Light, Heat, Vibratory Or Radiant Energy Patents (Class 307/117)
  • Patent number: 7763874
    Abstract: A signal detection circuit comprises: a driving power source that drives a photosensor and applies a voltage to a mechanical switch, wherein the photosensor has a light-emitting device, and a light-receiving device to output an electric signal corresponding to an amount of light received from this light-emitting device, and the mechanical switch is connected in parallel between a power supply terminal of the photosensor and a signal output terminal of the photosensor and switchable between on and off states; and a detection means that is connected to the signal output terminal of the photosensor and that detects an electric signal output by the photosensor and an electric signal indicating the on/off state of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7761274
    Abstract: A temperature-based clock frequency controller is implemented in an integrated circuit such as a microprocessor. The temperature-based clock frequency controller includes a register to store a threshold temperature value, a thermal sensor, and clock adjustment logic to decrease a clock frequency in response to the thermal sensor indicating that the threshold temperature value has been exceeded. In a microprocessor implementation, the microprocessor contains a plurality of thermal sensors each placed in one of a plurality of different locations across the integrated circuit and an averaging mechanism to calculate an average temperature from the plurality of thermal sensors. Threshold adjustment logic increases the threshold temperature value to a new threshold temperature value in response to the thermal sensor indicating that the threshold temperature value has been exceeded. Threshold adjustment logic further lowers the new threshold temperature to detect decreases in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jack D. Pippin
  • Patent number: 7732747
    Abstract: An electric tool has a handle, and an element for varying tool functions located in the handle and including a photoelectric cell incorporated onto the handle in such a way that if the photoelectric cell is completely or partly covered, a tool function is achieved on a specification in accordance with a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Michael Wieler, Manfred Zurawski, Guenther Henzler, Andreas Fluhrer, Marcus Kiesslich, Andreas Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7679223
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a primary wide bandgap bipolar power switching device configured to supply a load current in response to a control signal applied to a control terminal thereof, and a driver device configured to generate the control signal. At least one of the primary switching device or the driver device may include an optically triggered switching device. A discrete wide bandgap semiconductor device includes a primary bipolar device stage configured to switch between a conducting state and a nonconducting state upon application of a control current, and a bipolar driver stage configured to generate the control current and to supply the control current to the primary bipolar device stage. At least one of the primary bipolar device stage and the bipolar driver stage may include an optically triggered wide bandgap switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Anant K. Agarwal, Sumithra Krishnaswami, James T. Richmond, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100059283
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a radiation source to output radiation after power is supplied. The apparatus also includes a power source to supply power. The apparatus includes an ambient-activated switch electrically coupled between the radiation source and the power source. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to an open position while a value for an ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at an ambient level for a surface of the Earth. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to a closed position while the value for the ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at a downhole ambient level, wherein the ambient-activated switch is to electrically couple the power source to the radiation source while in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Dorffer, Donald L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7663457
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Patent number: 7663866
    Abstract: A remote control duo power set comprises one first power outlet which has one first housing, a plurality of first sockets being set on one surface of said first housing, a power cord extending from one side of said first housing; one connecting cord of which one end is connected to the other side of said first housing; and one second power outlet, which is connected to the other side of said connecting cord and has one second housing, a plurality of second sockets and at least one power switch being provided at a side of the second housing. User can easily supply power to the electronic devices by said second power outlet. Furthermore, users can also easily control the supply of power by said power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090322159
    Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a wall plate system during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a wall plate system is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input. A wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s). The wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. If behavior of the current measuring system indicates that an outlet is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: IGO, INC.
