Selectively Actuated Patents (Class 307/115)
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Patent number: 11327573Abstract: A keyboard includes a cover plate having a plurality of first keyholes, an adjustment mechanism disposed under the cover plate, and a plurality of keyswitches. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment frame and a plurality of adjustment portions. The adjustment frame includes a plurality of ribs defining a plurality of second keyholes corresponding to the plurality of first keyholes, respectively. Each of the adjustment portions is proximate to a corresponding one of the second keyholes. Each of the keyswitches includes a tactile feedback member and is located in corresponding first and second keyholes, so that the adjustment portion corresponds to the tactile feedback member of its corresponding keyswitch. The adjustment frame is movable relative to the cover plate, so that each of the adjustment portions drives a portion of the tactile feedback member to move, to change tactile feedback of the keyswitches.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Chih-Hsiang Chiang, Chen Yang, Yu-Chun Hsieh, Po-Yueh Chou
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Patent number: 11289993Abstract: A switching element control circuit: a third electrode voltage control part; a temperature detection part; a first electrode current detection part; a memory part which stores information including an initial threshold voltage and an operation temperature/first electrode current characteristic of the threshold voltage; and a threshold voltage calculation part which calculates a threshold voltage at the time of operating the switching element based on information including the initial threshold voltage, the operation temperature of the switching element, and a first electrode current, and information relating to an operation temperature/first electrode current characteristic of a threshold voltage, wherein the third electrode voltage control part controls the third electrode voltage based on a threshold voltage at the time of operating the switching element calculated by the threshold voltage calculation part.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: SHINDENGEN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Wataru Miyazawa
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Patent number: 11289229Abstract: A nuclear fuel storage system includes an outer canister and fuel basket positioned therein. The basket is formed by orthogonally arranged and interlocked slotted plates which collectively define exterior side surfaces of the basket and a grid array of open cells each configured to hold a fuel assembly. At least some slotted plates comprise cantilevered plate extensions protruding laterally beyond the side surfaces of the basket to define various shaped peripheral gaps between the basket and canister. The plate extensions are configured to engage the shell of the canister. Vertically elongated reinforcement members are inserted in the peripheral gaps and fixedly coupled to the basket. Reinforcement members may comprise elongated reinforcement plates and/or tubular shimming members which may be fixedly coupled to the slotted plate extensions. The reinforcement members structurally strengthen the fuel basket. The plate extensions further act as fins to enhance heat dissipation from the basket.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 11264767Abstract: A power pedestal is described. The power pedestal includes a plurality of receptacles that are configured to connect to external devices. The plurality of receptacles includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle of the plurality of receptacles. The first receptacle and the second receptacle are electrically interlocked with one another. The power pedestal includes a first circuit breaker connected to the first receptacle and a second circuit breaker connected to the second receptacle, and a shunt trip circuit that is configured to trip the first circuit breaker to disable power to the first receptacle of the power pedestal, responsive to the second circuit breaker associated with the second receptacle of the power pedestal being in an active state. Related devices and methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Cory Robert Weeks, Jason D. Easton, Jeffery Scott Kuykendall, Michel Rivas, Paul D. Seff
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Patent number: 11204387Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a relay driving circuit includes a sensing unit configured to measure a first measured voltage, a second measured voltage and a third measured voltage respectively applied to one end of the first switch, one end of the second switch and one end of the third switch; and a processor operably coupled to the sensing unit. The processor controls operation states of the first switch, the second switch and the third switch and diagnoses whether the relay driving circuit has a fault based on at least one of the first measured voltage, the second measured voltage and the third measured voltage measured by the sensing unit in a state where a diagnosing circuit is formed by controlling the operation states.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Inventor: Sun-Jong Lee
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Patent number: 11190045Abstract: An electric utility distribution system in which power is supplied by a distribution transformer through an electric utility meter including an apparatus for detecting the presence of a back-feed voltage source connected to the load. The apparatus includes a virtual neutral established in the electric utility meter at ground potential and a remote switch that is opened to interrupt electric power flow from the distribution transformer to the load. The apparatus further includes a balanced voltage divider circuit including a connection point established between a pair of series connected resistive elements. In addition, the apparatus includes a detection circuit configured to monitor a voltage signal at the connection point to detect a back-feed voltage source connected between a neutral conductor of the electric utility distribution system and one of a first or second power line at the load.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Aclara Technologies, LLCInventors: Curtis W. Crittenden, Carl Oppenheimer
