Switching Systems Patents (Class 307/112)
  • Publication number: 20110030900
    Abstract: A plasma chamber having a switchable bias frequency superimposed onto plasma source frequency and applied to the cathode. A power supplier capable of generating multiple RF bias frequencies is coupled into a match network through a switch. The match network couples one of the bias frequencies to the cathode. Another match network applied a source RF power to the cathode. One parallel connection of variable shunt capacitor and fixed capacitor are provided between ground and input of the switch and another is connected between ground and the input of the source RF match network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jinyuan CHEN, Gerald Yin
  • Patent number: 7884505
    Abstract: A dry-type high-voltage load system apparatus has a space-saving structure, which is resistant to chain breaking, arc discharge and vibration, and a method of preventing the chain breaking and the arc discharge for use with the system apparatus. The system apparatus includes a dry-type high-voltage load system circuit including a low-voltage bank formed of lower-capacity configuration banks which include three-phase resistor circuits which are low-voltage resistor circuit. A high-voltage bank includes lower-capacity configuration banks for a high-voltage resistor circuit formed of three-phase resistor circuits. The three-phase resistor circuits are connected to a high-voltage power generator in parallel and arein the form of a Y-connection of three resistor arrays so that an isolated and independent neutral point is unconnected to other neutral points. The three phase resistor circuits may also be in the form of a ?-connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kouken Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kesafumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7872576
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device for operating a circuit. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device that may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on the Jewish holidays. Embodiments of the present invention may include a combination of mitigating factors which may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on a Jewish holiday.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Andreh Kalatizadeh
  • Publication number: 20100320844
    Abstract: A power off delay circuit includes a switch connected between an external power input terminal and an internal power supply terminal, a capacitor connected to the internal power supply terminal, and a hysteresis comparator to switch the switch according to the voltages of the external power input terminal and the internal power supply terminal. During on-time of the switch, the external power input terminal is connected to the internal power supply terminal and the capacitor can be charged by the external power source. When the switch is off, the capacitor provides electric power for an internal circuit. Application of the power off delay circuit to an audio system may eliminate the turn-off pops of the audio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: RICHTEK TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: CHI-HUA LIN, CHIEN-FU TANG, ISAAC Y. CHEN, AN-TUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 7847439
    Abstract: A dry-type high-voltage load system apparatus has a space-saving structure, which is resistant to chain breaking, arc discharge and vibration, and a method of preventing the chain breaking and the arc discharge for use with the system apparatus. The system apparatus includes a dry-type high-voltage load system circuit including a low-voltage bank formed of lower-capacity configuration banks which include three-phase resistor circuits which are low-voltage resistor circuit. A high-voltage bank includes lower-capacity configuration banks for a high-voltage resistor circuit formed of three-phase resistor circuits. The three-phase resistor circuits are connected to a high-voltage power generator in parallel and are in the form of a Y-connection of three resistor arrays so that an isolated and independent neutral point is unconnected to other neutral points. The three phase resistor circuits may also be in the form of a ?-connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Kouken Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kesafumi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20100283627
    Abstract: The ceiling-mounted hooking receptacle (1) includes a terminal unit (2a) adapted in use to be connected to a DC supply line (Wdc) from an installation site side, a terminal unit (2b) used for a power transmission wiring, and a hooking connection unit (3) adapted in use to detachably be connected to a hooking cap of a DC device (102). In addition, the ceiling-mounted hooking receptacle (1) includes a DLC communication unit (5) and a power supply control unit (6). The hooking connection unit (3) includes hooking blade reception members (22) configured to hook the hooking blades (41) provided to the hooking cap. A switch (4) is provided to power supply lines connecting the hooking connection unit (3) to the terminal units (2a) and (2b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Satoru Ueno
  • Publication number: 20100283328
    Abstract: A supply arrangement, a supply unit and a method in which a switching element is connected in series to an operating voltage and an electrical load, wherein a supply unit supplies an electronic unit with power independently of the switching state of the switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Holger Alfons Eggert
  • Publication number: 20100270944
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling at least one electrical load may include at least one pushbutton; a communications interface for communicating with the loads, the loads being switched on and off by the at least one pushbutton via the communications interface; and a first controlled switch with control logic, said switch being connected between the loads and a power supply, and the first controlled switch isolates the power supply from the loads as soon as all of the loads have been disconnected via the communications interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: OSRAM GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventors: Thomas Rossmanith, Maximilian Schmidl
  • Patent number: 7821160
