Selectively Actuated Patents (Class 307/115)
  • Patent number: 8193664
    Abstract: A power-saving control apparatus for reducing power consumption of a power supply is provided. The present invention includes a switching circuit and a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit rectifies an AC signal to a DC signal. The switching circuit controls either the AC signal or the DC signal as an input signal to an EMI filter of the power supply. Therefore, when the EMI filter receives the DC signal, the present invention achieves the effect of power-saving of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lien Chang Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Kong Chan, Po-Yuan Yu
  • Publication number: 20120133217
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed which comprises a first control module generally integrated into a controlling device (e.g. a thermostat), and a second control module generally integrated into an electrical apparatus (e.g. a heating apparatus) under the control of the controlling device. The second control module is responsive to command signals remotely transmitted thereto by the first control module over the power lines which power the electrical apparatus. In response to the signals, the second control module can selectively turn on, or off, or modulate, some or all of the electrical components (e.g. heating elements, fans) of the electrical apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Louis Lemire, Eric Chabot
  • Publication number: 20120126632
    Abstract: A multiple power supply device including a power consuming unit, a plurality of power supply units, and a plurality of switching units is provided. The power consuming unit receives a plurality of power good signals, and outputs a plurality of power control signals accordingly. The power supply units output a plurality of working voltages respectively, and meanwhile output the power good signals. When the power consuming unit is in a working state and one of the power good signals is enabled, the power consuming unit enables the corresponding power control signal. When the power consuming unit is in a working state and a part of the power good signals are enabled, the power consuming unit enables one of the power control signals corresponding to the enabled power good signals. The switching units transmit the corresponding working voltage to the power consuming unit according to the enabled power control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hai-Yi Ji
  • Publication number: 20120126633
    Abstract: A power supply switch circuit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first switch element that is connected between a first power supply line and a second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line according to a first enable signal; a second switch element that is connected between the first power supply line and the second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line; and a switch control circuit that includes at least one logic gate supplied with power from the second power supply line and controls the second switch element. The switch control circuit controls the second switch element based on a second enable signal supplied to the switch control circuit and on a voltage of the second power supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kosuge
  • Publication number: 20120112559
    Abstract: An arrangement to control an electrical property of a medium or high voltage AC system including a number n of phases with n being at least two includes a number n of phases, each phase including a series connection of at least two electrical elements with an intermediate connection point between each pair of the at least two electrical elements, where each of the n phases of the arrangement is connected on one side to an original common neutral point and on the other side to one of the n phases of the AC system. The arrangement further includes a number of first switchable interconnections, where the first switchable interconnections are each arranged between two intermediate connection points of two of the n phases of the arrangement, and at least one control unit arranged to control the first switchable interconnections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Thorburn, Lars Liljestrand, Ake Petersson
  • Publication number: 20120098353
    Abstract: An adjustment circuit including tri-state circuits is provided between a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit. Jitter generated by transmission of a signal over a long-distance interconnect is reduced by being converted into jitter of control signals generated by a pulse generator circuit in the tri-state circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tooru WADA
  • Publication number: 20120091822
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method includes setting a dedicated current limit value for the upstream switch; opening the upstream switch each time a current limit value thereof exceeds the set dedicated current limit for a set time; connecting the two switches to one another in terms of signaling; and signaling the upstream switch, via the downstream switch, each time the downstream switch is going to interrupt the current, at least one of the current limit value being increased and the set time of the upstream switch being extended each time the downstream switch signals that it is going to interrupt the current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ludwig Birkl, Josef Götz
  • Publication number: 20120092078
