Patents Issued in December 19, 2017
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Patent number: 9847614Abstract: A receptacle connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals fastened to the insulating housing, and a shielding element surrounding the insulating housing. The insulating housing has at least one docking surface. A portion of the at least one docking surface protrudes outward to form a protruding portion. Front ends of the conductive terminals are exposed to a front of the at least one docking surface. At least one portion of a front surface of the base body protrudes frontward to form at least one sealing board. A front end of the at least one sealing board opens a locking groove. The at least one sealing board is attached to a substantial middle of the insulating housing. The protruding portion is received in the locking groove and seals up the front end of the at least one sealing board. The protruding portion helps to reduce metal chips from being produced during interconnection of the receptacle connector with a plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yun Wu, Kai-Hsiang Chang
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Patent number: 9847615Abstract: A method and an arrangement of spectrally broadening laser pulses for non-linear pulse compression is disclosed which is based on the transition from the spectral broadening in a waveguide to the spectral broadening in a suitably shaped lens conductor. The arrangement is non-sensitive with respect to the variations of the pulse power, the position and parameters of the laser beam. The spectrally broadened pulses can be compressed in a satisfactory manner and the quality of the laser beam maintained by dividing the non-linear phase required for spectral broadening into sufficiently smaller steps which can be separated without non-linearity by suitable prorogation. The limitation of the pulse powers to less than the critical power of dielectrics is thus overcome and a pulse energy range for which the spectral broadening in the glass fibers cannot be used, is developed. The arrangement can compress pulses having a large average power.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: FAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V., MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.Inventors: Peter Russbueldt, Johannes Weitenberg, Andreas Vernaleken, Thomas Sartorius, Jan Schulte
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Patent number: 9847616Abstract: Apparatus and method for the amplification of a laser beam by pumping a homogenous composite source beam through an amplification medium. A slab crystalline active medium is side-pumped via a pump module having a laser diode bar and an optical assembly. The optical assembly has a fast axis collimator and a lens in the fast axis and an array of slow axis collimators and the lens in the slow axis. The lenses are spaced so that the individual source beams from the emitters are: imaged upon a first facet of the amplification medium; have a beam waist at or near the first facet; are sized to fill the first facet; substantially overlap on the first facet; and are directed so that peripheral source beams undergo total internal reflection on entering the amplification medium. Embodiments of multiple laser diode bars and optical assemblies are described together with double side pumping arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ROFIN-SINAR UK LTD.Inventors: Howard John Baker, Jason Robert Lee, Benjamin Stuart Fulford, David James Lewis Birkin
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Patent number: 9847617Abstract: A laser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pump laser outputting laser light, and a laser resonator including a laser crystal and an acoustic optical modulator and resonating the laser light output from the pump laser, wherein the pump laser is a Nd:YAG, and the laser crystal is Ti:Sapphire.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: UNIST(ULSAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)Inventors: Sung Chul Bae, Timothy Kwan Mo Yang
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Patent number: 9847618Abstract: A laser apparatus may include a beam splitter configured to split a pulse laser beam into a first beam path and a second beam path, an optical sensor provided in the first beam path, an amplifier including an amplification region provided in the second beam path and being configured to amplify and emit the pulse laser beam incident thereon along the second beam path, a wavefront controller provided in the second beam path between the beam splitter and the amplifier, and a processor configured to receive an output signal from the optical sensor and transmit a control signal to the wavefront controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.Inventors: Seiji Nogiwa, Osamu Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 9847619Abstract: A structured light generation device includes at least two laser diode structured light modules. The at least two laser diode structured light modules are arranged side by side or in association. Each at least two laser diode structured light module includes a laser diode, a circuit board and a lens unit. The lens unit includes a structured light generation component. After plural laser structured light beams emitted by each laser diodes pass through the corresponding lens unit, a structure light pattern is generated.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Everready Precision Ind. Corp.Inventors: Jyh-Long Chern, Chih-Ming Yen
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Patent number: 9847620Abstract: A laser driver for a laser, which includes an adjustable DC-DC power source, an optical power control loop, and a power source voltage regulator. The adjustable DC-DC power source is coupled to the optical power control loop and the power source voltage regulator, in order to provide a working current for the laser. The optical power control loop is configured to adjust the output optical power of the laser to a set value for optical power by adjusting a working voltage of the laser, and to generate a power source voltage state indicator voltage. The power source voltage regulator is used to generate the power source setting voltage, so that the power source voltage state indicator voltage is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, or less than or equal to a second preset threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: InnoLight Technology (Suzhou) LTD.Inventors: Xiangzhong Wang, Meng Fang