    Abstract: A device is provided and includes an actuator, mounted to a wall box, including a power supply, an electrical load controller and a terminal coupled to the power supply and the controller, an actuator interface disposed on the actuator to receive first commands relating to basic electrical load control by the controller and a separate interface, including a header to communicate with the terminal whereby the separate interface receives power and communicates with the controller, the separate interface being supportable at the wall box and, when the header and terminal communicate, configured to identify a type of the actuator and to receive second commands of a type unique to the identified actuator type and relating to the basic and enhanced electrical load control by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Inncom International Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, Ryan Gardner, Rick Quirino
  • Patent number: 7816814
    Abstract: A bi-directional power converter for cryogenic operation based on a bi-directional cryo-MOSFET switch. Cryogenic power electronics lends itself easily to bi-directional topologies, and brings higher efficiencies, further reductions in switching speed, higher-frequency operation, reduction in size and weight of associated transformers and inductors, and reductions in overall size and weight. In addition, cryogenic power electronics operating around liquid nitrogen temperatures is easily integrated with superconducting motors, motor drives, and transformers, all of which can reduce size and weight of shipboard power systems, allowing for greater payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Hennessy, Eduard K. Mueller, Richard Ross Neal
  • Patent number: 7813818
    Abstract: An electric power distribution switchboard (1) in which one or more functional units are equipped with a switching device compartment (3) that integrates primary and secondary functions. Within the switching device compartment (3) are included, together with the switching device (37), the current and voltage sensors (36), the position sensors for interlocking, a human machine interface (HMI) and an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) (4) and the related local configuration point (32) to configure the IED (4). The IED (4) realizes functional unit supervision, control, protection, communication and monitoring and acts as a concentrating point of functional unit information and decisions. The switchboard (1) of the invention further comprises power supply section, an I/O section and a communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Carlo Gemme, Paolo Gritti, Alessandro Colombo, Christian Reuber, Pentti Mahonen, Marty Trivette
  • Publication number: 20100231054
    Abstract: In a device according to one aspect of the invention, plural communication ports switch appropriately between a power receiving port and a power feeding port, thereby dealing with supply of electric power through a network in various network configurations. Plural devices are connected to a network cable to form a network system. In an initial state before power receiving, all plural communication ports of the device are put in to a power receiving enabling state. When the electric power is supplied from one of the communication ports, other communication ports are put into a power receiving disabling state. The device feeds part of the received electric power to another adjacent device by utilizing the communication port put into the power receiving disabling state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Satoshi TOGAWA
  • Publication number: 20100219700
    Abstract: The invention provides a compact and economical welding control system having an integrated power section. To this end, a switching module is provided for the power section of a welding control system. The switching module has a switching device, at least one cooling body, a current supply and an insulating element which provides a potential-free coolant arrangement. The invention is advantageous in that the potential-free coolant arrangement allows the coolant bodies to be shortened so that less space is required inside the control system and the control system can therefore have a more compact structure. The invention enables even the requirements in terms of the coolant bodies to be reduced, allowing the use of cost-effective cooling tubes or even cooling pipes that are directly connected to the cooling body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Guenter Schaefer, Reinhard Scholz
  • Patent number: 7772722
    Abstract: A switching system. The switching system includes an optical component, an electromagnetic switch, an auxiliary adjustment structure, and a control circuit. The optical component reflects or refracts a light. The electromagnetic switch, on one side of the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in a direction. The auxiliary adjustment structure, on the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in other direction. The control circuit, coupled to the electromagnetic switch, adjusts an on-off signal of the electromagnetic switch by a native frequency of the switching system, wherein the native frequency is obtained from an initial signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Chih Wang, Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 7760528
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating low EMI display driver power supply. The methods and apparatus include switching circuits that utilize two groups of parallel circuit traces, each of which is coupled to one end of a switching device. The two groups of traces are configured to be interleaved with each other such that no two traces from either group are next to any other traces from the same group. When the switching device is activated, current flows through the circuit and charges an energy storage element. When the switching device is deactivated, the energy storage element discharges a portion of its energy to a second energy storage element and to the driver circuits. In another embodiment, an additional circuit trace is provided which is only connected on one end and is free floating on the other end to capture the majority of EMI remaining that was generated by the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Yongman Lee
  • Patent number: 7754985
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7745957
    Abstract: A single combination task lamp and flashlight instrument, providing separate flood and spot light beams, independently controlled in a three-state sequence by simple push button switches. The two kinds of light beams are produced by separate arrays of compact light emitting devices. both arrays are driven by a single, rechargeable battery powered electrical circuit that provides separate, regulated constant currents to the respective arrays of LEDs. The optics and electronics are constructed in a single, ruggedized, compact module. The module is enclosed within an elongated handle that positions the center of mass for optimum balance of the instrument and the control switches for convenient operation according to the sense of touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bijan Bayat, James Newton, Robert Lee Ellis, Gordon L. Treichler
