Plural Switches Patents (Class 307/113)
  • Patent number: 12095253
    Abstract: An electrical circuit protection device a processor-based controller configured to operate at least one solid state switching element in a manner responsive to a variety of different time-current conditions to protect a plurality of different electrical loads. A field deployable adaptor device is configured to communicate with the controller. The controller is configured with at least one pre-preprogrammed control algorithm or at least one selected setting for a control algorithm executable by the controller. At least one pre-preprogrammed control algorithm or at least one selected setting are predetermined by a manufacturer of the circuit protector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew J. Butler, Adikaramge Asiri Jayawardena, Joseph M. Manahan
  • Patent number: 11909389
    Abstract: An input device includes a detection surface configured to be operated by an operation body, a first fixed electrode, a movable electrode, first and second terminals configured to be connected to an outside of the input device, and a direct-connection line electrically connecting the movable electrode to the second terminal via no capacitor. The movable electrode has a lower surface facing an upper surface of the first fixed electrode to be capacitively coupled to the first fixed electrode. The movable contact is displaceable to approach the first fixed electrode in response to a pressing of the detection surface by the operation body. The first terminal is configured to output, to the outside of the input device, a first electric signal containing a change in a capacitance between the first fixed electrode and the movable electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yamabayashi, Yuta Saito, Kenichi Matsumoto, Ryo Nakae
  • Patent number: 11909314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reconfigurable single-inductor multiport converters comprising a single inductor, a primary input port, a primary output port and a plurality of reconfigurable cells, each including a bidirectional port which is reconfigurable to be an auxiliary input port configured to share the inductor and work with the inductor to form an input cell or an auxiliary output port configured to work with a corresponding capacitor to form an output cell; and a plurality of switches arranged for facilitating the bidirectional port to act as auxiliary input port or auxiliary output port; and regulating bidirectional power flowing through the bidirectional port. The present invention provides a simple and low-cost solution for integrating multiple sources and loads simultaneously. The adoption of single-inductor design minimizes the use of magnetic components and the independent output cells configuration avoids cross-regulation problem among output ports, which simplifies the control design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi Kong Tse, Xiaolu Li
  • Patent number: 11817283
    Abstract: An electrical switching system of a circuit breaker, with a first busbar extending in a longitudinal direction, which carries a first contact and a second contact spaced apart therefrom in the longitudinal direction, and which has a first power connection, and with a second busbar extending in the longitudinal direction, which carries a first counterpart contact and a second counterpart contact spaced apart therefrom in the longitudinal direction, and which has a second power connection. The second busbar is mounted so as to be movable in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the first busbar partially overlaps the second busbar along the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the contacts and the counterpart contacts are arranged between the two power connections in the overlap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Harrer, Hendrik-Christian Koepf, Klaus Loos, Klaus Werner, Juergen Zeberl
  • Patent number: 11805196
    Abstract: A system for using a mobile phone in a vehicle includes an auxiliary jack having multiple conductors and configured to receive a connector having a first end to be coupled to the auxiliary jack and a second end to be coupled to a mobile device. The system further includes a ground coupled to a first conductor of the multiple conductors, and a microphone coupled to a second conductor of the multiple conductors that receives microphone data from a cabin of the vehicle to be transmitted to the remote device via the connector. The system further includes a first speaker coupled to a third conductor of the multiple conductors that outputs audio data received from the third conductor, and an IVI interface configured to receive user instructions for controlling the mobile device and to transmit the user instructions to the mobile device via at least one of the multiple conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Katsumi Nagata
  • Patent number: 11781776
    Abstract: A control substrate includes a substrate, a power-supply circuit, a communication circuit, a first terminal block that includes a first wiring connector, a second wiring connector, and a third wiring connector, a second terminal block that includes a fourth wiring connector and a fifth wiring connector, a first pattern, a second pattern, a third pattern, a fourth pattern, a fifth pattern, a sixth pattern, a first switch that is provided in the third pattern and is capable of switching connection and disconnection between the second wiring connector and the communication circuit, and a second switch that is provided in the fifth pattern and is capable of switching connection and disconnection between the fourth wiring connector and the communication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Kaneoya
  • Patent number: 11776784