    Inventors: Richard G. DuBose, Walter Thornton
  • Patent number: 7629760
    Abstract: A controlling device includes a range switch mechanism, range switch operating means, operation frequency monitoring means, and heat generation limit controlling means. The range switch mechanism is adapted to change a shift range using a motor. Through the range switch operating means, an occupant inputs a required shift range. The motor is controlled in accordance with the required shift range such that the shift range is changed into the required shift range. The operation frequency monitoring means monitors an operation frequency of the range switch operating means. The heat generation limit controlling means switches a control of the motor to a heat generation limit control when the operation frequency of the range switch operating means exceeds a predetermined frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Isobe, Shigeru Kamio, Takeshi Miyagawa, Hideto Watanabe, Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Koki Ueno, Takahiko Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 7626145
    Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
  • Patent number: 7619181
    Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20090278409
    Abstract: A monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence consists of a four-layered thyristor structure and an embedded back-biased PN junction structure as a turn-off switching diode. The turn-off switching diode is formed through structured doping processes and/or depositions on a single semiconductor wafer so that it is integrated monolithically without any external device or semiconductor materials. The thyristor can be switching on and off optically by two discrete light beams illuminated on separated openings of electrodes on the top surface of a semiconductor body. The carrier injection of the turning on process is achieved by illuminating the bulk of the thyristor with a high level light through the first aperture over the cathode to create high density charge carriers serving as the gate current injection and to electrically short the emitter and drift layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Yeuan-Ming SHEU
  • Publication number: 20090261660
    Abstract: Photosensor circuits include a relay coil configured to control application of an alternating current (AC) power source to a load. A pulse width modulator circuit is configured to generate a pulse width modulated signal having a pulse width that varies responsive to an average voltage across the relay coil. A drive transistor controls the average voltage across the relay coil responsive to the pulse width modulated signal. A photo control circuit controls application of the pulse width modulated signal to the drive transistor responsive to a detected light level. A half-wave rectifier provide a power signal to the pulse width modulator circuit and the photo control circuit during one of the halves of the line cycle of the AC power source. The photo control circuit includes a phototransistor. A low pass filter circuit filters the output current of the phototransistor to provide a light level signal voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Charles Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7595570
    Abstract: A pressure switch employs a Wheatstone bridge incorporating piezoresistive elements. The output of the bridge is monitored by a control circuit which produces a first control signal when a high pressure is achieved and produces a second control signal when a low pressure is achieved. The output of the control circuit is coupled to the gate electrode of a high current MOSFET device. The drain electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to one terminal of the motor where the other terminal of the motor is coupled to an operating potential. The source electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to ground. When the monitored pressure reaches a high threshold the MOSFET turns off as biased by the control circuit which in turn disables the motor. If the pressure drops, the control circuit detects this and produces the control signal, which activates the motor through the MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Patent number: 7592913
    Abstract: A wireless AV lighting fixture with automatic sensor includes a sensor, a light-emitting device, a camera, a connection port, a wireless remote-controlled unit, and a memory. The sensor is a passive infrared sensor. All of the light-emitting device, the camera, and the connection port are connected to the sensor. The wireless remote-controlled unit includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is connected to the sensor and transmits telecommunication signals to the receiver. The memory is connected to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Mu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7589299
    Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Fisher, Chris Ray Blackson
  • Patent number: 7586064
    Abstract: A method for providing thermostatic temperature control in an integrated circuit is provided that includes internally heating the integrated circuit until the integrated circuit reaches an elevated temperature and holding the integrated circuit at the elevated temperature. For a particular embodiment, a temperature-dependent parameter of a temperature-sensitive block is tested while the integrated circuit is held at the elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7573158
    Abstract: A portable electric appliance includes a housing, an electrically operable element positioned within the housing, a transmitter adapted to transmit a beam of radiation, and a receiver responsive to the beam of radiation. The transmitter is positioned external to the housing, and the receiver is positioned to receive the beam of radiation. The electrically operable element is de-energized in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted. A method adapted to disable a portable electric appliance includes transmitting a beam of radiation from a transmitter on the portable electric appliance, receiving the beam of radiation by a receiver on the portable electric appliance, and de-energizing an electrically operable element associated with the portable electric appliance in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaideep Jayaram, Charles Thrasher, Danny Xu, Robert Sherwood, Carlos Alberto Natividad