  • Publication number: 20100156196
    Abstract: An electrically conductive element, including an insulator and a first conductor, is provided, which can be affixed to a second conductor consisting of conductive structural element, wherein the insulator is positioned between the first and second conductors to electrically isolate them. A power supply may be connected between the first and second conductors to provide power thereto, and an electrical device may be connected across the first and second conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Boss, Scott Qualls, David McDonald, Terrance Z. Kaiserman, Keith J. Margolin, Michael Wassief, Liang Chai
  • Patent number: 7741838
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device that includes an electric power generator having a stator and a rotor, said rotor having a plurality of alternating opposite magnetic poles in a circumferential direction of the rotor, at least a first magnetic sensor mounted on either the stator or a support member for supporting the stator and operable to detect the alternating opposite magnetic poles in the rotor; and an electric power supply circuit for utilizing an electric power generated by the electric power generator as an electric power source for the at least first magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Koichi Okada, Kenichi Iwamoto, Hiroaki Ohba
  • Patent number: 7742284
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module is mounted to the housing of a fused electrical device. The fused electrical device can include at least one power output displaced along the power distribution housing with the at least one power output electrically couplable to at least one power input. The fuse module can be electrically coupled to the at least one power input and electrically couplable to the at least one power outputs. Further, the fuse module can comprise at least one fuse holder that is movable between a first position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electrically couplable to the at least one power output and a second position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder not electrically couplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allow access to the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
  • Publication number: 20100123357
    Abstract: A household appliance which includes an activation unit, a power supply unit, a switch that is operated by the activation unit, and a capacitor that is connected in parallel to the switch on the primary side of the power supply unit. The power supply unit is connected to a power supply network and supplies, on the secondary side of the power supply unit, power to controlled functional units of the household appliance and to the activation unit. The switch is operated by the activation unit to disconnect the power supply unit from the power supply network on the primary side of the power supply unit and in an idle state of the household appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Federmann, Martin Graw, Volkmar Uebele
  • Patent number: 7701148
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement and associated method for splitting current in a predetermined ratio between N sub-circuits, comprising means for splitting current at one end of a each sub-circuit and at least one device at the other end of each sub-circuit adapted to become forward biased and acts as a short to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Comeau
  • Patent number: 7696646
    Abstract: An exemplary power switching circuit (20) includes a control signal input terminal (210); an output terminal (220); direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first transistor (250) including a control electrode connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode, and a grounded second current conducting electrode; a second transistor (260) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor via a discharging resistor (264) and a diode (266) respectively and connected to the DC power supply via a discharging capacitor (265), a first current conducting electrode connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor (270) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor, a first current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal, and a second grounded current conducting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Jia-Hui Tu, Tong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100087962
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a transferable feeder system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a controller that is disposed in communication with switches associated with feeders of a first substation and circuit breakers associated with a second substation. The first substation and second substation are electrically coupled in a manner to allow load transfer from the first substation to the second substation. The system is arranged to disconnect a first pair of circuits from the first substation before connecting the pair of circuits to the second substation while leaving a third circuit coupled to the first substation. During the entire process of transferring load from one substation to the second substation, customer load does not experience any interruption in electrical service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventors: Abdol Reza Ghafurian, Noel Rivera
  • Publication number: 20100085670
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, articles, and methods related to a photovoltaic module monitoring system are disclosed. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Krishnan Palaniswami, David Drummond, David C. Woody, JR., Timothy Dunn
  • Publication number: 20100072827
    Abstract: A mobile power source for use with a hand-held machine and a method of operating the power source are described. The mobile power source comprises a power supply having an attachment device configured to couple the power supply to an operator, whereby the coupling of the power supply to the operator permits substantially free movement of the hand-held machine by the operator while providing power to the hand-held machine. Furthermore, a power controller is coupled to the power supply and configured to control the output of power from the power supply to the hand-held machine, whereby the power controller is remotely coupled to the power supply via a wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Brian R. Norstrom
