneider, Tibor Takacs, Andras Mersich
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Patent number: 9281769Abstract: A motor control circuit and associated techniques can drive an electric motor in a start-up mode of operation followed by a normal mode of operation. The motor control circuit and techniques can receive a selection signal provided by a user that can select one of a plurality of sets of parameter values that determine characteristics of drive signals applied to the motor during the start-up mode of operation. The motor control circuit and associated techniques can synchronize operation between the start-up mode of operation and the normal mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLCInventors: Timothy Reynolds, Chengyi Jin
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Patent number: 9281770Abstract: Cordless power tools include a pistol housing having an upper portion that merges into a downwardly extending handle, a DC motor residing in the upper portion of the housing, the DC motor having a rotor that drives an output shaft; a torque transducer on board the tool in communication with the output shaft; and a dynamic motor control circuit residing in the housing in communication with the motor and torque transducer. The dynamic motor control circuit includes a Kelvin resistor in communication with the motor for measuring motor current and digital hall switches in communication with the motor for measuring motor speed. The motor current can vary by at least 100 A during operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Michael R. Wood, William M. Ball, Jr., Christopher John Taylor
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Patent number: 9281771Abstract: A drive controller includes a stepping motor capable of performing micro-step drive of a predetermined number of divisions by using an excitation current having a sine waveform, and a control unit configured to calculate a first drive pulse of the stepping motor to perform the micro-step drive, and the control unit is configured to change the first drive pulse to a second drive pulse depending on a ratio of a step phase of a predetermined phase region included in a range of the micro-step drive when performing the micro-step drive with the first drive pulse in a wobbling operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Koji Sato
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Patent number: 9281772Abstract: A controller for a power converter detects a current output from the power converter, estimates a flux vector of the motor, and calculates a torque line in a physical model resulting from mathematizing a circuit equivalent to the motor, based on the estimated flux vector. The torque line indicates a line for obtaining a desired torque in a subsequent control period. The controller calculates a stator flux command value in accordance with a loss, calculates a voltage command value based on the torque line and the stator flux command value, and controls an output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignees: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation, Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Yukai Wang, Takumi Ito, Robert D. Lorenz
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Patent number: 9281773Abstract: A position sensorless step-wise freewheeling control method for a switched reluctance motor having dual switched-mode power converters for each phase doesn't require any additional external hardware, any rotor-position sensor, or storage of flux linkage data of the motor. After the upper and lower tubes of the main switch are switched off, and the phase of the switched reluctance motor enters into a negative voltage forced freewheeling state, the phase current is detected. When the phase current falls to a preset threshold, one of the upper or lower tubes is switched on and the phase enters into a zero voltage natural freewheeling state. When the phase current reaches a peak value, the rotor position becomes the start position of the minimum phase inductance and the rotor position is used as the switch-on position of the main switch. The upper and lower tubes are then switched on.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: China University of Mining and TechnologyInventors: Hao Chen, Hui Zeng
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Patent number: 9281774Abstract: A motor control system includes: a power supply; a converter; an inverter; an alternating-current motor; and a control unit that drives the motor in any one of sinusoidal PWM control, overmodulation control and rectangular wave control through operation control of the converter and the inverter. The control unit starts step-up operation of the converter when a current vector of motor current of the motor on a d-q coordinate plane becomes a current phase corresponding to motor torque, at which a system loss is equal between before and after starting the step-up operation, while the control unit supplies the direct-current voltage, supplied from the power supply, to the inverter without stepping up the direct-current voltage by the converter and performs the rectangular wave control of the motor in a state where the current phase is an optimal current phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Yamada, Yasuhiro Nakai
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Patent number: 9281775Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (1), for example swing tensioners (1), bracing elements, machine vises or block cylinders, with a movable clamping element (2) for clamping a workpiece with a defined clamping force, and with an electric motor (10) for mechanically driving the clamping element (2), also with a control unit that controls the electric motor (10). The invention provides that the control unit detects an electrical operating parameter of the electric motor (10) as a measure of the clamping force. The contact of the clamping element with the workpiece is detected in this manner. Subsequently, the electric motor (10) is then driven further by a defined number of revolutions, the number of revolutions after contact with the workpiece defining the clamping force. The invention further comprises a corresponding control method.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ludwig Ehrhardt GmbHInventors: Harald Kroell, Stefan Woerner, Nikolaus Heidt