  • Patent number: 7569950
    Abstract: The invention discloses an enhanced structure of plug switches, comprising a housing; a plurality of emitting units disposed on the housing; a plug switch unit disposed on the housing and at least includes a frame, a socket set, and a switch set; a control unit disposed in the housing and connected to the emitting units, the socket set, the switch set, and an external electrical source, at least including a circuit board, a photosensitive resistance disposed on the circuit board, and switches disposed on the circuit board for controlling the socket set. Therefore, when users turn off light sources, the users may use the control unit to turn on the emitting units and turn off the plug switch unit automatically, or decide whether to leave the plug switch unit conductive or not by using the control unit, which increases visible light sources, saves energy, and prevents accidents from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 7565258
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is constituted with a temperature sensing circuit adapted to be coupled to a current sources circuit, and configured to measure a circuit temperature and to generate a temperature-indicating signal in response to the circuit temperature and an adjustable current output by the current sources circuit; a reference voltage circuit to be coupled the current sources circuit and configured to provide a reference signal in response to a reference current output by the current sources circuit; and a trip generator circuit coupled to the temperature sensing circuit and the reference voltage circuit and configured to generate a trip point signal if a difference between the reference and the temperature-indicating signals indicates that a threshold circuit temperature has been reached or exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Duarte
  • Publication number: 20090160267
    Abstract: A system for load control in an electrical power system is described, wherein one or more temperature-monitoring devices are provided to control power service to relatively high-load devices such as, for example, pool pumps, electric water heaters, electrics ovens etc. When ambient temperatures are relatively high, and thus, electrical power demands from air conditioning systems are relatively high, the temperature-monitoring devices can remove power from the controlled device during the hottest portions of the day. The temperature-monitoring devices can provide power to the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day. During heat waves or other periods of relatively continuous high heat, the temperature-monitoring devices can schedule power to the controlled devices to reduce overall power demands and to run the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day when air conditioning electrical loads are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7541697
    Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating flight deck devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a flight deck panel illumination system includes at least one illuminated panel having at least one illumination source, and a power supply coupled to the at least one illumination source and to an electrical energy source that is configured to selectively provide a suitable power conversion mode in response to an applied signal. A processor is coupled to the power supply to generate the applied signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Flickinger, Ty A. Larsen, Steven D. Ellersick
  • Patent number: 7504747
    Abstract: A safety switch for reliably switching off a dangerous device has an actuator which can be moved between a first position and at least one second position. It also has a detector for detecting the actuator in at least one of the said positions. The detector comprises a transponder with an individual transponder identification and a reading unit for reading out the transponder identification. The transponder and the reading unit are arranged relative to one another such that the reading unit is capable of reading out the transponder in the first position of the actuator but not in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Pullmann, Christoph Zinser, Klaus Stark
  • Patent number: 7488921
    Abstract: A controlled start up technique may eliminate the excessive peak junction temperature by controlling the speed of the electric device. Lower speed may result in reduced power to the load. Reduced power may result in reduced losses to maintain reliable operating junction temperatures. Once the junction reaches the predetermined temperature limit, speed may be controlled to hold the junction temperature constant. As time elapses, the coolant temperature may reduce, thereby allowing a higher power level without an increase in IGBT temperature. Unlike conventional methods which may allow for full power continuously upon start up, thereby either potentially causing a high temperature shut-down condition or requiring additional thermal inertia to handle a high heat load due to a continuous full-power start up, the controlled start up eliminates the design penalties for extensive thermal enhancements to accommodate the occasional extreme hot start up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeni Ganev, Dennis M. Morita, Michael A. Quan
  • Publication number: 20090021085