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Patent number: 9847621Abstract: An apparatus for outputting directional light includes a light-emitting structure including a light-emitting layer that emits light, and an optical antenna layer disposed on the light-emitting structure, wherein the optical antenna layer includes a light feeder configured to resonate light output from the light-emitting layer and a light reflector configure to reflect light output from the light feeder to have directivity. The light feeder and the light reflector are formed on a surface of the optical antenna layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Younggeun Roh, Sangmo Cheon, Unjeong Kim, Jineun Kim, Yeonsang Park, Changwon Lee
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Patent number: 9847622Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine provided with a cylindrical housing, a ceramic insulator, a center electrode and a ground electrode. The ground electrode has a body base disposed from a front end surface of the cylindrical housing to a front end-side thereof. The ground electrode has a spark discharge gap formed therebetween itself and the center electrode. The body base is provided with pair of side-connecting surfaces which connect the inner surface and the outer surface. Each of the side-connecting surfaces having a side flat surface which is a flat surface parallel to an aligning direction of the center electrode and the body base. A distance between the pair of the side flat surfaces is a maximum width of the body base. A minimum distance between the inner surface and the side flat surface satisfies a relationship of 0.1 mm?L?0.5 mm, in the aligning direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ryohei Akiyoshi, Hidekazu Fujimoto
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Patent number: 9847623Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion generators and their enclosures that include a base, a non-linear wall projecting from the base, a top connected to the non-linear wall a top connected to the non-linear wall, wherein the base, the non-linear wall and the top form a closed space, and at least one ionizing element extending from the device, wherein the at least one ionizing element is configured to receive a voltage capable of producing ions from a power source in the closed space.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: PLASMA AIR INTERNATIONAL, INCInventor: Lawrence T. Sunshine
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Patent number: 9847624Abstract: In one embodiment an ionic airflow system comprises an anode, a cathode platform having an elongated surface, and a first ultrasonic transducer to direct ultrasonic waves into the cathode platform. Other embodiments may be described.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Johan Ploeg, David Pidwerbecki
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Patent number: 9847625Abstract: An automatic switching interface box for generators in residential dwellings and small commercial applications provides a breaker box transfer switch for generators powering one or more electrical loads. In power blackout situations, the breaker box transfer switch uses a power control relay to keep the load power on, which eliminates the need for a hot generator plug, because the plug in box is not powered. The generator power output cord is plugged onto the male plug of the interface box, or hard wired thereto. If the auxiliary generator had been started and is at rated voltage, the load is immediately and automatically switched from the utility connection to the generator as electrical source. The relay keeps the prongs of the male plug safely unpowered until the generator is attached since the relay coil is powered by the generator output and the plug is connected to the normally open contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Thomas M. Taxter
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Patent number: 9847626Abstract: A by-pass module for power lines includes a container having a housing space, three reels rotatable around rotation axes and housed into the housing space, single phase link for each reel having a first end termination and a second end termination, each single phase link being wound on a respective reel for being unwound from the first end termination, a driving unit for each reel designed for rotating the reel in an unwinding direction allowing the relevant single phase link to be unwound from the reel, and in a winding direction allowing the relevant single phase link to be wound on the reel.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.AInventor: Manuel Mauri Lopez
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Patent number: 9847627Abstract: A base is a platform that supports a component off the ground in a solar energy installation. The specific configuration of a base can vary based on the intended component, for example whether it holds a transformer or power component. Multiple bases are mechanically and/or electrically connected to form a system of bases in the field. Proper placement of bases and engagement of those bases is facilitated by mating alignment mechanisms such that one base can be lowered “fit” with another. A method of positioning components includes positioning a base and aligning and lowering a second base alongside the first such that the bases engage.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Shoals Technologies Group, LLCInventor: Dean Solon