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Patent number: 9281776Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a power-conversion circuit unit that includes at least two voltage-type bridge circuits of an upper and lower arm configuration including switching elements connected in series, each of the switching elements including a transistor and a free wheel diode connected to the transistor in inverse parallel. Each of the voltage-type bridge circuits is configured to include, as the free wheel diodes: a SiC-SBD (SiC-Schottky-Barrier Diodes) in both upper and lower arms; a SiC-SBD only in the upper arm; a SiC-SBD only in the lower arm; or a diode other than the SiC-SBD in both the upper and lower arms; and the power-conversion circuit unit is configured by combining at least two configurations among the four configurations for the voltage-type bridge circuits.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yuji Nojiri, Masanori Kato, Akira Imanaka, Masaya Harakawa
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Patent number: 9281777Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus for selectively positioning a solar panel contained thereon comprises forward and rearward legs securable to the ground or an affixed structure. One or more solar panels is supported by a rack having an end pivotally attachable to the forward leg. First and second arms pivotally connected to one another pivotally attach to the forward leg and the rack permitting the rack to be positionable relative the forward leg. A locking mechanism locks the first arm and the second arm at a selected angle relative to one another, whereupon securing the rearward and the forward leg to the ground or an affixed structure the rack is pivotal to position the solar panel. Upon positioning the rack to place the solar panel at a selected position, the locking mechanism is engaged to retain the solar panel at the selected position.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Charles B. Borgstrom
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Patent number: 9281778Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly comprises a flexible body including at least one top member and a flexible angled bottom member connected to the top member. The flexible body defines a beam insertion aperture between the top member and the bottom member. The mounting bracket assembly further comprises at least one clamp attached to the top member. The mounting bracket assembly may further comprise a threaded rod running through the at least one top member and a clamping nut securing the threaded rod to the top member such that rotating the clamping nut compresses the top member and grounds an electricity generating device such as a photovoltaic module. The mounting bracket assembly may further comprise an integral grounding device disposed adjacent the top member to electrically ground the electricity generating device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Array Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald P. Corio, John N. Williamson, Kaleb W. McLane
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Patent number: 9281779Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a design structure and method for compensating for a change in frequency of oscillation (FOO) of an LC-tank VCO that includes a first node; second node; inductor; first capacitive network (FCN) that allows the design structure to obtain a target FOO; compensating capacitive (CCN) network that compensates for a change in the design structure's FOO; second capacitive network (SCN) that allows the design structure to obtain a desired FOO; a filter that supplies a voltage to the SCN and is coupled to the SCN; a transconductor that compensates for a change in the design structure's FOO; and a sub-circuit coupled to the SCN that generates and supplies voltage to the CCN sufficient to allow the CCN to compensate for a reduction in the design structure's FOO. The first and second nodes are coupled to the inductor, FCN, CCN, SCN, and sub-circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.Inventors: Herschel A. Ainspan, Ram Kelkar, Anjali R. Malladi, Ramana M. Malladi
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Patent number: 9281780Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device that suppresses stress-induced resistance value changes. The semiconductor device includes a resistance correction circuit. The resistance correction circuit includes a first resistor whose stress-resistance value relationship is a first relationship, a second resistor whose stress-resistance value relationship is a second relationship, and a correction section that controls the resistance value of a correction target resistor. The correction section detects the difference between the resistance value of the first resistor and the resistance value of the second resistor and corrects, in accordance with the result of detection, the resistance value of the correction target resistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Kosuke Yayama, Takashi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9281781Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes: first and second external terminals that are connected to respective both ends of an piezoelectric vibrator, in which the piezoelectric vibrator is externally disposed; an inverting amplifier that is disposed between the first and second external terminals; a feedback resistance that feeds back an output of the inverting amplifier to an input of the inverting amplifier; a first capacitative element that is disposed between the first external terminal and a reference voltage terminal; a first resistive element that is disposed in series with the first capacitative element; a second capacitative element that is disposed between the second external terminal and the reference voltage terminal; and a second resistive element that is disposed in series with the second capacitative element.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Ozawa, Soshiro Nishioka
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Patent number: 9281782Abstract: The switching frequency in an envelope amplifier is set below that of a transmission RF signal. A transmitter according to the present invention includes a transmission amplifier (3) that amplifies an input signal and generates an output signal, a voltage control amplifier (6) that controls a power supply voltage of the transmission amplifier (3), and an envelope calculation unit (4) that calculates an approximate envelope signal that is an envelope signal of the input signal and is sampled at a lower frequency than the input signal. The voltage control amplifier (6) controls the power supply voltage of the transmission amplifier (3) based on the approximate envelope signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventor: Hiromi Ajima