  • Patent number: 7679221
    Abstract: A power saving switch which can turn on an electric device manually by manipulation of an automatic switch button or a manual switch button by a user, and simultaneously, stop operation of a sensor for a predetermined time period in order for the sensor to fail detection of an entering of the user into an object area, and which can turn off the electric device automatically or output predetermined sound so as to make the user turn off the electric device manually when the user goes out of the object area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Botem Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyo Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 7679220
    Abstract: An electronic time switch control circuit includes a power supply, an oscillation period control module, an oscillator, and a switch control module. The power supply supplies power to the oscillation period module, the oscillator, and the switch control module. The oscillation period module supplies periodic signals to the oscillator. The oscillator alternately outputs two kinds of control signals to the switch control module according to the periodic signals. The switch control module receives the two kinds of control signals, and correspondingly controls an electronic product to be turned on and off repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Chang Yu, Xiao-Lin Gan, Yu-Kuang Ho
  • Patent number: 7675739
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module with a fuse carrier for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one fuse module can be mounted to a power distribution unit for receiving at least one power input and providing power to associated electronic equipment. The power distribution unit can have a housing with at least one fuse access passage and at least one power output displaced along the housing and electrically couplable to the at least one power input. The fuse module can be disposed at least partially within the at least one fuse access passage and be electrically couplable to the at least one power input and at least one power output. The fuse module can have at least one removably attachable fuse carrier that, when attached, electrically couples a fuse housed by the fuse carrier to the at least one power input and the at least one power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
  • Publication number: 20100039746
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable ionizer worn in the vicinity of the human face, including, for example, a necklace to diffuse concentrations of negative ions in the facial area of the wearer where the ions are beneficial. As a consequence of this capacity to focus the ion flux, fewer ions must be produced by the source to obtain the benefit to the wearer because of a greater local concentration. The necklace ionizer is given a pleasing external appearance and a useful purpose, such as an advertising display. The negative ions are generated by a high-voltage alternate frequency ion generating needle. A control module including a power management system, a transformer, and a multiplier is used to minimize power drain on a rechargeable battery. Other features of the power management system include an LED display shut-off, battery voltage cut-off, management of needle life, and management of power supply drain time through frequency modulation or voltage control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: BIONIC PRODUCTS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Joshua Shaw
  • Patent number: 7663618
    Abstract: Power-efficient, pulsed driving of capacitive loads to controllable voltage levels, with particular applicability to LCDs. Energy stored in a portion of the capacitive load is recovered during a recovery phase. Time-varying signals are used to drive the load and to recover the stored energy, thus minimizing power losses, using processes named adiabatic charging and adiabatic discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Lars G. Svensson, William C. Athas, Rajat K. Lal
  • Publication number: 20100033024
    Abstract: Controllable electrical outlets and systems and methods for controlling and disabling the electrical outlets. A controllable electrical outlet includes a current sensor, an electrical switch, and a microcontroller. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet, the current sensor senses the flow of current and a current sense event is reported from the electrical outlet to a central computer. The central computer provides timing and control of the electrical outlet. When a predetermined elapsed time has passed, as measured by the central computer, a timed-out event is communicated from the central computer to the electrical outlet triggering the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. Communication between the central computer and an electrical outlet may occur, for example, via existing electrical wiring, wirelessly, or via dedicated communication wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: CRUCS HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Publication number: 20100033025
    Abstract: A power adaptor for converting AC/DC current to DC current and providing the converted DC current to a portable device. The power adaptor includes a converter and switching means. The converter includes input ports for receiving the input current therethrough and output ports for flowing the output current therethrough. The switching means are coupled to the input ports and operative to control the flow of the input current. The switching means are adapted to be connected to and operated by the portable device such that the input current flows only when the portable device is coupled to the power adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Sang Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7652395