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Patent number: 9847628Abstract: Invention describes apparatus of configurable electrical circuits controlling and distributing electrical DC power adaptable to ambient environment and specification of a device connected to the apparatus. The apparatus executing a control algorithm within an acceptance criteria for adaptable plug-and-power distribution and communications for: residential, commercial, industrial applications, electro-mechanical devices and computer systems. Invention transforms existing labor-intense installations into plug-and-power modular systems. For a specific project, pre-designed, pre-fabricated kits of factory assembled and tested power control modules and interface cables, are delivered directly to installation site. Invention improves safety, reliability, and efficiency of power distribution, significantly lowers installation time and expenses.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Zachary Leonid Braunstein
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Patent number: 9847629Abstract: A monolithic lead separator includes a primary lead tube defining a primary channel, a plurality of secondary lead tubes formed monolithically with the primary lead tube, and an instrumentation lead splitter. A cap is positioned in an aperture in the instrumentation lead splitter in a fluid-tight manner. Each of the secondary channels intersects the primary channel. The instrumentation lead splitter is situated at the intersection of the primary channel and the secondary channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Dorel M. Moisei, Michael D. Greenberg, Stephen N. Koren, Jr.
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Patent number: 9847630Abstract: An attachment assembly joining a fuse box and battery tray includes a fuse box having a mounting structure having a fuse bottom surface including a retainer structure joined therewith. The retainer structure includes a cylindrical boss having an attachment wall disposed within the cylindrical boss. A cutout is formed in the cylindrical boss. A battery tray includes a tray bottom surface. The tray bottom surface includes a mating structure including a pair of spaced annular walls extending therefrom defining a gap. Each of the annular walls includes notches formed therein. A J-nut is positioned in the cut out of the cylindrical boss and over an edge of the attachment wall retaining the J-nut on the attachment wall. The cylindrical boss is disposed between the pair of spaced annular walls in the gap and the cutout is aligned with the notches. The J-nut is positioned in the cut out and the notches rotatively aligning the battery tray relative to the fuse box.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Aaron Mark Steffka
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Patent number: 9847631Abstract: An extendable electrical box comprises an electrical box having two open ends to an internal box space having a first depth. The electrical box comprises a mounting structure attached to at least one wall of the electrical box. The mounting structure is configured to mount the electrical box to a vertical wall structure such that the open end faces substantially parallel to the vertical wall structure. At least two extendable first rings each continuously surround one of the two open ends of the electrical box. The at least two extendable first rings are each slidably coupled with the electrical box via the sliding mechanical cooperation of one or more guides with one or more tracks, such that sliding either of the at least two extendable first rings in relation to the open ends of the electrical box expands the electrical box from the first depth to a larger second depth.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, John Klein, Thomas A. Miserendino
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Patent number: 9847632Abstract: A cable termination system and method include providing an outer socket having a frustum shaped socket interior tapering from a base to a top opening. The outer socket is comprised of two semicircular socket pieces, each forming a portion of a complete circumference of the outer socket. A plurality of elongate cable strands extend through the socket interior with individual strands circumferentially spaced to form a single layer of strands at the base opening. A frustoconical inner plug is inserted into the socket by a compressive force exceeding a maximum tensile force of the stranded cable for holding the cable in the socket without slippage when a tensile force is applied between the cable and the outer socket. The inner plug includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally separate plug subassemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Northrup Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: Daniel F. Zivi, David W. Kinnard
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Patent number: 9847633Abstract: The present disclosure provides insulating covers for mounting brackets used to secure arrester assemblies to transformers. The purpose of the insulating cover is to protect wildlife from electric shock, and to prevent power interruptions on high voltage distribution lines caused by the bridging of high voltage circuits by wildlife.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Dennis Wilbur Lenk, Michael Geoffrey Comber, Saroni Brahma
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Patent number: 9847634Abstract: An arc flash protection device including a sensor, a timer, and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect a presence of at least one entity or arc flash protection qualifying event in proximity to the generator set. The controller is configured to initiate an arc flash protection regime when the presence of the at least one person or arc flash protection qualifying event is detected in proximity to the generator set. The arc flash protection regime includes shutting down the generator set automatically upon detection of a short circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc., Cumming Power Generation Ltd. (UK)Inventors: Jacob W. Smith, Brian B. Brady, Glaucio G. De Oliveira, Ahmed Nazmul Jaffer, Richard Meadows