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to direct current circuit breakers and their control methods. In one example, among others, a hybrid direct current circuit breaker (DCCB) includes an ultrafast mechanical switch (UFMS) connected in series with a commutating switch (CS) or auxiliary circuit breaker (ACB); a main breaker (MB) including a series of ? semiconductor switching stages in parallel with the UFMS and CS or ACB; and control circuitry that can turn off individual switching stages in a defined order in response to opening contacts of the UFMS. The switching stages can be turned off based upon a dielectric strength across the contacts as they open. In another example, a method includes opening contacts of an UFMS connected in series with a CS or ACB; and turning off individual switching stages of a series of ? semiconductor switching stages connected across the UFMS and the CS or ACB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chang Peng, Iqbal Husain, Qin Huang, Landon K. Mackey
  • Patent number: 11749656
    Abstract: An electronic module for a half-bridge circuit includes a base substrate with an insulating layer between a first metal layer and a second metal layer. A trench formed through the first metal layer electrically isolates first, second, and third portions of the first metal layer from one another. A high-side switch includes an enhancement-mode transistor and a depletion-mode transistor. The depletion-mode transistor includes a III-N material structure on an electrically conductive substrate. A drain electrode of the depletion-mode transistor is connected to the first portion, a source electrode of the enhancement-mode transistor is connected to the second portion, a drain electrode of the enhancement-mode transistor is connected to a source electrode of the depletion-mode transistor, a gate electrode of the depletion-mode transistor is connected to the electrically conductive substrate, and the electrically conductive substrate is connected to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Transphorm Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Rhodes, Yifeng Wu, Sung Hae Yea, Primit Parikh
  • Patent number: 11683190
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting power in a power and data distribution system comprising at least two pairs of wires, negotiating a power level between Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and a Powered Device (PD) in the power and data distribution system, transmitting the power at a power level greater than 100 watts, periodically checking each of the wires for a fault, and checking for an electrical imbalance at the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Chad M. Jones, Paolo Sironi
  • Patent number: 11632099
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor circuit configured to sense a parameter of a power system having an operating voltage greater than a voltage rating of the sensor circuit, an optical communications circuit configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor circuit and to generate an optical communications signal therefrom, and an optical power supply circuit configured to receive an optical input, to generate electrical power from the received optical input and to supply the generated electrical power to the sensor circuit and the optical communications circuit. A driver circuit may be configured to generate a first control signal applied to a control terminal of the power semiconductor switch, and the optical power supply circuit may be configured to supply the generated electrical power to the sensor circuit, the optical communications circuit and the driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Geraldo Nojima
  • Patent number: 11621626
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes: a driving section configured to drive a control terminal of a semiconductor device according to a control signal input from an outside, the semiconductor device including a first main terminal, a second main terminal, and the control terminal that is configured to control a connection state between the first main terminal and the second main terminal that are connected in parallel with a snubber; and a drive control section configured to lower a drive capability of the driving section during a period in which an inter-main-terminal voltage between the first main terminal and the second main terminal changes by a predetermined reference voltage difference owing to switching of the semiconductor device, compared with other at least some periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 11342855
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an energy transfer device that operates one or more input switches of an input side of an electrical isolation device to transfer energy through the isolation device to an output side of the electrical isolation device for activating a switch. The apparatus comprises a voltage conversion device that converts the energy from an input voltage of the input side to an output voltage to control the switch when the energy transfer is active. The apparatus comprises a passive turn off device that passively deactivates the switch when the energy transfer is inactive. The passive turn off device is disabled from deactivating the switch when the energy transfer is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventor: Simone Fabbro
  • Patent number: 11258437
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a switching device for disconnecting a current path in a DC supply system, said current path comprising inductances at the source end and the load end, the switching device comprising: two series-connected switching modules; wherein each of the series-connected switching modules comprises a controllable semiconductor switching element and a series circuit; the series circuit including a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel to the controllable semiconductor switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Rupp
  • Patent number: 11162700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an air-conditioning circuit, and an air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Yang, Xiaoli Dong
  • Patent number: 11104457