    Abstract: A variable resistor circuit is arranged to adjust a resistivity value between a first terminal and a second terminal thereof according to a control signal. The variable resistor circuit includes a first resistivity adjusting circuit and a second resistivity adjusting circuit. The first resistivity adjusting circuit includes a first series resistor circuit formed of a plurality of resistor elements and a first switch portion for selectively connecting one of specific nodes of the first series resistor circuit to the first terminal according to the control signal. The second resistivity adjusting circuit includes a second series resistor circuit formed of a plurality of resistor elements connected to the second terminal and a second switch portion for selectively connecting the first series resistor circuit to one of specific nodes of the second series resistor circuit according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Yasukazu KAI
  • Publication number: 20120090307
    Abstract: An electric circuit with speed control and diode separation for use with an electrically actuatable mechanism. An operator input provides a signal to a controller of the electric circuit. The controller causes a MOSFET relay to provide a voltage to the electrically actuatable mechanism. The relay is adapted to vary the voltage in response to pulse width modified signals from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: MATTHEW OLSON, Paul Kubinski, Romell Alaman
  • Patent number: 8148851
    Abstract: The invention offers an improvement in lighting control systems by providing a simplified power switching control system (i.e., using direct AC line voltage or DC current power switches instead of low voltage switches that control higher-current-capable relays) that controls the power to the power supplies that drive the light producing devices in a plurality of luminaires or lighting fixtures in a given installation. The lighting control system facilitates multiple modes of lighting configurations while requiring fewer switches that the prior art and also being easier to operate. The system supports the simultaneous use of multiple lighting technologies. Other embodiments showing extensions to the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Litecontrol Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Hahnlen, Jeremy W. Yon
  • Patent number: 8143748
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for auxiliary power with low standby power consumption. Switching power converters typically include a switching power element (e.g., a power transistor), driven by a switching controller (e.g., including a gate driver). The power output of the switching power converter may be a function of the switching signal provided by the switching controller. For example, a pulse-width modulated (“PWM”) signal may be used to drive the switching power element, and the output of the switching controller may be adjusted by adjusting the frequency and/or duty cycle of the PWM signal. Embodiments implement cycle extension techniques to effectively extend a portion of the PWM signal to generate additional charge. The additional charge may be used to power an auxiliary power unit. The auxiliary power unit may then be used to drive the switching controller and/or to provide a source of power for other internal or external components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsemi Corporation
    Inventor: Sam Seiichiro Ochi
  • Publication number: 20120068555
    Abstract: A modular multilevel converter system. The system includes a plurality of series connected two-terminal M2LC subsystems and a control system module. The two-terminal M2LC subsystems are arranged into at least two output phase modules. A first one of the output phase modules defines a total value of inductance and includes a positive arm and a negative arm. The control system module is configured to apply selectively reassigned modulated switch functions to only one of the following at a given instance of time: the two-terminal M2LC subsystems of the positive arm of the first one of the output phase modules or the two-terminal M2LC subsystems of the negative arm of the first one of the output phase modules. The selective reassigning of the modulated switch functions forces charge balance of the individual capacitors of the series connected two-terminal M2LC subsystems at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Francis AIELLO, Dustin Matthew Kramer, Kenneth Stephen Berton
  • Publication number: 20120056489
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for switching an active board and a standby board, and the active board and the standby board respectively are one of the first working state board and the second working state board. The method disclosed in present invention includes: switching a first type function module on said first working state board into a second working state; switching the first type function module on said second working state board into said first working state; switching a second type function module on said second working state board into said first working state; and switching the second type function module on said first working state board into said second working state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Xiangdong Guo
  • Patent number: 8125103
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes, in one package: a plurality of semiconductor chips having different operating voltages; and a power supply circuit configured to receive an input voltage from an external power supply and supply operating voltages to the semiconductor chips. The power supply circuit is capable of switching and supplying a plurality of different voltages for each one of the semiconductor chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Shuichi Ito
  • Patent number: 8120209
    Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Toru Tanaka, Akio Ogura, Kazuya Omagari, Nariaki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8115345
    Abstract: A low-EMI switched circuit comprises two or more switches, wherein impedance transitions of the switches are overlapped and the overlap is varied using variable switch timing based on an output power level of the switched circuit. The variable timing results in a variable impedance overlap between the switches. In one example, when one switch turns off (begins a low to high impedance transition) and a second switch turns on (begins a high to low impedance transition), a greater timing delay in beginning the second switch's transition results in a higher switch impedance overlap than a shorter delay does. If the variable timing is based on output power of the switched circuit, the variable delay can operate to reduce fly-back voltages at high power output levels and reduce shoot-through current at lower power levels, reducing EMI and quiescent current of the switched circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Peter Siniscalchi, Richard Knight Hester
  • Patent number: 8116996
    Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual switching in an electrical panel meter or multifunction device is provided. The virtual switching enables the meter or multifunction device to be upgraded or downgraded through a switching signal, by activating or deactivating multiple operative functions that are to be performed in the meter or multifunction device, such as operative functions for substation automation. Accordingly, when the upgrade or downgrade is necessary, the meter or multifunction device does not have to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Electro Industries/ Gauge Tech
    Inventor: Erran Kagan
  • Publication number: 20120013200
    Abstract: The invention provides a switching device having a contact protection circuit for arcing suppression. The switching device comprises a main relay for interrupting a load path and a dual coil auxiliary having a high resistance coil and a low resistance coil that operate the switching of an auxiliary contact. The auxiliary contact is connected in series with a PTC device and the low resistance coil of the auxiliary relay in a series arrangement. The series arrangement is connected in parallel to the main contact. When the main relay opens, the auxiliary contact is maintained closed during a given time interval due to the magnetic flux generated by the low resistance coil. The given time interval depends on the transition of the PTC device to trip state. In another configuration, the dual coil relay is substituted by two auxiliary relays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Kroeker, Joerg Einhorn, Gilles Gozlan
  • Publication number: 20120007444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine facility power supplying arrangement for supplying electrical power to at least a switchgear being able to isolate the wind turbine facility from an electrical network, the wind turbine facility power supplying arrangement comprising a first electrical power supply path able to be provide electrical power to the switchgear and a first power switch able to break said first electrical supply path and able to be controlled for opening and closing. The wind turbine facility power supplying arrangement contains at least another parallel electrical power supply path able to provide electrical power to the switchgear, said parallel electrical supply path been breakable with at least another respective parallel power switch, said parallel power switch being controllable for opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Roberto Zapata, Rasmus Peter Jensen
  • Patent number: 8093762
    Abstract: In a power phase period when in normal operation, switch portions SW2H and SW2L and switch portions SW3H and SW3L are turned ON, respectively, and switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned OFF. And floating power supply is provided from an electrostatic capacitance element CS to buses A and B, a floating control circuit 4, a transmitter circuit 5, and a receiver circuit 6, respectively. In a data phase period, the switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned ON, and the switch portions SW2H, SW2L, SW3H, and SW3L are turned OFF. By that manner, the electrostatic capacitance element CS is charged by the power supply of a battery B, and an electrostatic capacitance element CH provides the floating power supply to the floating control circuit 4, the transmitter circuit 5, and the receiver circuit 6, respectively. By this manner, a floating switch unit 7 in which the number of the switch portions is considerably reduced can be configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takai, Takahiro Yashita, Kikuo Kato, Kazuaki Kubo
  • Patent number: 8063516
    Abstract: An electronically controlled four quadrant MOSFET based switch in which a pair of drivers are provided in cooperation with a MOSFET. A first one of the drivers is arranged such that when current flow through the MOSFET is to be enabled responsive to a first condition of the control signal, the gate of the MOSFET is driven with an appropriate voltage, and when current flow through the MOSFET is to be disabled responsive to a second condition of the control signal, the gate is driven towards a limit voltage. A second one of the drivers is arranged such that when current flow through the MOSFET is to be enabled the body diode connection of the MOSFET is driven towards the potential of the MOSFET source, and when current flow through the MOSFET is to be disabled the body diode connection is driven towards the limit voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsemi Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110278953