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Patent number: 9847635Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply module and a soft start method. The power supply module includes an input detection circuit configured to output a first notification signal to a trigger drive circuit when it is determined that the power supply module receives a power supply signal; the trigger drive circuit configured to, upon receipt of the first notification signal sent from the input detection circuit, wait for a predetermined duration without sending a drive signal to a current limiting circuit, and to send the driver signal to the current limiting circuit when the predetermined duration elapses; and the current limiting circuit configured to limit a current on a Direct Current (DC) bus of the power supply module when the drive signal is not received by the current limiting circuit, and not to limit the current on the DC bus upon receipt of the drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Vertiv Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Baoliang Lv, Guoyong Wang, Shiqiang Yu
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Patent number: 9847636Abstract: An example low voltage buss system is provided. The low voltage bus system distributes low voltage DC power into the office workspace in a manner that reduces clutter and promotes customizable and efficient workspace usage. The low voltage bus system distributes low voltage DC power into the office workspace via an electrical buss having a connector at the end of the buss to distribute low voltage DC power to and throughout office workspace and, in particular, office furniture.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jason Marosi, Alan E. Zantout, Benjamin D. Swedberg
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Patent number: 9847637Abstract: A changeover method of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is provided. A first system is set to an active state. A ready signal is transmitted from the first system to a first COL. A ready detection signal and an active signal are transmitted to the first system, in response to the ready signal. A confirm signal is transmitted to the first system in response to the active signal when the ready detection signal matches the ready signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eung Soo Kim, Jong Bae Kim, Seung Hun Lee
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Patent number: 9847638Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of energy controllers. Each energy controller is operable to control at least one of the electrical loads. The load control system also includes a first broadcast controller that has a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is arranged in a first position and the second antenna is arranged in a second position that is orthogonal to the first position. The broadcast controller is operable to transmit a first wireless signal via the first antenna and a second wireless signal via the second antenna. Each of the energy controllers is operable to receive at least one of the first and second wireless signals, and to control the respective load in response to the received wireless signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Mosebrook, Timothy S. Majewski, Gregory Altonen, Benjamin F. Bard
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Patent number: 9847639Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of voltage measurement using paired comparison analysis applied to calculating a shift in average usage per customer from one time period to another time period for a given electrical use population where the pairing process is optimized using a novel technique to improve the accuracy of the measurement.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Dominion Energy, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Hall, Stephen J. Tyler
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Patent number: 9847640Abstract: The present application thus provides a method of operating a synchronous condenser. The method may include the steps of accelerating a gas turbine engine to full speed no load conditions, connecting a generator attached to the gas turbine engine to an electric power grid, turning off a flow of fuel to the gas turbine engine, operating the generator in a synchronous condenser mode, and providing or absorbing reactive power to or from the electric power grid.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Scott Arthur Day
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Patent number: 9847641Abstract: Featured are methods for regulating the AC frequency of the electrical power be supplied on an electrical distribution system or grid. Such a method includes electrically coupling an energy storage sub-system to the electrical distribution network, where the energy storage sub-system includes one or more flywheel energy storage systems. Also featured as devices, systems and apparatuses embodying such methodologies or for use in implementing such methodologies of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Beacon Power, LLC.Inventors: F. William Capp, Matthew L. Lazarewicz, A. James Arseneaux, Paul Dresens, Hernan Alex Rojas
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Patent number: 9847642Abstract: One circuit includes first and second primary terminals for connection to first and second power transmission lines and a current transmission path extending between the primary terminals and having current transmission path portions separated by a third primary terminal. A first current transmission path portion includes at least one primary switching element connected in series between the first and third primary terminals, the second current transmission path portion includes an energy conversion block connected between the second and third primary terminals, and the energy conversion block includes at least one primary energy conversion element for removing energy from the power transmission lines. The control circuit further includes a converter limb connected across the second and third primary terminals that includes an auxiliary converter. The control circuit further includes a control unit which controls the auxiliary converter to selectively provide a voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Omar Fadhel Jasim, Kevin J. Dyke, David Reginald Trainer