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Patent number: 11190008Abstract: A high-voltage DC floating system includes a source, a power rail, a power bus, a load, and a pre-charge circuit. The power bus includes a positive bus portion and a negative bus portion. The pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge circuit portion that is configured to equalize a voltage across the positive power supply switch between the source and a Y-capacitance of the load and a second pre-charge circuit portion that defines a switched path to ground that is configured to equalize a voltage associated with a Y-capacitance of the negative power rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Hunter Wu, Hamza W. Derbas, Paul Firehammer, Robert J. Kromer
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Patent number: 11178788Abstract: A cooling system for a networking device may be provided. The networking device may comprise a first plurality of switch bars each comprising a first switch type arranged parallel to one another, a second plurality of switch bars each comprising a second switch type arranged parallel to one another, and a third plurality of switch bars each comprising a third switch type arranged parallel to one another. The first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars may be arranged orthogonally. A plurality of cooling passages may be configured to supply a coolant to the apparatus and to exhaust the coolant from the apparatus. The coolant may pass through the first plurality of switch bars, the second plurality of switch bars, and the third plurality of switch bars.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Pascal Thubert, Charles Calvin Byers
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Patent number: 11146258Abstract: A method for protecting a power switch during turn-on includes sensing that a change in current through the power switch is in regulation, measuring a time the change in current through the power switch is in regulation, and comparing the time the change in current through the power switch is in regulation to a reference time. An over current signal, which can be used to disable the power switch, is generated if the time the change in current through the power switch is in excess of the reference time.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AGInventors: Karl Norling, Johannes Groeger, Anton Mauder, Bernhard Wicht
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Patent number: 10910842Abstract: System for providing electrical power to wind turbine components comprising a busbar, an electrical grid, and an auxiliary power source for selectively providing electrical power to the busbar with an auxiliary power voltage, wherein the main voltage is different from the auxiliary power voltage. The system includes one or more wind turbines comprising a wind turbine generator, a main transformer for connecting the wind turbine generator to the busbar, one or more wind turbine components, and an auxiliary wind turbine transformer. The wind turbine components are arranged to be selectively connected to the main transformer and the busbar through a first path or a second path. The system is configured to select the first path if the voltage at the busbar is the main voltage and to select the second path if the voltage at the busbar is the auxiliary power voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L.Inventors: Sergi Rates Palau, Kevin Schoenleber, Andre Langel
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Patent number: 10868439Abstract: Effectively utilize a capacitor for supplying power to a load when a battery abnormality occurs. A power supply device for connecting to a battery and a load to which power is supplied from the battery includes: a capacitor; a first switch for switching a connection state between the battery and the capacitor; a second switch for switching a connection state between the capacitor and the load; and a control unit for detecting a state of charge of the capacitor and abnormality of the battery. When the abnormality of the battery is not detected, the control unit turns on the first switch and turns off the second switch when the capacitor is not charged, and maintains the first switch on after the capacitor is fully charged.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Katsuyuki Iwasaki
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Patent number: 10855101Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting energy includes an AC harvester having an AC harvesting capacitor and configured to extract power from an AC environment energy source, a DC harvester configured to extract power from a DC environment energy source, and a power transferrer configured to control a transfer path of power extracted from the DC harvester based on a magnitude of a voltage of the AC harvesting capacitor and a magnitude of a voltage applied from the DC harvester.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITYInventors: Seong Ook Jung, Ki Ryong Kim, Dong Hoon Jung, Hong Keun Ahn
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Patent number: 10847996Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for access-controlled electrical docking stations that automatically switch power to an electrical system between generator power and utility power are disclosed herein. An illustrative electrical docking station can include a cabinet that houses a circuit breaker, a generator interface to connect generators to the electrical docking station, an Automatic Transfer Switch, and a power supply. The power supply can supply converted DC power and protection to different accessories for the electrical docking station including an alarm, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock a door to the generator connectors in a closed position when the ATS is energized by a generator and to not lock the door when the door is in an open position. In some such circumstances, the alarm can shine green or provide an audible alarm and shine red respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Trystar, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan A. Sunde, Jared A. Smith, Griffin A. Hebel