    Abstract: A power control system includes a base having a housing configured for releasably receiving a control unit and a cavity within the housing for receiving a solid state relay having a hockey puck configuration. The base includes an input power terminal for coupling to an input power source, an output power terminal for coupling to a power receiving load, and coupling fixtures for fixedly and electrically coupling to input and output power terminals and control terminals of the received solid state relay. A control unit is configured to control the solid state relay for selectively providing, at least a portion of, the power received at the input power terminal to the output power terminal. The control unit has a housing adapted to be releasably coupled to the base housing. The control unit and base each configured to electrically couple the control unit to the control terminals of the received solid state relay as a function of the control unit being coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Theodore Thomas Von Arx, Donald Leo Commare, Craig Richard Dennis, Leon J. McNutt, Thomas Robert Pfingsten, Keith Douglas Ness, Robert Allen Pape, John Frederic Lemke, Larry Emil Tiedemann, Stanton Hopkins Breitlow
  • Patent number: 7642674
    Abstract: A switch state assurance mechanism of a power stealing circuit for connection to a thermostatically controlled or other kind of operational system. The mechanism may be an interface for the power stealing circuit to the operational system. A switch or relay of the mechanism may have several states but have an appropriate state for a given status of the power stealing circuit and the operational system. The switch or relay may have a latching characteristic relative to its states. The mechanism may have a detection circuit and a drive circuit connected to the relay, and a control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the drive circuit. The mechanism may check the relay state and change the relay to a desired state. The mechanism may be incorporated in other circuits beside a power stealing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Mulhouse, Robert D. Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20090315411
    Abstract: A circuit or apparatus for providing intermittent or interruptible power to an electronic device. The circuit may provide power upon user initiation and interrupt that power in response to a user command, fault state, period of inactivity and so forth. As one example, interruptible power may be initially provided to activate or “power up” an electronic device and constant power provided after the initial activation. The initial powering up of the device may be facilitated by closing two contacts. The circuit may continue to provide power after the button is released through a monitoring and/or feedback mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Depew
  • Publication number: 20090315487
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for efficiently installing electrical lights, devices, and power outlets to selectively energize or de-energize an electrical load in a building or structure. The electrical power distribution system comprises a control module installed in a building comprising the controlled output that is selectively energized by controlling a latching relay connected to an AC supply source and a load to be energized. Some embodiments further comprise an electronic switch in parallel with a relay. In addition, other embodiments include an electronic switch in parallel with a relay controlled by the same control signal to energize a load, where the electronic switch is energized before the contacts of the relay close and the electronic switch is de-energized after the contacts of the relay open. In an exemplary embodiment the load may be controlled and its ON/OFF status may be known at a distance of at least one mile with a pair of wires, AWG #24 or smaller diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: James N. Seib, Kevin Broc Seib
  • Patent number: 7633183
    Abstract: A switching controller for power sharing of power supplies is disclosed. The switching controller includes an input circuit coupled to an input terminal to receive an input signal for generating a phase-shift signal, a first integration circuit coupled to the input circuit to generate a first integration signal in response to a pulse width of the input signal, and a control circuit coupled to the first integration circuit to generate a switching signal for switching the power supply, wherein the switching signal is enabled in response to the phase-shift signal, and a pulse width of the switching signal is determined in accordance with the first integration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: System General Corporation
    Inventor: Ta-Yung Yang
  • Publication number: 20090302684
    Abstract: A circuit includes a work-power module, an electronic component, a switching apparatus, and a power control unit. The power control unit includes an input pin connected to the work-power module, an output pin connected to the electronic component, and a control pin connected to the switching apparatus. The switching apparatus is capable of controlling the status of the power control unit. Upon the condition that the power control unit is turned on, the work-power module is capable of supplying power to the electronic component. Upon the condition that the power control unit is turned off, the work-power module is not capable of supplying power to the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DAO-WEI WANG, KANG WU
  • Patent number: 7626285
    Abstract: The position of an RF switch, or switches, in a matrix switch drive system is monitored using AC rather than DC measurement techniques. Using the same wiring as the matrix switch drive system so as not to increase the size and weight of the switch installation, a low current AC signal is provided during non-actuation of the RF switch(es) to each of plural combinations of a capacitor and a microswitch serially connected across each switch coil. With the capacitor and switch coil exhibiting inverse impedance responses to increasing AC frequency, when the microswitch is open only the coil impedance is read and when the microswitch is closed only the capacitor impedance is read. Using a switch coil with an inductance of 1 henry and a capacitor with a capacitance of 0.1 farads, the difference in impedance between the microswitch ON and OFF states is an easily detectable two orders of magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David W. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7622827
    Abstract: A switching controller for a parallel power supply is disclosed. The switching controller includes an input circuit coupled to an input terminal to receive an input signal for generating a phase-shift signal, a first integration circuit coupled to the input circuit to generate a first integration signal in response to a pulse width of the input signal, and a control circuit coupled to the first integration circuit to generate a switching signal for switching the power supply, the switching signal being enabled in response to the phase-shift signal, a pulse width of the switching signal being determined in accordance with the first integration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: System General Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Yung Yang, Yu-Min Chen, Chih-Ho Lin