    Abstract: A power distribution device includes an input, an output, a power switch controller, and a voltage isolation device. The power distribution device includes, and is designed to provide power to, for example, non-radiation-tolerant or non-radiation hardened components for use in low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. The input is configured to receive power from a power source. The output is configured to provide the power to an electrical load. The power switch controller is configured to selectively operate the power distribution device in a first mode responsive to a first event, and to selectively operate the power distribution device in a second mode responsive to a second event. The voltage isolation device includes a plurality of switches configured, in the first mode, to pass the power between the input and the output, and, in the second mode, to interrupt the passage of the power between the input and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Brosh, Jonathan W. Edwards, Eric H. Liu, Todd W. Montgomery, Christopher T. Scioscia, Daniel L. Stanley
  • Patent number: 11095463
    Abstract: A portable information handling system selectively accepts power transferred from an external device through a port, such as USB Type C port, with one of a first or second power configuration. The first power configuration accepts power regulated by a charger of an external device and routed directly to a system bus and battery of the portable information handling system. The second power configuration accepts power regulated by an internal charger of the portable information handling system, such as a narrow voltage direct current charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Pelissier, Kevin M. Turchin, Lawrence E. Knepper
  • Patent number: 11070146
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a first switch leg and a controller. The first switch leg may include a first switch and a second switch. The second switch may be connected in series to the first switch. For a first half of a switching cycle, the controller may control the first switch and the second switch to be OFF. For a second half of the switching cycle, the controller may control the first switch to alternate between being ON and being OFF and to control the second switch to be ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Zmood, Tzachi Glovinsky, Yakir Loewenstern
  • Patent number: 10886728
    Abstract: A circuit comprises an output connector connectable to a load. A relay selectively connects the output connector to an AC power source. The relay is responsive to a disabling signal to disconnect the output connector from the AC power source. A sensor senses a level of power delivered to the load via the output connector. A detector emits a first fault signal when the sensed power level exceeds a fixed power limit. A latch maintains the first fault signal until it receives a rearm signal. A controller emits a second fault signal when the sensed power level exceeds a configurable power threshold, receives a user command to rearm the circuit, and in response to receiving the user command, emits the rearm signal and ceases the emission of the second fault signal. A logic combiner generates the disabling signal when it receives one of the first and second fault signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: OVH
    Inventors: Christophe Maurice Thibaut, Miroslaw Piotr Klaba
  • Patent number: 10873476
    Abstract: A packet forwarding network may include spine and leaf switches that forward network traffic between end hosts that are coupled to the packet forwarding network. A controller may control the switches in the forwarding network to implement desired forwarding paths. The packet forwarding network may additionally include access switches that are directly connected to edge switches to form access switch groups. The access switches may also be controlled by the controller. End hosts may be coupled to access switches as well as leaf switches to extend the reach of the packet forwarding network. Additionally, the access switches may include access-leaf switches and access-edge switches to improve network routing capabilities and network flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Big Switch Networks LLC
    Inventors: Shrinivasa Kini, Sudeep Modi, Prashanth Padubidry, Kiran Poola
  • Patent number: 10857905
    Abstract: The ECU includes first and second power terminals, first and second voltage limiting elements, first and second diodes, and a power supply IC. A voltage is applied to the first power terminal from a battery, and a voltage is applied to the second power terminal from the battery via a start switch. The first voltage limiting element is provided between the first power terminal and an input terminal of the power supply IC. The cathode of the first diode is connected to the input terminal of the power supply IC. The second voltage limiting element is provided between the second power terminal and the anode of the first diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to the anode of the first diode, and the anode is grounded. A limit voltage of the first voltage limiting element is greater than a limit voltage of the second voltage limiting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Katabuchi
  • Patent number: 10856073
    Abstract: This application relates to switch arrangements, in particular switch arrangements suitable for switchable connecting nodes of audio driving circuitry (100) that may, in use, experience a signal swing depending on an output audio driving signal (VD). A switch arrangement (300) comprises first and second transistors (301 and 302) of the same polarity type connected in series between the first and second nodes, with a third transistor (303) connected between a defined voltage (VS) and an intermediate node (N3) between the first and second transistors. The first transistor (301) has a drain connection to the first node (N1) and a source connection to the intermediate node (N3). The second transistor (302) has a drain connection to the second node (N2) and a source connection to the intermediate node (N3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rupesh Khare, Simon Foster
  • Patent number: 10841990