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Patent number: 10782327Abstract: A power supply system includes a power control device and a power supply device. The power control device includes a first controller, a power measurement circuit, and a first communication circuit. The power measurement circuit measures power being supplied to the power supply device. The first controller calculates additionally suppliable power based on the power being supplied and selects one operation mode based on the additionally suppliable power. The first communication circuit transmits the operation mode selected to the power supply device. The power supply device includes a second controller, a power converter circuit, and a second communication circuit. The second communication circuit receives the operation mode selected. The second controller outputs a condition of supply power indicating electric power supplied, to the power converter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Takeshi Hatakeyama
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Patent number: 10785882Abstract: An electrical junction box is provided that can suppress a failure occurring due to a connector being exposed to external stress. An electrical junction box includes a substrate on which the connector is mounted, a case in which an opening portion is formed and the substrate is accommodated, and a cover that is attached to the opening portion and in which an insertion hole, into which the connector is to be inserted, is formed in a penetrating manner. The cover includes protruding portions at positions on sides of the connector, the protruding portions protruding forward of a leading end of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinao Tsujiya, Masatomo Inoue, Hiroshi Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 10768015Abstract: A system for analyzing energy usage measures one or more parameters indicative of energy usage for a plurality of sub-circuits, where the sampling rate for the measuring is substantially continuous, and automatically transmits information related to at least one of the measured parameters at a rate that enables monitoring of current energy usage. The system further detects a significant change in a measured parameter, determines whether the significant change in the measured parameter is caused by a change in energy usage, and automatically transmits information related to the significant change in the measured parameter caused by the change in energy usage after detecting the significant change.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: MelRok, LLCInventors: Michel Roger Kamel, Paul W. Donahue
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Patent number: 10770253Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches that provide low contact resistance over a large number of open and close contact cycles are disclosed. A MEMS switch device may include a plurality of parallel MEMS switches with a first MEMS switch that is configured differently in such a manner to close first and/or open last during open and close cycles. In this regard, the first MEMS switch may experience increased contact resistance over a large number of open and close cycles while other MEMS switches maintain a low contact resistance. In certain embodiments, the first MEMS switch is controlled by a different control signal to open and close differently than the other MEMS switches. In certain embodiments, a common control signal controls a plurality of MEMS switches and the first MEMS switch is mechanically different such that it opens and closes differently than other MEMS switches.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Jonathan Hale Hammond
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Patent number: 10769916Abstract: A refrigerator may include: a communication device, an object detection sensor for sensing an object positioned within a predetermined region around the refrigerator door; and a controller for controlling the refrigerator to operate in a specific mode based on a connected state between the communication network and preset mobile terminals. If an object sensing signal is received from the object detection sensor in the specific mode, the controller may send a notification to at least one of the preset mobile terminals through the communication network.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sangoh Kim, Hyungyul Kim, Jongho Yun, Cholok Han
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Patent number: 10727653Abstract: A power distribution box apparatus and method for implementing a priority disconnect scheme and a network communication bridge at a worksite, where the power distribution box distributes temporary power. The power distribution box includes a housing portion and a base portion elevating the housing portion off of the ground or another surface. The power distribution box includes a communication module having a network connecting module operable to connect to an external communication network (e.g., the Internet), and a wireless network module operable to wirelessly communicate with an external device (e.g., a smart phone) to, thereby, connect the external device to the external communication network. The power distribution box may also include a priority disconnect module to selectively disconnect AC output receptacles in response to over-current situations based on a priority level associated with each receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Wade F. Burch
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Patent number: 10714288Abstract: A relay device includes a switch that switches a power line, serving as a path for power supplied from a first power storage device to a plurality of loads, between an electrified state and a non-electrified state; a first relay that switches a first conductive path, serving as a path from the switch to at least one specific load, between an electrified state and a non-electrified state; a second relay that switches a second conductive path, serving as a path between a second power storage device and the at least one specific load, between an electrified state and a non-electrified state; and a controller. When an abnormality has been detected by an abnormality detector, the controller causes the second relay to operate in a manner corresponding to the operation of the first relay that was being performed before detection of the abnormality.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Hiromichi Yasunori