    Abstract: Design structures, method and systems of powering on an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a region in the IC including functional logic, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in the region when the IC is powered up and a heating element therefor; a processing unit including: a comparator for comparing the temperature against a predetermined temperature value, a controller, which in the case that the temperature is below the predetermined temperature value, delays functional operation of the IC and controls heating of the region of the IC, and a monitor for monitoring the temperature in the region; and wherein the controller, in the case that the temperature rises above the predetermined temperature value, ceases the heating and initiates functional operation of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Igor Arsovski, Anthony R. Bonaccio, Serafino Bueti, Hayden C. Cranford, JR., Joseph A. Iadanza, Todd E. Leonard, Hemen R. Shah, Pradeep Thiagarajan, Sebastian T. Ventrone
  • Publication number: 20090001819
    Abstract: An electric power supply cut-off circuit comprises an IC which outputs a normal operation signal when the IC is operated normally, a switch which makes connection or disconnection between the IC and a power source, and a switching control circuit which continuously outputs a connection instruction signal during a period in which the normal operation signal is inputted from the IC, wherein the switch connects the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is inputted, and the switch cuts off the connection between the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is not inputted. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid any excessive increase in the temperature of the IC and the ignition of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7439636
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for high-speed switching of high-voltage and high power MOSFET-based solid state relays. A driver for a MOSFET based, high voltage, high current electronic relay includes a current supply for actuating the switching circuit and a transformer arrangement coupled to the current supply for receiving the supply of current from the current supply. The transformer arrangement is adapted for coupling with the switching circuit for selectively applying a predetermined voltage to the switching circuit which establishes the switching circuit in switch conducting or switch isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7408134
    Abstract: A sensor circuit provides a signal to a microcontroller to indicate parameters of an environmental condition to which the sensor circuit is exposed, such as temperature. The sensor circuit and microcontroller are mounted in a common housing, with an output lead indicating an on/off output based on predetermined parameters of the environmental condition. By access through the output lead, the microcontroller can be reprogrammed to change the predetermined parameters controlling the output state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Index Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Shaw, Clifford Slaughterbeck
  • Patent number: 7382272
    Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a remote display mounted in a wall of an enclosure and visible from outside of the enclosure and a first light emitting diode associated with the remote display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the remote display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the remote display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence V. Feight
  • Publication number: 20080088185
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bell, Matthew J. T. Gumbel, Scott T. Hepler
  • Publication number: 20080062003
    Abstract: A power control module is molded within a power cord or power cable. The module may include a wireless module, switches, controllers, relays, and power converters. The module may be powered by appropriately converting the power coming through the power cord or power cable. The power cord or cable is controlled wirelessly using wireless capable devices. The power control module responds to commands received from wireless devices, acts upon meeting set thresholds and collects and transmits data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Christian Paetz
  • Publication number: 20080054727
    Abstract: A pressure switch employs a Wheatstone bridge incorporating piezoresistive elements. The output of the bridge is monitored by a control circuit which produces a first control signal when a high pressure is achieved and produces a second control signal when a low pressure is achieved. The output of the control circuit is coupled to the gate electrode of a high current MOSFET device. The drain electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to one terminal of the motor where the other terminal of the motor is coupled to an operating potential. The source electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to ground. When the monitored pressure reaches a high threshold the MOSFET turns off as biased by the control circuit which in turn disables the motor. If the pressure drops, the control circuit detects this and produces the control signal, which activates the motor through the MOSFET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Patent number: 7332692
    Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
  • Patent number: 7326887
    Abstract: A self-hold motor protector (10) has an open metallic housing (12) in which a thermostatic disc (14) carrying a movable electrical contact (18) is cantilever mounted. A heater seat plate (20) is mounted in the housing in electrical and thermal relationship therewith. The heater seat plate has a seating recess (20a) in which a positive temperature coefficient resistor heating element (22) is received with one contact surface in electrical and thermal engagement with the heater seat plate. A terminal plate (26) mounts a stationary electrical contact (28) and is received over the opening of the housing but electrically isolated therefrom by a gasket (24). An electrically conductive spring (30) extends between the terminal plate and a second contact surface of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Sullivan, Jonathan F. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7282818