    Abstract: In a furniture supported power control arrangement and method, power is controlled selectively from one of two furniture locations in the arrangement. A three-way circuit is comprised of low-voltage wiring connecting a first double-throw electric switch carried at a first furniture location for selective manual actuation, and a second double-throw electric switch carried at a second furniture location for selective manual actuation. A low-voltage driver supplies low-voltage power to the three-way circuit, and a low-voltage room lighting system is connected to the three-way circuit, whereby low-voltage power is directed to or disconnected from the room lighting system as controlled selectively by actuation of either one of the first and second double-throw electric switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventors: Scott D. Usher, Daniel Deutsch
  • Patent number: 10819241
    Abstract: A converter for controlling power flows between three electricity networks with different operating voltages. The converter includes, in one implementation, three terminals and two converter cells. Each of the three terminals are configured to electrically contact-connect one of the three electricity networks. Each of the two converter cells includes a transformer having three converter cells. One of the terminals is connected to a series circuit of the converter cells. Another of the terminals is connected to a parallel circuit of the converter cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dominik Bortis, Jannik Robin Schaefer, Johann W. Kolar
  • Patent number: 10788516
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of estimating power using a plurality of branch load circuits associated with a mains three phase power supply, comprises: a voltage sensor (303) coupled to a mains power supply; a non-intrusive magnetic flux sensor array (304) coupled to a plurality of branch load circuits (305), the branch load circuits (305) coupled to the main power supply; and a computing device coupled to the voltage sensor (303) and the non-intrusive magnetic flux sensor array (304), in which a set of current-flux conversion values are to be stored in memory of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Shu Yuen Ron Hui, Haoyuan Yang
  • Patent number: 10756535
    Abstract: A combined direct current circuit breaker includes a transfer branch, an energy absorption branch, at least two primary branches and at least two secondary branches; the transfer branch is connected in parallel with the energy absorption branch; the primary branches are in one-to-one correspondence with the second branches; the primary branches are connected with direct current outgoing lines of a direct current busbar in a high-voltage direct current power transmission system; the secondary branches are connected in series with the transfer branches and then connected in parallel with two ends of the primary branches corresponding to the secondary branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: GLOBAL ENERGY INTERCONNECTION RES. INST. CO., LTD., STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA
    Inventors: Guangfu Tang, Zhiyuan He, Wandi Zhou, Xiaoguang Wei, Sheng Zhang, Yan Zhao, Xiang Luo, Pengzhi Li
  • Patent number: 10727676
    Abstract: A head-mounted display system includes a head-mounted display gear, a host, and two USB Type-C transmission lines. The two USB Type-C transmission lines are coupled between the head-mounted display gear and the host for transmitting power, data and video streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Meng-Chieh Chuang
  • Patent number: 10710739
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Sébastien Filangi, Julien D'Arbigny, Loic Bouillo, Christophe Elleboode, Franck Masset, Guillaume Gager, Claire Marty, Hanane Zraiaa
  • Patent number: 10692158
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing ancillary services to a power grid using a power consumption component at a customer premises. The apparatus may control a load with discrete, finite states of power or an on/off load at a customer premises using a controller. The controller may comprise a processor, which may be configured to receive a regulation signal associated with an ancillary service for the power grid; determine whether to modify a state of power of the power consumption component based on a probability function, local measurement at the premises, and the received regulation signal; and based at least in part on a determination to modify the state of power of the power consumption component, modify the state of power of the power consumption component. The system may be distributed, with different controllers at different customer premises independently making power state decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, INRIA (French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation)
    Inventors: Sean Meyn, Ana Busic
  • Patent number: 10666044
    Abstract: [Problem] To suppress current flowing to a contact of a relay when grounding a device to be grounded by connecting the contact of the relay, and to suppress arc discharge between relay contacts when the grounding state of the device to be grounded is released by disconnecting the relay contact. [Solution] A grounding circuit equipped with: a first relay contact connected to a device to be grounded; a resistor that is connected between the first relay contact and an earth, and that suppresses current flowing to the first relay contact when the contact of the first relay is closed; and a second relay contact that is connected in parallel with the resistor, and that is closed before the first relay contact is opened when the grounding state of the device to be grounded is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shohei Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10535684