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Patent number: 10716194Abstract: A smart light switch includes a housing, a light actuator, and a processor and memory. The processor is adapted to selectively turn an electrical load on and off in accordance with a programmed set of light activation rules stored in memory. The processor is operable to determine whether the smart light switch is in an On or Off state and create a historical record of the On or Off state of the smart light switch over time. A user is selectively able to place the smart light switch in a vacation mode. The processor suspends the programmed set of light activation rules, determines a probability that the smart light switch would have been turned on based upon the historical record, and probabilistically activates and deactivates the smart light switch for a period of time based upon the historical record while the smart light switch was not in vacation mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: ECOBEE INC.Inventors: Sahaj Chema, Jonathan Yeap, Casey McKinnon
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Patent number: 10686317Abstract: A programmable battery protection system. Implementations may include a battery protection integrated circuit (IC) with an array of fuses, a plurality of latches coupled with the array of fuses, a plurality of MOSFETs coupled with the plurality of latches, and a plurality of resistors coupled in series and in parallel with each one of the plurality of MOSFETs. The IC may also include a comparator coupled with the plurality of resistors and with a battery control circuit. Whether any one of the array of fuses is open or closed (remains closed) may be set by a fuse trimming signal from the battery control circuit. A voltage supplied to the comparator by the plurality of resistors during operation may be one of a discharge overcurrent threshold voltage, a charge overcurrent threshold voltage, or a short current threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Hiroshi Saito, Keiji Amemiya, Mutsuki Niki, Yasuaki Hayashi
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Patent number: 10651839Abstract: A power switching apparatus includes a plurality of semiconductor switching devices connected in parallel with each other and a plurality of balance resistor units. The plurality of balance resistor units each have one end connected to a control electrode of an associated semiconductor switching device and the other end to which a common control signal is input. Each balance resistor unit is configured to have a resistance value switched between different values depending on whether the plurality of semiconductor switching devices are turned on or turned off in accordance with the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shota Morisaki, Yoshiko Tamada, Yoshitaka Naka, Yukihiko Wada, Hiroyuki Takagi
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Patent number: 10650613Abstract: A system includes a machinery protection monitoring system. The machinery protection monitoring system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of alarm escalation rules associated with an operational protection function of an industrial machine, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to utilize the plurality of alarm escalation rules. The processor is also configured to receive an indication that the operational protection of the industrial machine is at least partially suspended, compare the measurement of the one or more operational parameters to at least one of the plurality of alarm escalation rules, and generate an alarm signal based at least in part on whether the at least one of the plurality of alarm escalation rules is satisfied. The alarm signal includes an indication of an adverse operational condition of the machinery protection monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Alan Tart, Thomas Franklin Kalb, Kyle Allan Farwell, Curtis Lee Hoffman, Paul Foster Richetta
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Patent number: 10579454Abstract: A circuit includes a dynamic core data register (DCDR) cell that includes a data register, a shift register and an output circuit to route the output state of the data register or the shift register to an output of the DCDR in response to an output control input. A clock gate having a gate control input controls clocking of the shift register in response to a first scan enable signal. An output control gate controls the output control input of the output circuit and controls which outputs from the data register or the shift register are transferred to the output of the output circuit in response to a second scan enable signal. The first scan enable signal and the second scan enable signal to enable a state transition of the shift register at the output of the DCDR.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Aravinda Acharya, Wilson Pradeep, Prakash Narayanan
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Patent number: 10547177Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an energization method and apparatus for a power strip, and a storage medium. The method includes: de-energizing respective sockets of a power strip, detecting use states of the respective sockets of the power strip using independently powered sensors, and controlling the first socket to be energized when the use state of a first socket of the power strip is having a plug inserted therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yan Xie
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Patent number: 10474258Abstract: Apparatus for determining user operation of an actuator, based on determining a time constant of a state circuit coupled to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventor: Ran Sahar
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Patent number: 10443881Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a fan (1) which includes a control unit (2), wherein the control method includes at least the following steps: —the selection of an operating program (22) of the fan (1) from among a plurality of operating programs pre-recorded in the control unit (2), the operating programs including at least first and second fan control data; and the sending, by the control unit (2), of a control signal including at least the first control data for controlling a motor, which are correlated with at least the second control data for controlling at least one secondary device (24) of the fan (1) selected from among: a lighting device; a gas or liquid spraying device; an acoustic device; and a video device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventors: Serge Cubizolles, Belkacem Aberbache, Olivier Lavillat