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power tool with a hand proximity detector to detect the hand of an operator and a trigger circuit operable with the detector to control the operation of a light in the housing or to provide a safety lockout function. One embodiment includes an operating mode indicating light that is responsive to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Illya Kovarik
  • Patent number: 7258575
    Abstract: A light sense controller uses a light sensor to sense light variations, and then turns a socket on or off in response to the light levels for controlling household appliances coupled the socket. The light sense controller includes a plug and at least one socket. A step-down circuit couples to the plug for receiving AC power and outputting a supply voltage. A stabilizer couples to the step-down circuit for receiving the supply voltage, and outputs a first and second work voltage. A light sensor outputs a control signal in response to ambient brightness. A controller couples to the stabilizer and the light sensor for receiving the first work voltage and the control signal, and outputs a drive signal. An outputting circuit couples to the stabilizer, the controller, the plug, and the socket for receiving the second work voltage and the drive signal, and turns the socket on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Rui-Hong Weng
  • Patent number: 7253541
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power tool with a hand proximity detector to detect the hand of an operator and a trigger circuit operable with the detector to control the operation of a light in the housing or to provide a safety lockout function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Illya Kovarik, Martin Bartholet
  • Patent number: 7250695
    Abstract: A power control circuit is used to control the power supplied to a circuit from a power source. The power control circuit is operable to connect and disconnect the power source from the circuit. The power control circuit connects the power source to the circuit in response to an externally applied magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy Connors, Geoffrey Martin Lyon, Salil Pradhan
  • Patent number: 7242113
    Abstract: A power semiconductor device which makes a heat come hard to arise in a particular element and is able to control an increase of the amount of a power loss caused by a tail current, even in case that plural power semiconductor elements are connected in parallel is provided. A control part (CTa) performs a regional control instead of a general control that all of IGBT elements (PD1 to PD4) are made to operate identically with providing a PWM signal (S0) for all of the elements. In other words, when a certain pulse in a pulse row of the PWM signal (S0) is inputted, only a part of switches (SW1 and SW2) is turned on and only a part of the IGBT elements (PD1 and PD2) is made to operate, and when a next pulse is inputted, only the other part of switches (SW3 and SW4) is turned on and only the other part of IGBT elements (PD3 and PD4) is made to operate. Moreover, the operation described above is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Oumaru, Noboru Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7227280
    Abstract: A system for direct optical control of electronic power semiconductors includes an optical triggering circuit at a first location, wherein said optical triggering circuit generates an optical trigger signal, a power circuit located at a second location remote from the first location, wherein said power circuit includes a photoconductor that is responsive to the optical trigger signal generated by the optical triggering circuit, and an optical cable coupling the optical triggering circuit to the power circuit. In operation, the power circuit is directly driven by the transmission of the optical trigger signal from the optical triggering circuit to the power circuit via the optical cable. Inductive elements or transformers may be applied to facilitate triggering performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Oved Zucker, Vladimir P. Leonov, Simon Y. London
  • Patent number: 7180038
    Abstract: A control is provided for switching on and off two heating devices of a hob forming a hotplate. In cyclic manner the continuous energy or power generation level can be adjusted by an energy control device. A temperature limiter monitors a maximum temperature via the first heating device, but not via the second heating device. The energy control device controls the first heating device directly or switches the same. The temperature limiter trips a power relay in order to switch the second heating device simultaneously with the first heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Wilde, Erich John, Hans Mohr, Ralf Stoll
  • Patent number: 7155317
    Abstract: A provided smart switch called Occupant Counter Control Switch, or OCCS, basically comprises of a motion sensor PIR, a photo sensor, an amplifier with band-pass filter, a microprocessor, a digital display, and a relay or triac to drive electrical appliances such as lights. The PIR sensor detects heat from a human body moving across it and generates a distinctive signal that is, unique to each of the two directions, further processed by the microprocessor for counting and thereby controlling the relay. Installed at the entrance of a room replacing the regular switch (see FIG. 1), the OCCS counts up, displaying a digit great than zero, upon detecting a person entering the room and turns on the lights if sensing insufficient ambient light. OCCS constantly energizes the lights during the room is occupied and immediately switches them off upon counting down to zero when detecting the last person exiting the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Nhan Tran
  • Patent number: 7135957