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Patent number: 9847643Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing demand for a client with a fluctuating AC power grid demand, using DC-to-AC power inversion as an auxiliary source of power. The inverter has a selectable inversion power output levels connected to the AC client to supply auxiliary power for a portion of the AC power demand. The AC grid demand is averaged. In each of a series of periodic time intervals, a current AC grid demand average in a current time interval is compared to a demand goal, which is the highest AC grid demand average, as measured at an end of a time interval, and selected from a plurality of time intervals. The inverter output power level is selected so that the current AC grid demand average is less than or equal to the demand goal by the end of the current time interval.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Park
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Patent number: 9847644Abstract: Techniques are described for incorporating distribution network analysis in the demand response scheduling process. In one example, a method includes receiving demand response (DR) request from a DR initiator, transmitting the DR request to an aggregator, for each customer, receiving customer location information and a customer DR value from the aggregator, aggregating DR at a distribution transformer in a distribution system, determining if there are any violations in the distribution system, determining an aggregated DR value for each electric node affected by the DR request, and transmitting each determined DR value to the DR initiator.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: OPEN ACCESS TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Nelson Muller, Ilya Roytelman, Jose Medina, Ali Ipakchi, Farrokh Albuyeh, Farrokh Rahimi, Mathew Hink, Sasan Mokhtari
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Patent number: 9847645Abstract: The neuro-fuzzy control system for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system includes an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) implemented in real time. Independent active and reactive P-Q power control transfers the generated power to the grid using a voltage source inverter (VSI). The PV system includes a PV module, a buck converter, a VSI, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for the buck converter, and a VSI controller. The MPPT controller uses irradiation and temperature as inputs. A five-layer ANFIS processes these inputs and provides a control reference voltage as input to a PI controller connected to the buck converter to maintain the output voltage of the photovoltaic array with respect to the control reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALSInventors: Mohammad Ali Abido, Muhammed Y. Worku
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Patent number: 9847646Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: TIGO ENERGY, INC.Inventor: Paul Grana
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Patent number: 9847647Abstract: A solar power conversion system includes a photovoltaic array having photovoltaic modules for generating direct current (DC) power. A power converter is provided in the system for converting the DC power to alternating current (AC) power. A transformer is coupled between the power converter and a power grid for transmitting the AC power to the power grid. The transformer is connected to the power grid at the point of common coupling (PCC) and to the power converter at output terminals. A reactance estimation module is provided in the system for estimating a short circuit reactance at PCC based on a small change in a measured voltage at output terminals with respect to a small change in a measured reactive power at the output terminals. Further, a maximum reactive power estimation module estimates a maximum reactive power based on the estimated reactance, the measured voltage at output terminals, and the measured reactive power at the output terminals.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William James Premerlani, Patrick Hammel Hart, Maozhong Gong
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Patent number: 9847648Abstract: Approaches for controlling power supplied to an electric grid are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems control power supplied to an electric grid using an energy storage device. In an embodiment, a method receives an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid, generates power from a power generator and adjusts, using the generated power, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication. In another embodiment, a system comprises a grid indication receiver for receiving an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid; a power generator connected to the grid; an energy storage device coupled to the power generator; and a controller for adjusting, using the generated power from the generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: THE AES CORPORATIONInventors: John Christopher Shelton, Jay Craig Geinzer, Brett Lance Galura, Steven Christianne Gerard Meersman
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Patent number: 9847649Abstract: A voltage converter system comprises a plurality of voltage conversion circuits, each of the voltage conversion circuits includes a reactor and a switching element, a controller, and a single current sensor connected with the reactors of two voltage conversion circuits and configured to be used in common by the two voltage conversion circuits in order to measure the reactor current. When only one voltage conversion circuit out of the two voltage conversion circuits is driven as an object circuit, the controller repeatedly performs a correction amount learning process. When the measured current value approaches the target value to be within a predetermined range or when the correction amount learning process has been performed a predetermined number of times, the controller changes the object circuit from the one voltage conversion circuit to the other voltage conversion circuit, and repeatedly performs the correction amount learning process.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Katano