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method for a soft switch circuit in a switch power source, which generates an alternating primary power filter current by controlling first and second primary power switching devices to be closed and opened, and generates an intermittent alternating resonant current in the same direction as the primary power filter current in a resonant branch by controlling forward and backward auxiliary switching devices to be closed and opened to thereby achieve closing of the first and second primary power switching devices at a zero voltage, and which generates a balance current with the same magnitude as and in the opposite direction to the resonant current in the resonant branch in at least a period of time during the resting of the resonant current by further controlling the forward and backward auxiliary switching devices to be closed and opened to thereby achieve an average current of zero across the resonant branch in a switching cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: LIEBERT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chuntao Zhang, Xiaofei Zhang, Xueli Xiao
  • Patent number: 8053934
    Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a plurality of decoupling cells that suppress power noise respectively, a plurality of power switches that connect the decoupling cells to a power line respectively, and a control circuit that controls the number of power switches selected from among the plurality of power switches and to be turned on according to power noise to be changed according to the operation state of each of internal circuits driven by a power supplied from the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenari Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8049372
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for precharging high-voltage buses. The precharge system comprises an energy source having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein a first voltage is equal to a potential difference between the first terminal and the second terminal. The precharge system further comprises a bus having a first rail and a second rail, wherein a second voltage is equal to a potential difference between the first rail and the second rail. A first contactor is coupled between the first terminal and the first rail and a second contactor is coupled between the second terminal and the second rail. A controller is coupled to the energy source, the bus, and the contactors. The controller is configured to activate the second contactor, and thereafter activate the first contactor if the magnitude of a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vernon L. Newhouse, Jason A. Nassar, Jeffrey T. Wolak
  • Publication number: 20110260553
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes first, second and third switches, the first and second of which are in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The third switch, which includes a sensor, is configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation in response to a detection proximate the appliance, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, David C. Sumner, Kyle T. Perkinson, Troy A. Dalsing
  • Patent number: 8044540
    Abstract: A SPDT or SPMT switch may include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, where a first end of the secondary winding is connected to a single pole port, where a first end of the primary winding is connected to a first throw port; a first switch having a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to ground; and a second switch, where a second end of the secondary winding is connected to both a second end of the first switch and a first end of the second switch, where a second end of the second switch is connected to a second throw port, where the first switch controls a first communication path between the single pole port and the first throw port, and where the second switch controls a second communication path between the second throw port and the single pole port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Samsung Electro-Mechanics
    Inventors: Dong Ho Lee, Minsik Ahn, Kyu Hwan An, Wangmyong Woo, Chang-Ho Lee, Joy Laskar
  • Publication number: 20110234017
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomously switching off a domestic appliance after completion of a previously selected program is disclosed. The domestic appliance has a control device that executes programs controlling the domestic appliance and an operating unit. The domestic appliance is connected to electrical energy from a power source through circuit arrangement comprising a terminal connection and first and second switches. The first electrical switch is separate from the second switch and can be switched from an open state to a closed state in which the switch is electrically conductive to connect the control device to the electrical energy. The control device is designed to switch the second switch from an open state to a closed state in which the control device is connected to electrical energy through the second switch as soon as the first switch is switched to the closed switching state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Koch
  • Patent number: 8022577
    Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Echelon Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon T. Grice
  • Patent number: 8022569