    Abstract: A universal garage door operating system and method. In one embodiment, a vehicle transmitter is provided transmitting a wireless garage door transmitter control signal. A control module is provided for mounting in a structure such as a garage, and is adapted to receive a wireless garage door transmitter. The control module includes a receiver for receiving the garage door transmitter control signal, a controller for generating a garage door transmitter actuator control signal in response to the garage door transmitter control signal, and an actuator for actuating the garage door transmitter in response to the garage door actuator control signal so that the garage door transmitter transmits a wireless garage door control signal for use in operating a garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7089736
    Abstract: A method of creating a solenoid temperature estimator includes operating a solenoid based on a data point including a plurality of operating parameters and determining a temperature of the solenoid. The method further includes recording steady-state values for the temperature and each of the plurality of operating parameters and generating the solenoid temperature estimator based on the steady-state values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mike M. Mc Donald
  • Patent number: 7034675
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system includes a microwave transceiver detecting motion in a protected space. The microwave transceiver generates a first signal. A first infrared sensor detects a source of infrared energy in a plurality of upper detection zones within the protected space. The first infrared sensor generates an upper sensor signal. A second infrared sensor detects a source of infrared energy in a plurality of lower detection zones positioned below the upper detection zones within the protected space and intersecting a floor surface within the protected space. The second infrared sensor generates a lower sensor signal. A processor receives the first signal, the upper sensor signal and the lower sensor signal. The processor generates an alarm signal in response to the first signal exceeding a threshold value. The threshold value is varied in response a relationship between the lower sensor signal and the upper sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: William S DiPoala, Michael J Bernard
  • Patent number: 7016744
    Abstract: A man-machine interface is provided for a domestic appliance in which remotely sensed buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and a knob are used. The sensing coils for remotely sensing the positions of the buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and the knob are formed on a printed circuit board which is located behind a sealed surface such that there is no risk of contaminants accessing the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Scientific Generics Limited
    Inventors: Mark A. Howard, Richard A. Doyle, Alice Richard
  • Patent number: 6987249
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating system for a motor vehicle in which a PTC heating element (4) is controlled by a regulator (1) by means of an infinitely variable electronic power system (2). The regulator (1) receives a status signal (u) that indicates the power available from the dynamo (6). The control signal (x) for the electronic power system (2) is preferably calculated from the latter by means of a PI algorithm in such a way that the dynamo/altenator (6) is utilized to a maximum degree without putting at risk a sufficient supply to other electrical loads (5). The regulator (1) can also be connected to a user interface (3) for displaying and/or inputting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephan Schneider, Bernd Friellngsdorf
  • Patent number: 6974934
    Abstract: An apparatus including a reference resistor for use with ratiometric temperature sensing of a device to be sensed. The resistive element has a resistance dependant upon a temperature of the device to be sensed and is electrically coupled to a reference resistor. The reference resistor is maintained at a substantially constant temperature by a temperature controller. A sensor circuit is electrically coupled to the resistive element and the reference resistor to sense their electrical parameters when a current passes through them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Sprock, Robert A. Carney, David K. Thiesen
  • Patent number: 6975047
    Abstract: A temperature-based cooling device controller is implemented in an integrated circuit such as a microprocessor. The temperature-based cooling device controller includes a register to store a threshold temperature value, a thermal sensor, and clock adjustment logic to activate a cooling device in response to the thermal sensor indicating that the threshold temperature value has been exceeded. In a microprocessor implementation, the microprocessor contains a plurality of thermal sensors each placed in one of a plurality of different locations across the integrated circuit and an averaging mechanism to calculate an average temperature from the plurality of thermal sensors. Threshold adjustment logic increases the threshold temperature value to a new threshold temperature value in response to the thermal sensor indicating that the threshold temperature value has been exceeded. Threshold adjustment logic further lowers the new threshold temperature to detect decreases in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jack D. Pippin
  • Patent number: RE39144
    Abstract: A wireless remote control lock system for residential and commercial building pedestrian doors includes an electrically powered striker plate assembly having a striker plate member moveable between positions for engagement and disengagement with a door latch member. The striker assembly is adapted to be connected to a control unit which supplies low voltage DC power to the striker assembly and includes a radio frequency range signal receiver and a circuit responsive to receiving signals from an operator controlled radio transmitter to effect indefinite or momentary operation of the striker assembly to unlock a door. The control unit circuit includes a first self-latching relay, a selector switch and a second relay for selecting an operating mode of the system wherein the door may be unlatched momentarily (for about 3.5 seconds, for example) or indefinitely until a second signal is transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew M. Pickard