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Patent number: 10425077Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gate driver system suitable for driving the gate voltage of one or more transistors. The gate driver system is configured to operate in a first state when the current conducted by the transistor is relatively low and in a second state when the current conducted by the transistor is relatively high. In the second state, the gate voltage is set such that the source voltage at the transistor establishes a lower voltage across a source-driven load than is the case when operating the first state, thereby reducing the level of power consumption in the load during second state operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited CompanyInventors: George Redfield Spalding, Jr., Chuen Tschi Liang
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Patent number: 10410815Abstract: A driver circuit configured to control an operation of a relay includes: a voltage output electrically connected with the relay; a first voltage input selectively electrically connected to the voltage output; a buck boost converter including an input and a first output; and a system basis chip including an output terminal connected to the input of the buck boost converter and configured to provide a voltage. The first output of the buck boost converter is electrically connected to the first voltage input.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Markus Pretschuh, Maximilian Hofer
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Patent number: 10396593Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes groups of solar cells that can be switched in and out of the photovoltaic system. In response to detecting initiation of rapid shutdown, a control circuit controls a switch device to switch out a group of solar cells to lower the output voltage of the photovoltaic system below a safety level. In response to detecting a release trigger that indicates resumption of normal operation, the control circuit controls the switch device to switch back the group of solar cells to restore the output voltage of the photovoltaic system to a normal operating level. Solar cells may be switched out by disconnecting them from the photovoltaic system and switched back by reconnecting them into the photovoltaic system. Solar cells may also be switched out by shorting them out of the photovoltaic system and switched back in by removing the short.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Zachary S. Judkins, Jonathan L. Ehlmann
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Patent number: 10342105Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device including relay circuitry and light sensor circuitry. The relay circuitry is configured to selectively deliver alternating current (AC) power to a load. The light sensor circuitry is configured to detect one or more modulated light signals, wherein the device is configured to join a group including a plurality of devices based at least in part on the one or more modulated light signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Michael James Harris
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Patent number: 10313146Abstract: A communication method includes: performing communication with a server via the Internet; acquiring from the server a command for causing an electrical appliance to perform a predetermined operation; storing the command and an association information item associated with the command; displaying the association information items on a display unit; receiving a selection of an association information item among the displayed association information items; determining whether or not the electrical appliance is capable of performing the predetermined operation according to the command associated with the association information item the selection of which is received; and when it is determined that the electrical appliance is capable of performing the predetermined operation according to the command associated with the association information item the selection of which is received, transmitting the command to the electrical appliance.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Mahbub Rashid, Masaru Yamaoka, Yasuaki Kanari
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Patent number: 10276035Abstract: A system and method for providing temporary power to an intermittent unit of a fire alarm system device. The intermittent unit is intermittently activated. The fire alarm system device includes a power storage unit for providing temporary power to the intermittent unit and a voltage converter for providing power at a voltage required by the intermittent unit. The fire alarm system device also includes a power control circuit for discharging the power storage unit through the intermittent unit when the intermittent unit first is activated and then switching to enable the voltage converter to power the intermittent unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventors: Robert Feltham, Martin Chiarizio
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Patent number: 10261531Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a control circuitry of a smart wall switch. The control circuitry includes a primary step-down sub-circuitry, a secondary step-down sub-circuitry, an output control sub-circuitry, a microcontroller, an OTA (Over-the-Air) sub-circuitry, a three-way switch, a three-way switch conversion sub-circuitry, and a wireless communication sub-circuitry. An input terminal of the primary step-down sub-circuitry is connected to a power supply, an output terminal of the primary step-down sub-circuitry is connected to an input terminal of the secondary step-down sub-circuitry, and an output terminal of the secondary step-down sub-circuitry is connected to the microcontroller, an input terminal of the output control sub-circuitry is connected to the microcontroller, a first output terminal of the output control sub-circuitry is connected between the power supply and the primary step-down sub-circuitry, and a second output terminal of the output control sub-circuitry is connected to a load.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: NIE-TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Jianghai Nie