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discharging a high-voltage bus using semiconductor devices. A discharge system for a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail comprises a first semiconductor device coupled to a first voltage rail and a second semiconductor device coupled between the first semiconductor device and a second voltage rail. A control circuit is coupled to the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device. In response to a discharge condition, the control circuit is configured to activate the first semiconductor device and gradually activate the second semiconductor device, such that the energy potential between the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail is gradually dissipated through the semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Keming Chen, Christopher P. Henze, Stephen Raiser, George R. Woody
  • Patent number: 8004109
    Abstract: A vehicle power supply apparatus includes a battery that is the main power storage device, a power feed line through which power is supplied to an inverter that drives a motor generator, a boost converter provided between the battery and power feed line to convert voltage, batteries that are a plurality of subpower storage devices provided parallel to each other, and a boost converter provided between the plurality of subpower storage devices and power feed line to convert voltage. The boost converter is selectively connected to any one of the plurality of subpower storage devices to convert voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20110187202
    Abstract: A multiplexer includes: a first switch unit coupled between a first input terminal and an output terminal and including a series connection of first and second switches ; a second switch unit coupled between a second input terminal and the output terminal; and a third switch unit coupled to a third input terminal and a common node between the first and second switches. Different first and second voltages, and a third voltage greater than one of the first and second voltages and less than the other one of the first and second voltage are applied respectively to the first, second and third input terminals. The multiplexer is operable between a first mode, where the first voltage is transmitted to the output terminal, and a second mode, where the second voltage is transmitted to the output terminal and the third voltage is transmitted to the common node between the first and second switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ILI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chen-Jung Chuang, Chien-Kuo Wang
  • Patent number: 7989988
    Abstract: In a power phase period when in normal operation, switch portions SW2H and SW2L and switch portions SW3H and SW3L are turned ON, respectively, and switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned OFF. And floating power supply is provided from an electrostatic capacitance element CS to buses A and B, a floating control circuit 4, a transmitter circuit 5, and a receiver circuit 6, respectively. In a data phase period, the switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned ON, and the switch portions SW2H, SW2L, SW3H, and SW3L are turned OFF. By that manner, the electrostatic capacitance element CS is charged by the power supply of a battery B, and an electrostatic capacitance element CH provides the floating power supply to the floating control circuit 4, the transmitter circuit 5, and the receiver circuit 6, respectively. By this manner, a floating switch unit 7 in which the number of the switch portions is considerably reduced can be configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takai, Takahiro Yashita, Kikuo Kato, Kazuaki Kubo
  • Patent number: 7982341
    Abstract: A control portion 80 for a breaker 10 causes the breaker 10 to apply a current of a first apply phase (R phase) at a timing where a residual flux of R phase agrees with a steady magnetic flux. Thereafter, the control portion 80 determines whether or not the current measured by current measuring portions 40R, 40S, 40T exceeds a threshold value. When the measured current does not exceed the threshold value, the control portion 80 causes the breaker 10 to apply currents of the other two phases (S and T phases) at a timing where a voltage of R phase becomes zero. When the measured current exceeds the threshold value, the control portion 80 causes the breaker 10 to once shut off the current of R phase and to apply again the current of R phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Kinoshita, Kenji Kamei, Tomohito Mori
  • Patent number: 7977821
    Abstract: A semiconductor power device, e.g., an Insulated Gate Bi-polar Transistor (IGBT) or a Metal-Oxide Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) may be constructed in a reusable and repairable cost-effective sealed shell. The switch may be provided with direct-pressure-contact caps which may perform as electrical conductors for a semiconductor die of the switch and also as thermal heat-sink contacts for the device. The switch may be provided with internal self-powered gate driving control and PHM incorporated in sealed shell. Embodiments of the switch may be constructed with no external gating/PHM connection pin penetrations through the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Ali Kojori, Don A. Tegart
  • Patent number: 7977822
    Abstract: Power control circuitry for controlling connection of a voltage source to a switched power rail powering an associated circuit is provided. A plurality of switch blocks are connected in parallel between the switched power rail and the voltage source, each switch block being controlled by an enable signal provided by a switch controller. The switch controller performs a turn-on sequence providing a series of enable signal patterns to the switch blocks. The switch controller applies a time varying generation operation to at least one sequence stage of a predetermined turn-on sequence to produce a corresponding enable signal pattern for that sequence stage. When the turn-on sequence is later repeated, the enable signal pattern produced for at least one of the sequence stages differs from the enable signal pattern previously produced for that sequence stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ARM Limited