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Patent number: 9847650Abstract: An energy management system having a fuel cell apparatus (150) as a power generator that generates power using fuel, and an EMS (200) that communicates with the fuel cell apparatus (150). The EMS (200) receives messages that indicate a type of the fuel cell apparatus (150), from the fuel cell apparatus (150).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventor: Kazutaka Nakamura
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Patent number: 9847651Abstract: An inductive power transmitter device provides power to a mobile device with a receiver coil. The transmitter device comprises a holder and a coil arrangement. The holder has a cavity defined by two walls, where the cavity is configured for receiving the mobile device between those surfaces. The coil arrangement has two transmitter coil units, where one of the coil units is arranged into one of the walls and the other transmitter coil unit is arranged into the other wall. Each of the coil units is configured for inductively coupling to the receiver coil of the mobile device when inserted into the cavity of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Laurens Henricus Swaans, Antonius Adriaan Maria Staring
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Patent number: 9847652Abstract: A power receiving unit includes: a power receiving section configured to receive power that is fed from a power feeding unit in a non-contact manner; a rectification section configured to rectify the power received by the power receiving section; a method determination section configured to identify a feeding method of the power feeding unit; and a target voltage setting section configured to set a target voltage of the power rectified by the rectification section, to a value corresponding to the feeding method identified by the method determination section.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Nakano, Takaaki Hashiguchi
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Patent number: 9847653Abstract: A battery includes a plurality of battery cells configured to make available an electrical output voltage and a plurality of battery electronics which is coupled to the plurality of battery cells and includes a current measuring device configured to determine a present battery current, a detection device configured to determine further operating parameters of the plurality of battery cells, and a setting device configured to set an excess current threshold for the battery current based on an actuation variable. The setting device is configured to determine the actuation variable based on a present load bearing capacity of the plurality of battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sven Bergmann
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Patent number: 9847654Abstract: An electrical energy storage unit and control system, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the electrical energy storage unit (which may also be referred to as a battery energy storage system (“BESS”)) includes a battery system controller and battery packs. Each battery pack has battery cells, a battery pack controller that monitors the cells, a battery pack cell balancer that adjusts the amount of energy stored in the cells, and a battery pack charger. The battery pack controller operates the battery pack cell balancer and the battery pack charger to control the state-of-charge of the cells. In an embodiment, the cells are lithium ion battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Powin Energy CorporationInventor: Virgil Lee Beaston
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Patent number: 9847655Abstract: A system comprises an electric battery having at least four elementary cells in series and at least two balancing modules each having first and second nodes connected by at least three cells of the battery, and a third node connected to an intermediate point of the series-association of the at least three cells, in which at least one of the first and second nodes of each module is not common to a first or second node of another module.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: EnerstoneInventors: Alain Bailly, Alexandre Chureau
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Patent number: 9847656Abstract: There are provided an energy storage system and a method for driving the energy storage system, which can exactly measure discharge current by calculating measurement times of the discharge current according to the frequency of the discharge current. An energy storage system includes a battery rack, a battery management system configured to control charging and discharging of the battery rack, and a power conversion system configured to supply discharge current of the battery rack as an alternating current having a frequency to the battery management system. The battery management system is further configured to calculate measurement times of the discharge current, measure the discharge current at the calculated measurement times, and control the charging and discharging of the battery rack based on the measured discharge currents.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Min Ha