    Abstract: Provided is a digital circuit (30) that comprises: a switching circuit (31) having first transistors (32, 33) supplied with power supply potentials (VDD, VSS); correcting circuits (34, 36) connected between an input terminal (IN) inputted with an input signal and control terminals (gates) of the first transistors; capacitors (C2, C3) connected between the control terminals and the input terminal; diode-connected second transistors (35, 37) that are provided between nodes (N5, N6) between the capacitors and the control terminals and the power supply potentials and have the substantially same threshold voltage as the first transistors; and switches (SW2, SW3) connected in series with the second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 10530361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical circuit arrangement with an active discharge circuit including at least one electrical switching element, by means of which the circuit arrangement can be discharged in controlled manner. The circuit arrangement includes a RC snubber element with capacitor and resistor for damping voltage or current peaks in the circuit arrangement, wherein the electrical switching element is integrated in the RC snubber element and connected in parallel to the capacitor of the RC snubber. This enables the discharge circuit to be designed in a manner that is economical in terms of space and cost. The discharge circuit uses the heat sink for the RC snubber element and therefore does not need any additional heat dissipation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Tobias Erlbacher, Stefan Matlok
  • Patent number: 10490365
    Abstract: A direct-current switching device for interrupting an electric direct current flowing along a medium or high-voltage current path, includes an electric circuit assembly having a mechanical switching device to be switched in the medium or high-voltage current path. The electric circuit assembly further has an LC circuit with an inductive component in order to force a current zero crossing in the mechanical switching device connected in the medium or high-voltage current path, a capacitive component for forming a resonant circuit being closed by the switching device, and a switchable semiconductor component for generating an excitation frequency exciting the resonant circuit. The switchable semiconductor component is disposed in the electric circuit assembly such that the semiconductor component constantly lies outside of the medium or high-voltage current path when the mechanical switching device is connected in the medium or high-voltage current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Heinz
  • Patent number: 10418803
    Abstract: A direct current switch-off device comprises an on-state current branch circuit and a current commutating and breaking unit which are connected in parallel. The on-state current branch circuit has a mechanical switch (S) and a current transfer module which are connected in series. The current commutating and breaking unit comprises a bridge-type branch circuit and a current-breaking branch circuit. The current-breaking branch circuit and two bridge arms of the bridge-type branch circuit are connected in parallel. The current-breaking branch circuit comprises a nonlinear resistor (RI) and a valve group consisting of fully-controlled devices connected in series. The nonlinear resistor (RI) and the valve group are connected in parallel. Two ends of each fully-controlled device in the valve group are connected in parallel with a buffering and reclosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: NR ELECTRIC CO., LTD, NR ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Dongming Cao, Taixun Fang, Yeyuan Xie, Bing Yang, Wei Shi, Wei Lv, Wenjie Wang, Bin Liu, Tao Wang, Lele Li
  • Patent number: 10408960
    Abstract: A high power switching circuit suitable for injection of high currents, typically several tens of Amperes, at high drive voltages of up to 5-10 kV, is provided using a combination of electromechanical and semiconductor switching elements that, while providing switchable polarity, substantially bypasses semiconductor switching element(s) during a substantial portion of current injection duty cycles. In this way, thermal heating of switching elements can be reduced/managed in a way that improves long term reliability of geophysical survey equipment. In addition, circuit protections can be provided to address backflow currents generated upon collapse of electromagnetic fields in inductive loads, such as is typical in geophysical surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Bo Berglund
  • Patent number: 10410814
    Abstract: A power electronics arrangement may comprise a power supply, a controller configured to receive a power from the power supply and generate an output signal, a waveguide, a receiver, filter, and converter (RFC) configured to receive the output signal via the waveguide, the RFC configured to generate a switching signal from the output signal, and a power switching device (PSD) configured to receive the switching signal from the RFC, wherein the controller transmits the output signal to the RFC through the waveguide via a transponder, the waveguide is coupled between the transponder and the RFC, and the PSD is galvanically isolated from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph V Mantese, Vladimir Blasko, Thomas Gietzold, Brian L McCabe, Kurt J Sobanski
  • Patent number: 10367352
    Abstract: Direct current (“DC”) power such as from solar panels is used by home appliances directly without conversion to AC. The large direct current spark problem is alleviated by interrupting the DC current at periodicities of at least 120 hertz and typically 99 percent duty cycle. This interrupted DC power is less harmful to switches and circuit breakers than equivalent AC power. Furthermore, the interrupted DC power is used with greater efficiency by computers, and can be used to power a wide range of appliances. Exceptions are inductive appliances, which are detected and treated differently, by a smart power receptacle embodiment. These embodiments provide a very low cost and efficient path to an all DC electric power future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Marvin Motsenbocker
  • Patent number: 10333313