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Patent number: 9281783Abstract: A power supply system includes a high-speed power supply providing a first output, operating in conjunction with an externally supplied DC source or low frequency power supply which provides a second output. A frequency blocking power combiner circuit combines the first and second outputs to generate a third output in order to drive a load, while providing frequency-selective isolation between the first and second outputs. A feedback circuit coupled to the combined, third output compares this combined, third output with a predetermined control signal and generates a control signal for controlling the high-speed power supply, based on a difference between the third output and the predetermined control signal. The feedback circuit does not control the DC source or the low frequency power supply, but controls only the high-speed power supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: QUANTANCE, INC.Inventors: Serge Francois Drogi, Martin Tomasz
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Patent number: 9281784Abstract: A preamplifier includes a differential pair of transistors receiving a bias current having a differential input and a differential output, a first resistor coupled to a first differential output node, a first transistor having a current path coupled between the first resistor and a power supply, a second resistor coupled to the first differential output node, a second transistor having a current path coupled between the second resistor and the power supply, a third resistor coupled to a second differential output node, a third transistor having a current path coupled between the third resistor and the power supply, a fourth resistor coupled to the second differential output node, and a fourth transistor having a current path coupled between the fourth resistor and the power supply, wherein a source of the second and third transistors are coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Aeroflex Colorado Springs Inc.Inventors: Alfio Zanchi, Shinichi Hisano
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Patent number: 9281785Abstract: A differential cross-coupled common-source or common-emitter low-noise amplifier having capacitive degeneration is disclosed. Further, a radio receiver comprising such a low-noise amplifier is disclosed. Further, a method of controlling switched capacitive networks of an amplifier is disclosed. The method comprises controlling capacitances of the switched degeneration capacitor networks and/or the switched cross-coupling capacitor networks. Further, a computer program for implementing the method is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Henrik Sjöland
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Patent number: 9281786Abstract: An amplifier circuit with an input power detector and a related method are described. With the input power detector and related control network, the arrangement enables and/or disables a number of unit cells in power amplifiers.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Peregrine Semiconductor CorporationInventor: David Kovac
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Patent number: 9281787Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a low-noise amplifier (LNA) having a balun configuration. The LNA includes a DC current path coupling a first DC supply node to a second DC supply node. First and second output nodes and first and second input nodes are spaced apart along a length of the DC current path. A single-ended radio frequency (RF) input terminal is configured to deliver a single-ended RF signal to the first and second input nodes. A differential RF output terminal is made up of the first and second output nodes. The first and second output nodes are configured to cooperatively establish a differential output signal based on the single-ended RF signal. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Intel Deutschland GmbHInventor: Vadim Issakov
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Patent number: 9281788Abstract: Power efficiency is an important design requirement of power amplifiers. To improve power efficiency, a solution proposed in this present disclosure includes an all-digital zero-voltage switching apparatus for directly driving a switching power amplifier through a desired current pulse shape. The apparatus includes a digital engine and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The digital engine processes baseband data and generates a digital output. The digital output of the digital engine drives the DAC to generate a digitally controlled current output having that desired current pulse shape. The digitally controlled current output is used to directly drive the switch power amplifier to improve power efficiency. The digitally controlled current output comprising digitally generated current pulses is controlled accurately by the digital engine and the DAC, and thus allows the switching power amplifier to operate optimally with higher power efficiency than conventional power amplifiers.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Bernd Schafferer, Bing Zhao
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Patent number: 9281789Abstract: This invention generally relates to the technical field of integrated circuits. More specifically the invention relates to output stages for providing an output signal, into which an integrated circuit may be used. An aspect relates to an integrated circuit capable of driving an external class-B output stage in a manner that allows providing a continuous output signal over the full range of desired outputs. The integrated circuit may comprise a class-AB output stage working in conjunction with the class-B output stage so as to provide a hybrid output stage. The integrated circuit may prevent dead band problems commonly faced when employing a class-B output stage. The integrated circuit may also reduce the quiescent current of the hybrid output stage. This may have further advantages, such as for example, the output stage producing less heat/power than needs to be dissipated.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbHInventors: Martijn F. Snoeij, Mikhail V. Ivanov
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Patent number: 9281790Abstract: An amplifier circuit has a plurality of amplifiers configured to be connected in series, and each of the plurality of amplifiers has an amplifying element configured to non-inverting amplify a signal and a phase adjustment element configured to be connected to an output terminal of the amplifying element and to adjust a phase of the signal, wherein the amplifying element is subjected to negative feedback, and wherein a stability coefficient of a circuit in which the amplifying elements of the number the same as the number of the plurality of amplifiers are connected in series is less than 1.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Masaru Sato