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Patent number: 9847657Abstract: This battery system includes: a plurality of batteries; a first monitoring unit that receives as input the output of the batteries, compares the output with a prescribed threshold value, and supplies a signal indicating the result; and a second monitoring unit that detects the voltage value of the batteries and supplies a signal indicating the detected voltage value. The battery system is provided with: a first operation mode during which the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit are halted; a second operation mode during which the first monitoring unit operates and the second monitoring unit is halted; and a third operation mode during which the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit operate.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: NEC ENERGY DEVICES, LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9847658Abstract: Systems and methods for battery management are disclosed. A system may include an internal control network including multiple node controllers powered by a unique cell or combination of cells of a battery. The node controllers may communicate with each other via a node communication system. Each node controller may be responsible for managing a charge level associated with one or more cells. The one or more devices of the internal control network may enable measurement of environmental factors such as a temperature and a current and voltage applied at the battery. Based on the measured environmental factors, the internal control network may perform an ongoing assessment of the one or more cells of the battery and of an overall battery condition. The internal control network may initiate turning on or off a battery output to prevent over discharge and possible damage to the battery or devices connected to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: MERIDIAN DESIGN, INC., SHORAI, INC.Inventors: Kurt Kuhlmann, David Radford, Shawn Higbee, Dan Matthews
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Patent number: 9847659Abstract: A battery charger for portable electronic devices and a portable electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a battery charger housing forms a portion of an outer device shell or a protective case cover. Capacitors are located within the battery charger housing that include opposing spaced plates having contact segments thereon. An output power increasing, electrically resistive fluid is held within and partially fills an enclosed chamber that is boundaried by the contact segments. In response to movement of the portable electronic device, induced relative motion between the output power increasing, electrically resistive fluid and contact segments varies the fluid-contact segment contact within the enclosed chamber, thereby inversely alternating the capacitance between the pair of capacitors and triboelectrically generating an electrical charge.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: Laslo Olah
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Patent number: 9847660Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing a picogrid with a computing device are provided herein. A method includes generating one or more power-related models based on (i) data pertaining to a given device battery, (ii) data pertaining to one or more context sources, and (iii) one or more items of power-related historical data; determining a charging schedule for the given device battery to provision power for a picogrid based on the one or more power-related models, wherein said picogrid comprises a set of one or more additional devices connected to (i) the given device and (ii) an energy storage component; and implementing the charging schedule on the given device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Universiti Brunei DarussalamInventors: Vikas Chandan, Zainul M. Charbiwala, Tanuja H. Ganu, Sunil Ghai, Sandeep Kalra, Harshad D. Khadilkar, Ming Chee Lim, Devasenapathi P. Seetharamakrish
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Patent number: 9847661Abstract: A rechargeable mobile terminal is provided that provides a maximum charge rate of a rechargeable battery during active user hours of the day and provides the potential for applying a decreased charge rate of the rechargeable battery when the mobile terminal determines that the user has set the alarm clock function of the mobile terminal and that the time between the present time and the set alarm time (the delta time) is greater than an amount of time required to charge the rechargeable battery at a maximum charge rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Gerald M. Nilles
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Patent number: 9847662Abstract: Systems, methods and/or devices are used to reduce anomalous charging current by selectively shunting biasing current away from a control terminal of a controlled device that conducts the charging current during a charging mode. In some embodiments, a power-control circuit includes: (1) a controlled device with a first terminal coupled to a power-supply node, a second terminal to provide a first output voltage, and a control terminal; (2) a current source to provide a biasing current to the control terminal of the controlled device during a charging mode; and (3) a selective current shunt to shunt a portion of the biasing current away from the control terminal of the controlled device in response to a determination that a charging current through the first and second terminals of the controlled device satisfies a threshold during the charging mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Kenneth B. Delpapa, Charles N. Gibson
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Patent number: 9847663Abstract: A charging system includes battery pack and charger. During the charge of secondary battery, charge control unit controls charger so that the charger performs constant-current charge at a first charge current, and, when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied, switches the first charge current to a second charge current lower than the first charge current and continues the constant-current charge. The conditions include the condition that the SOC of secondary battery arrives at a threshold SOC value and the condition that the inter-terminal voltage of secondary battery arrives at a threshold inter-terminal voltage. In response to the degree of degradation of secondary battery, the charge control unit drops at least one of the threshold SOC value and the threshold inter-terminal voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukio Nishikawa, Tatsuya Ishibashi