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Patent number: 10205330Abstract: A programmable battery protection system. Implementations may include a battery protection integrated circuit (IC) with an array of fuses, a plurality of latches coupled with the array of fuses, a plurality of MOSFETs coupled with the plurality of latches, and a plurality of resistors coupled in series and in parallel with each one of the plurality of MOSFETs. The IC may also include a comparator coupled with the plurality of resistors and with a battery control circuit. Whether any one of the array of fuses is open or closed (remains closed) may be set by a fuse trimming signal from the battery control circuit. A voltage supplied to the comparator by the plurality of resistors during operation may be one of a discharge overcurrent threshold voltage, a charge overcurrent threshold voltage, or a short current threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Hiroshi Saito, Keiji Amemiya, Mutsuki Niki, Yasuaki Hayashi
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Patent number: 10204751Abstract: A method automatically parameterizes bay controllers and/or protective devices of a switching arrangement. The method includes automatically detecting the topology of the switching arrangement on the basis of topology information, and automatically determining interlocking and/or enabling conditions for at least one device on the basis of the topology. Communication connections for the at least one device are automatically specified while taking into account the interlocking and/or enabling conditions determined for this device. The at least one device is parameterized with the interlocking and/or enabling conditions and the communication connections and the topology determined for this device, so that interlocking or enabling of a switching action in the at least one device is controllable during the operation of the switching arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Chochole, Dieter Kramer, Jan Moeller, Markus Wache
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Patent number: 10198094Abstract: Apparatus for determining user operation of an actuator, based on determining a time constant of a state circuit coupled to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventor: Ran Sahar
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Patent number: 10199831Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for in-line supply of voltage to an electrical or electronic apparatus located in the region of a DC line, a parallel circuit of two diodes oriented in anti-parallel is arranged in the line. When a direct current is flowing between terminals of the circuit arrangement, the anti-parallel diodes permit a small voltage drop between the terminals, irrespective of the direction of flow of the current, which voltage drop is limited to the forward voltage of the diode that is currently forward biased. The voltage drop across the anti-parallel diodes is tapped by a supply subcircuit. A semiconductor switch can be connected in parallel with the anti-parallel diodes, which switch is controlled by a voltage-reduction subcircuit to minimize the power dissipation of the circuit arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 10157506Abstract: A system includes a machinery protection monitoring system. The machinery protection monitoring system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of alarm escalation rules associated with an operational protection function of an industrial machine, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to utilize the plurality of alarm escalation rules. The processor is also configured to receive an indication that the operational protection of the industrial machine is at least partially suspended, compare the measurement of the one or more operational parameters to at least one of the plurality of alarm escalation rules, and generate an alarm signal based at least in part on whether the at least one of the plurality of alarm escalation rules is satisfied. The alarm signal includes an indication of an adverse operational condition of the machinery protection monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Alan Tart, Thomas Franklin Kalb, Kyle Allan Farwell, Curtis Lee Hoffman, Paul Foster Richetta
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Patent number: 10125962Abstract: A security light assembly that is mountable to a junction box and connectable to a power source via electrical cable comprises a housing comprising a base and a cover having a lens and a window portion. A sub-assembly comprises a first bracket attached to the base, a second bracket attached to the first bracket at a first location and selectively moveable about the first location between at least a first position and at least a second position that is different from the first position. When in the first position, the second bracket at least partially obstructs access to an access port, and when in the second position the second bracket does not at least partially obstruct access to the access port to enable connection of the electrical cable to the connection in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: MAXLITE INC.Inventor: Aymen Chami
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Patent number: 10123398Abstract: The present disclosure provides lighting control system multi-switch apparatuses and methods. The apparatuses include a lighting control module including at least three electrical terminals. The lighting control module is configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a detector circuit positioned in the lighting control module. The detector circuit is electrically coupled to the traveler terminal and is configured to detect a grounding of the traveler terminal. The apparatus includes a controller in electrical communication with the detector circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Noon Home, Inc.Inventors: William Lark, Jr., Ryan Aylward, Peng Li