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Patent number: 9281791Abstract: In a harmonic adding device, an input/output function part converts a digital sound signal having an input signal level into a digital sound signal having an output signal level determined according to a input/output function and the input signal level. A parameter storage unit stores at least one inflection point. A controller sets the inflection point to the input/output function to enable the input/output function part to add harmonics to the digital sound signal. The input/output function is defined between a positive maximum point and a negative maximum point. The inflection point is set between the positive maximum point and the negative maximum point. The positive maximum point, the inflection point and the negative maximum point are sequentially connected by linear interpolation to formulate the input/output function.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Takehiko Kawahara
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Patent number: 9281792Abstract: An RFVGA variably controls a gain according to an RFVGA gain control signal and amplifies and outputs a reception signal. A low-pass filter filters a signal output from a frequency converter. An OFDM demodulator generates a digital signal based on an output signal from the low-pass filter. A power detection evaluation circuit controls the RFVGA gain control signal based on a voltage value (DET0) of the RFVGA gain control signal or a voltage value (DET1) of the output signal from the RFVGA, and a voltage value (DET3) of an output signal from the low-pass filter and a voltage value (DET2) of an intermediate node of the low-pass filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Naohiro Matsui
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Patent number: 9281793Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for determining tones and/or volumes based on color information associated with an image file. Some embodiments provide for generating tones as background chords, automatically in an auto-play mode, and/or manually (e.g., based on a user touching a touch screen).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: uSOUNDit Partners, LLCInventors: Jean Cheever, Tom Polum, Tamra Hayden-Rice
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Patent number: 9281794Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing an audio signal and setting a peak signal threshold to a level that is determined to be safe, particularly for children or listeners with sensitive hearing. In various embodiments, a method comprises adjusting a gain of the signal based upon a received profile value minus a safety parameter, filtering the signal with a low shelf filter and/or high shelf filter, passing the signal through a first compressor that sets a peak threshold based upon the profile value minus the safety parameter, filtering the signal again with a low shelf filter and/or high shelf filter, processing the signal with a graphic equalizer, passing the signal through a second compressor that sets a peak threshold based upon the profile minus the safety parameter, and outputting the signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Bongiovi Acoustics LLC.Inventors: Anthony Bongiovi, Phillip Fuller, Glenn Zelniker
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Patent number: 9281795Abstract: An acoustic signal's high frequency component extracted by an HPF 13 is multiplied in a multiplier 16 by the first coefficient to control the level of the high frequency component. The first coefficient is generated by a coefficient generation portion 21 in accordance with the full band level of an output signal. A low frequency component extracted by an LPF 15 is multiplied in a multiplier 17 by the second coefficient to control the level of the low frequency component. The second coefficient is generated by a coefficient generation portion 24 in accordance with the level of the output signal's low frequency component extracted by an LP filter 22. The level control of the low frequency component of the output signal and the level control of the high frequency component of the output signal are done separately, resulting in the loudness control which is suitable for the characteristic of the acoustic signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Mitsutaka Gotoh, Mizuyuki Shirai, Yuji Yamashita
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Patent number: 9281796Abstract: A two-stage, passive, RC polyphase filter for mm-wave quadrature LO generation is presented. The filter features an innovative, symmetrical layout structure, which is more robust to parasitics than the conventional layout. Layout parasitics which become important at mm-wave frequencies are identified and a compensated. Impedance variations and transfer functions are evaluated considering these dominant parasitics. More than 15 dB improvement in image rejection ratio is achieved in comparison with conventional layouts. Using the inventive techniques more than 35 dB of image rejection ratio over a bandwidth of 6 GHz is demonstrated in an outphasing transmitter at 60 GHz in 40 nm CMOS.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ST-ERICSSON SAInventors: Patrick Reynaert, Shailesh Kulkarni, Dixian Zhao
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Patent number: 9281797Abstract: A high-frequency device includes a substrate including a plurality of layers that are stacked on top of one another and that include dielectric and magnetic layers, terminals, pattern conductors each formed on one layer, and via conductors each extending through one layer. The pattern conductors and via conductors connect the terminals and form a signal line that transmits a high-frequency signal. A first portion of the signal line includes a via conductor extending through one magnetic layer and/or a pattern conductor sandwiched between two magnetic layers and has a predetermined resistance to the high-frequency signal. A second portion of the signal line includes a capacitor formed of two pattern electrodes with at least one dielectric layer and no magnetic layers sandwiched there between and/or an inductor including a pattern conductor formed on a dielectric layer. The high-frequency device has an impedance to the high-frequency signal at the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Hirokazu Yazaki