    Inventors: David Walter Flynn, Sachin Satish Idgunji
  • Publication number: 20110163783
    Abstract: A switch can be configured to receive a first signal at a first input and provide an output signal at an output, depending on a state of the switch. A switch state change can be delayed until an indication of a requested switch state different than a current switch state is received and the first signal reaches a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Julie Lynn Stultz, Steven Macaluso, Enrique O. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7973432
    Abstract: The microscope system comprises: an imaging apparatus used for picking up an image of a specimen; an electric unit; a control apparatus for controlling turning On and Off of the power supply to the electric unit; a storage apparatus storing the initialization requirement time of the electric unit; and a drive management arithmetic operation apparatus for calculating, on the basis of an image pickup interval and initialization requirement time, a clock time for controlling turning On/Off of the power supply to the electric unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Komuro, Hideaki Endo
  • Patent number: 7973431
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 7973562
    Abstract: An I/O module for an industrial controller provides single terminal outputs that may either sink or source current. This capability is provided through the use of dedicated sourcing and sinking transistors connected to the terminal and controlled by lockout logic ensuring activation of only the appropriate transistor in the correct phasing for sinking or sourcing operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Ctr. Pte.
    Inventors: Yanbin Zhang, Look Thong Wong, Swee Meng Seow, Eng Tiong Soh
  • Publication number: 20110156495
    Abstract: A switch circuit and method for converting a hard switch into a soft switch. In one example, the circuit includes a first switch having a first node and a second node, and a switch control circuit coupled in parallel with the first switch between the first and second nodes. The switch control circuit includes a series resonant circuit including a capacitor and an inductor coupled together in series, a second switch coupled in parallel with the series resonant circuit, a third switch coupled in series between the first node and the series resonant circuit, and a first diode coupled between the series resonant circuit and the second node, an negative terminal of the first diode being coupled to the second node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Narayana Prakash Saligram, Sreejakumar Sreekantan Nair, Pradeep Thalli
  • Publication number: 20110148222
    Abstract: A method determines a switching time of an electric switching device containing an interrupter path disposed between a first line section subjected to a driving voltage and a second line section that forms an oscillating circuit after the switching device undergoes a shut-off step. The method is used for determining the best possible switching time for an electrical switching device to minimize transient voltage surges. It is proposed that either—a temporal progression of a voltage that develops along the interrupter path is determined during a scanning period; or that—a temporal progression of a voltage that develops along the interrupter path is determined during the scanning time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESSELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Richter, Christian Wallner
  • Patent number: 7956492
    Abstract: An outlet switch socket device includes a plug, at least one socket, at least one switch, a power converter, a communication module, a microprocessor and an infrared module. Moreover, the plug is used to receive an alternating current. Each switch is respectively coupled between each corresponding socket and the plug. The power converter is coupled to the plug and converts the alternating current into a direct current, thereby supplying the direct current to the microprocessor. Moreover, the microprocessor receives the direct current from the power converter and receives a control signal from a remote control via the communication module. Furthermore, the microprocessor is used to control those switches according to the control signal and transmits the control signal to the infrared module. The infrared module is used to output an infrared signal to control an infrared device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Publication number: 20110127852
    Abstract: A method of circuit breaker control includes determining if a trip event for a circuit breaker has occurred, determining a set of redundancy parameters for the circuit breaker, and transmitting a trip signal and a shunt trip signal to the circuit breaker based on the set of redundancy parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Frederick Papallo, JR., Theodore Drummond Hill, III, Radoslaw Narel, Joseph Yuan Rao
  • Publication number: 20110131477