  • Publication number: 20090284084
    Abstract: A power control module which can be used to automatically open a power circuit for electrically operated devices, particularly battery operated devices, during predetermined periods of non-use. A timer is reset by a motion detector indicating continuing use. The timer controls a transistor switch which closes and opens the power circuit as required. The timing interval can be user-selected e.g., by programming a microprocessor controller. The transition time between conductive and non-conductive states of the transistor can also be controlled to prolong the life of incandescent bulbs or other sensitive load devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah K. Avis
  • Publication number: 20090230780
    Abstract: In a power controller for a mounting substrate adapted to mount an integrated circuit includes I/O pads mounted on a semiconductor substrate as the mounting substrate, and a Vcc1 electric circuit system mounted on the semiconductor substrate, an isolator portion is included in the power controller and is connected between one of the I/O pads and the Vcc1 electric circuit system. Another isolator portion may be connected between the other I/O pad and another Vcc3 electric circuit system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Seisei Oyamada
  • Patent number: 7589436
    Abstract: A backup power supply is so constructed that it is provided with multiple DC backup power supplies 111 to 11N, each containing nickel-metal hydride battery, stored upright on the bottom of the disk array unit 100; cooled by cooling air through the vents 1011 for ventilation from the bottom to the top; and connected with the output of the AC/DC converters 121, 122 with the backboard 151. Very compact disk array unit with an uninterruptible power supplying function can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Computer Peripherals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumikazu Takahashi, Akihiko Kanouda, Masahiro Hamaogi, Yoshihide Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7573206
    Abstract: A system includes a load, one or more switches, and a controller. The switches are to switch power received from a power source to power the load. The controller is to control switching of the switches to deliver the power to the load to reduce perceptible flickering of one or more lights coupled to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Peter C. Nicholson, David E. Smith, Kenneth B. Wade
  • Publication number: 20090152955
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a circuit and device for activating and deactivating various high current output electrical devices, where such electrical devices are particularly appropriate for use in a hydroponic growing system. The circuit includes, a timer, a controller, a switch pair, defining a channel, one ballast connected to the switch pair and two high current output devices connected to one ballast. In an exemplary embodiment, the high current output device defines a high intensity light of the type commonly used in the indoor growing industry. The circuit includes the controller being connected to each the ballasts and upon the appropriate signal from the timer, the controller sends a high signal to switch which, in turn, sends a high signal to the ballast, which, in turn, powers one and only one of the high current output devices. In an exemplary embodiment there are six ballasts, each with two lighting arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Eddy Chan, Michael Hui
  • Patent number: 7547994
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing power of a mobile terminal includes: a first voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from an external power source to a first level; a second voltage regulating unit that changes the level of power from the first voltage regulating unit or the external power source to a second level; and a switching unit that switches an output of the external power source or the first voltage regulating unit to the second voltage regulating unit. The coverage of an output voltage of the mobile terminal can be extended and the cost of the power management apparatus can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jee-Young Cheon
  • Patent number: 7545057
    Abstract: Relay circuitry for a power-over-network device is provided. The relay circuitry allows power-supplying network devices to identify and subsequently to supply power across a network connection to the power-over-network device, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. The relay circuitry is operative using only the signals transmitted along a data line across the network connection. The relay circuitry is integrated together with switching circuitry on-chip on the power-over-network device. The relay circuitry and switching circuitry are further designed to propagate both the test signals and the subsequent data signals prior to and after the turning on of the power-over-network device, respectively, with minimal signal degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd,
    Inventors: Pierte Roo, Wyant Chan
  • Patent number: 7535696
    Abstract: Embodiments of a power distribution apparatus that is adaptable to be readily mounted within a variety of differing types of electronic equipment racks are herein described. One such embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having an upper mounting adapter. The upper mounting adapter may be attachable to a housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed therein. Another embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having a lower mounting adapter. The lower mounting adapter may be attachable to the housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed in the housing. A further embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having at least one mounting peg mounting in mating holes formed in a rack. The mounting pegs may be attachable to a housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy
  • Patent number: 7535126
    Abstract: A dry-type high-voltage load system apparatus has a space-saving structure, which is resistant to chain breaking, arc discharge and vibration, and a method of preventing the chain breaking and the arc discharge for use with the system apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Kouken Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kesafumi Matsumoto