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Patent number: 10083597Abstract: A personally installable home emergency alert system, for alerting aid responders and to guide them to a residence where an individual has suffered a personal incident, and having a bulb having a globe portion containing a plurality of low voltage response lights, a base portion attached to the globe containing a plurality of response circuits and connectable to a domestic conventional power supply and adapted to activate the response lights, fastening means on the base portion whereby it is adapted to be received in a conventional domestic electrical lamp receptacle, and, a radio frequency remote controller adapted to communicate with the response circuits in the base portion operable to activate the low voltage response lights.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Inventor: Nader Nowzari
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Patent number: 9990022Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed herein for adaptive power multiplexing with a power distribution network. In an example aspect, the integrated circuit includes a first power rail, a second power rail, and a load power rail. The integrated circuit also includes multiple power-multiplexer tiles and power-multiplexer control circuitry. The multiple power-multiplexer tiles are coupled in series in a chained arrangement and configured to jointly perform a power-multiplexing operation. Each power-multiplexer tile is configured to switch between coupling the load power rail to the first power rail and coupling the load power rail to the second power rail. The power-multiplexer control circuitry is configured to control a direction of current flow to prevent cross-conduction between the first power rail and the second power rail during the power-multiplexing operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Mong Chit Wong, Nam Dang, Rajeev Jain, Sassan Shahrokhinia, Yu Huang, Lipeng Cao
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Patent number: 9966671Abstract: RF circuitry, which includes a first main RF switching circuit and a second main RF switching circuit, is disclosed. The first main RF switching circuit is capable of providing an RF signal path between a first main RF port and a first selected one of a first RF antenna and a second RF antenna. The second main RF switching circuit is capable of providing an RF signal path between a second main RF port and a second selected one of the first RF antenna and the second RF antenna. The first main RF switching circuit includes a first pair of RF switches coupled in series between the first RF antenna and the first main RF port; a second pair of RF switches coupled in series between the second RF antenna and the first main RF port; a first shunt RF switch; and a second shunt RF switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.Inventors: Ali Tombak, Marcus Granger-Jones
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Patent number: 9949338Abstract: A device to allow a two-way switch to be used in an electrical circuit comprising multiple switches. Using the invention device, the two-way switch can operate as either a three-way switch or a four-way switch in a multiple-switch electrical circuit using AC mains voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Phillip C. Wilson
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Patent number: 9941421Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a PV module coupled with an alternating current (AC) mains panel through an inverter. A system monitor couples with the module-on switch and with the AC mains panel and generates a system-on signal. A module discharge switch couples with an inherent capacitance of the inverter and with the system monitor. The module discharge switch discharges the inherent capacitance, by coupling the inherent capacitance with a discharge element, in response to the system monitor not generating the system-on signal. In implementations a module short switch shorts the PV module in response to a passage of a predetermined amount of time after the module discharge switch is switched on. The module-on switch, module discharge switch, and module short switch may be included in a junction box of the PV module and coupled with the system monitor through multiple opto-isolators.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Helios Focus LLCInventors: Randy R. Dunton, Geoffrey Sutton
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Patent number: 9928975Abstract: Devices and methods comprise a relay coupled between conductors and rectifier circuits. A converter is coupled between the rectifier circuits and a radio frequency (RF) device. Control signals are coupled to the RF device. A physical switch is coupled to the RF device, and the control outputs of the physical switch form a multi-way switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.Inventors: Jim Johnson, Kenneth Egan
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Patent number: 9927821Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a system and a method for automatically controlling appliances via a mechanical controller. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a first circuitry communicatively coupled with one or more sensors and configured to generate a motor controlling signal based in part on a reading from the sensor. The system also includes a mechanical device in contact with a lever of the mechanical controller. The system also includes a second circuitry configured to cause the mechanical device to move the lever as a function of the signal received from the first circuitry to control the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INNOVATIVE BUILDING ENERGY CONTROLInventor: Gangyi Zhou
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Patent number: 9907136Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology include a decorative lighting system that can be integrated with an artificial tree. The decorative lighting system may include a white light emitting diode (LED) light string and a variable-color LED light string. The variable-color LED light string may employ LED lamps having embedded Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs. The RGB LED lamps may include an embedded integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with and control the energizing of each of the corresponding RGB LEDs to create a multitude of colors and color combinations that can vary with time to create a light show. An electronic controller in communication with the LED lamps may allow a user to select the mode for the light show and further may provide a periodic reset signal to restart or re-synchronize the light show.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BV)Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Chi Kin Samuel Kwok