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing and affecting manifestations of subtle energy resonance are provided. A memory array associated with a transducer is read and stored in a memory of an analysis device. The memory array is then exposed to an energy environment which causes changes to the memory array. A second reading of the memory array indicates the changes to the memory array as compared to the first reading. The detected changes are analyzed and used to generate an energy signature and a report concerning any combination of the changes, the rate of changes, and the generated energy signature. The energy data concerns subtle energy in a designated energy environment which may include one or more animate or inanimate crystalline resonators. Tuning of a generator allows for manipulation of cell resonance, which may be used for research or in order to produce a desired resonance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Stanley Jungleib, Joel Bruce Wallach
  • Publication number: 20110115305
    Abstract: A power-saving control apparatus for reducing power consumption of a power supply is provided. The present invention includes a switching circuit and a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit rectifies an AC signal to a DC signal. The switching circuit controls either the AC signal or the DC signal as an input signal to an EMI filter of the power supply. Therefore, when the EMI filter receives the DC signal, the present invention achieves the effect of power-saving of the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Chun-Kong Chan, Po-Yuan Yu
  • Publication number: 20110115532
    Abstract: A method of operating a neutral point clamped (NPC) three level converter is provided. The NPC converter includes at least two legs, each leg comprising first and second top switches connected in series at a first mid point. The converter further includes first and second bottom switches connected in series at a second mid point, and first and second middle switches connected in series at a third mid point therebetween. The first top and second bottom switches are connected in series at a DC link and the first and the second middle switches are connected between the first and the second mid points. Each of the top, bottom and middle switches has an antiparallel diode thereacross. The method includes alternately switching the first and second top switches to ON state when the first middle switch is in ON state and the second middle switch is in OFF state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Roesner, Stefan Schroeder, Jie Shen
  • Publication number: 20110100787
    Abstract: An interlock arrangement operatively associated with utility and generator side switches of an electrical panel including a first main switch associated with the first power supply and a second main switch associated with the second power supply. The interlock arrangement includes a first neutral switch associated with the first power supply, and a second neutral switch associated with the second power supply. A lockout sequencer arrangement has a first lockout that restricts simultaneous switching of the first and the second neutral switch, a second lockout configured to engage the first lockout to restrict movement of the first lockout when the first main switch is a conductive position, and a third lockout configured to engage the first lockout to restrict movement of the first lockout when the second main switch is in a conductive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Neil A. Czarnecki, David D. Flegel, Michael O. Flegel
  • Patent number: 7936084
    Abstract: A system and a method for distribution of electric power inside an aircraft. The system includes at least two systems distributing electric power from at least one power source to electric loads of the aircraft via electric and/or electronic protection/switching components, the components being configurable and commandable by dedicated electronics. Each electric distribution system includes command electronics in which a configuration file is downloaded allocating an installation status to each of the protection/switching components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Pascal Serventi, Guillaume Larroque
  • Patent number: 7928607
    Abstract: An aircraft power system is provided having an aircraft power supply and a bidirectional switch. The aircraft power supply includes an alternator, a battery and a load. The bidirectional switch is coupled between one of the alternator and the battery, and the load. The switch includes a first FET, a second FET and timing circuitry. A source of the first FET is coupled with a source of the second FET. A drain of the first FET is coupled with one of the alternator and the battery. A drain of the second FET is coupled with the load. The timing circuitry is configurable to generate a control signal deliverable to a gate of the first FET and the second FET for setting the first FET in selective on and off positions and the second FET in corresponding selective off and on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Lamar Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Fred Oliver, Allan Saldecki
  • Patent number: RE43177
    Abstract: At least one aspect is directed to a transfer switch including a first input to couple a first multiphase low voltage electrical supply to the transfer switch, and a second input to couple a second multiphase low voltage electrical supply to the transfer switch. The transfer switch also includes a first set of switches in electrical communication with the first input and a second set of switches in electrical communication with the second input. A control module monitors and controls operation of both the first set of switches and the second set of switches to detect a malfunction of any switches included in at least one of the first set of switches and the second set of switches and prevent the first input from being placed in electrical communication with the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Namwook Paik, James Donalds, Emanuel Landsman, Vishwas Deokar, Fred Rodenhiser, Stephen G. Williams