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical assembly for use in an electrical system. The electrical assembly comprises a DC path. The DC path includes: a DC power transmission medium; and a current commutation device, the current commutation device including a switching element and an energy absorbing element, the switching element arranged to permit a current flowing, in use, through the DC path to flow through the switching element and at the same time bypass the energy absorbing element, wherein the electrical assembly further includes a control unit programmed to selectively control the switching of the switching element to commutate the current directly from the switching element to the energy absorbing element in order to increase the resultant voltage drop caused by the flow of direct current through the DC path in which the current commutation device is connected and thereby oppose the flow of the current through the DC path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Whitehouse, Carl David Barker, Andrzej Adamczyk
  • Patent number: 10298017
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a photovoltaic inverter includes two bus lines, input terminals for connecting at least one photovoltaic generator to the bus lines, respectively, and at least one DC/AC converter connected to the bus lines. The circuit arrangement further includes a disconnector between each DC/AC converter and the bus lines, respectively, and at least one short-circuit path for short-circuiting a voltage between the bus lines, wherein a short-circuit switch is arranged in the short-circuit path, wherein the at least one short-circuit path runs between the bus lines upstream of all disconnectors between the input terminals and the disconnectors, and wherein the short-circuit switch in the at least one short-circuit path between the bus lines is connected in series with a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Andreas Falk, Franz Lukas
  • Patent number: 10256624
    Abstract: A device for limiting the inrush current component of a current provided by a supply to a load, the device including an impedance arranged between the supply and the load, a switch arranged to divert the current from the impedance, an inrush period timer connected to the supply and arranged to activate the switch after expiry of an inrush time period, the inrush time period being a time period beginning upon the supply becoming active such that current is available to be provided by the supply to the load and a reset circuit connected to the supply and the inrush period timer, the reset circuit arranged to deactivate the switch and reset the inrush period timer in response to the supply becoming inactive such that no current is available to be provided by the supply to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: KeyMed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Limited
    Inventor: William John White
  • Patent number: 10228670
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an identification system includes a first component having a first resistor and a second resistor, a second component having a sensor configured to sense a voltage difference between a first bus and a second bus and a selector signal output port configured to provide a first selector signal and a second selector signal, and a third component having a switching network configured to electrically connect the second bus to the first bus across one or both of the first resistor and the second resistor in response to the first selector signal, and electrically connect the second bus to the first bus across a different one of the first resistor or the second resistor in response to the second selector signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Swope
  • Patent number: 10153850
    Abstract: This power feed line switching circuit for switching connection states among a plurality of power feed lines has a plurality of switching circuits, and a variable resistance unit. The switching circuits switch the connection states among the power feed lines. The variable resistance unit is disposed on the connecting paths among the power feed lines before and after the switching, and the resistance values thereof change in conjunction with operations of the switching circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Aida
  • Patent number: 10096443
    Abstract: A direct-current switching device switches direct currents, in particular direct currents in the kiloampere range. The switching device contains a switching unit, a resonant circuit, and an overvoltage arrester. During the switching off of the switching unit, the resonant circuit produces an oscillating resonant current, which is superposed with the direct current still flowing through the switching unit during the switching off of the switching unit. Accordingly, connected in series with the switching unit, hereinafter referred to as the first switching unit, is a second switching unit, the switching behavior of which differs from the switching behavior of the first switching unit, and the resonant circuit and the arrester lie electrically in parallel with the series connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lutz-Ruediger Jaenicke, Joerg Teichmann, Jan Weisker
  • Patent number: 10090672
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a lightning protection circuit configured for use in a solid state power controller (SSPC) having at least one feed line and a plurality of load lines. The lightning protection circuit includes a shared transient voltage suppressor and a transient isolator communicatively coupled to the shared transient voltage suppressor. The transient isolator is configured to be communicatively coupled to the at least one feed line and the plurality of load lines. When the transient isolator is communicatively coupled to and shared by the at least one feed line and the plurality of load lines, energy above a threshold on any one of the at least one feed line and the plurality of load lines is dissipated through the shared transient voltage suppressor. A single built-in-test (BIT) circuit is provided to detect dormant failures of the shared transient voltage suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: John A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 10056031
    Abstract: Provided is a data driver for a display panel. The data driver includes an auxiliary power generating unit and an auxiliary power output unit. The auxiliary power generating unit may generate an auxiliary power. The auxiliary power output unit may supply the auxiliary power to the display panel when the display panel is driven in a power saving mode under the control of the auxiliary power generating unit. The auxiliary power output unit may include a first transistor configured to output the auxiliary power output from the auxiliary power generating unit, a diode configured to output the auxiliary power output from the first transistor, and a second transistor connected to the diode in parallel and configured to output the auxiliary power together with the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Subin Park
  • Patent number: 9921330
    Abstract: A high power switching circuit suitable for injection of high currents, typically several tens of Amperes, at high drive voltages of up to 5-10 kV, is provided using a combination of electromechanical and semiconductor switching elements that, while providing switchable polarity, substantially bypasses semiconductor switching element(s) during a substantial portion of current injection duty cycles. In this way, thermal heating of switching elements can be reduced/managed in a way that improves long term reliability of geophysical survey equipment. In addition, circuit protections can be provided to address backflow currents generated upon collapse of electromagnetic fields in inductive loads, such as is typical in geophysical surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Bo Berglund
  • Patent number: 9866147
    Abstract: A first bidirectional switch is electrically connected between a first connection point which is a connection point of a first switching element and a second switching element and a second connection point which is a connection point of a seventh switching element and an eighth switching element. A second bidirectional switch is electrically connected between a third connection point which is a connection point of a third switching element and a fourth switching element and a fourth connection point which is a connection point of a fifth switching element and a sixth switching element. A power-converting device is configured to generate an output voltage between a first output point and a second output point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Kidera, Mitsuru Tanabe, Mariko Kifuji
  • Patent number: 9761140
    Abstract: A parking management system and methods of operation are disclosed. In one variation, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving positional data concerning a listing location from a listing client device; establishing a radius boundary based on the positional data; filtering one or more databases using the radius boundary to determine an amount of parking spaces listed and the amount of parking spaces reserved within a preset time period; calculating a location-specific transaction rate using the amount of parking spaces listed, the amount of parking spaces reserved, and the preset time period; determining a recommended listing price based on the location-specific transaction rate; and transmitting the recommended listing price to the listing client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PIED PARKER, INC.
    Inventors: Gianni Rosas-Maxemin, Alston Strickland, Francisco B. Sandoval, III
  • Patent number: 9762476
    Abstract: Communicatively coupling multiple networking-enabled electronic devices to a local ring communication network enables remote monitoring and maintenance of the networked electronic devices with a single network gateway device per local network. The devices are coupled to the ring network in series through a loop cable assembly. The loop cable assembly enables forwarding of data received at a particular electronic device from another electronic device separately coupled to the loop cable assembly, via a portion of the loop cable assembly, to the gateway device, via another portion of the loop cable assembly. The loop cable assembly can include multiple network cables and dongles. The loop cable assembly may include a back-pass pathway, where a network terminator device coupled to a network connector at a distal end of the loop cable assembly from the network gateway device reroutes output data back through loop cable assembly towards the network gateway device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Perevalov, Arthur Rodman Myer, Shinji Anzai
  • Patent number: 9741749
    Abstract: Provided is a digital circuit (30) that comprises: a switching circuit (31) having first transistors (32, 33) supplied with power supply potentials (VDD, VSS); correcting circuits (34, 36) connected between an input terminal (IN) inputted with an input signal and control terminals (gates) of the first transistors; capacitors (C2, C3) connected between the control terminals and the input terminal; diode-connected second transistors (35, 37) that are provided between nodes (N5, N6) between the capacitors and the control terminals and the power supply potentials and have the substantially same threshold voltage as the first transistors; and switches (SW2, SW3) connected in series with the second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 9692407
    Abstract: There is described a method for driving paralleled electronic switches via a drive signal processing circuit (1) connected to respective driver circuits (5A, 5B) associated with said electronic switches (7 A, 7B). During the turn-off intervals of the electronic switch, the driver circuit sends a fault signal to the drive signal processing circuit. During the turn-off intervals of the electronic switch, the driver circuit masks the fault signal coming from the drive circuit of the electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Thomas Montemezzo