Plural Load Circuit Systems Patents (Class 307/11)
  • Patent number: 10340931
    Abstract: An arbitrary waveform generator including a first processor configured to output first digital data, a second processor configured to output second digital data, a first digital-to-analog converter to receive the first digital data from the first processor and output a first analog signal representing the first digital data, a second digital-to-analog converter to receive the second digital data from the second processor and output a second analog signal representing the second digital data, a system phase detector to receive the first analog signal and the second analog signal and determine a phase difference between the first analog signal and the second analog signal, and a controller configured to receive the phase difference from the system phase detector and determine a delay time for the first processor to delay an output of third digital data based on the phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Cheren, Jordan Edgar, Brett Trevor, Brandon Z. Fry
  • Patent number: 10312751
    Abstract: Provided is a wireless power supply control system including a control apparatus controlling driving of one or more driving devices in accordance with a plurality of predetermined driving patterns, a first radio having a directional antenna, and a second radio driven by power supply radio waves transmitted from the first radio. Target driving directivity information corresponding to a target driving pattern acquired by an acquisition unit is selected from among pieces of driving directivity information relating to a directivity applied to the directional antenna, in a state in which driving of the driving devices is controlled by the control apparatus in accordance with the driving patterns, the selected target driving directivity information is applied to the directional antenna of the first radio, and wireless power supply from the first radio to the second radio is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Daichi Ueki, Keisuke Saito
  • Patent number: 10312792
    Abstract: A projection apparatus, a power management apparatus, and a method for power management thereof are provided. The projection apparatus has a first power socket corresponding to a first power specification and a second power socket corresponding to a second power specification. The second power specification is different from the first power specification. A voltage detection unit is adapted to detect an input voltage received by a powered power socket, wherein the powered power socket is the first power socket or the second power socket. A control unit decides whether the input voltage detected by the voltage detection unit is matched up with the power specification of the corresponding powered power socket to determine an operation mode of the projection apparatus and to determine whether the projection apparatus provides an alarm message to ensure safety of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Huan Wei, Chih-Chung Yang, Yung-Chuan Tseng, Wen-Chen Chen, Jui-Ming Tsai
  • Patent number: 10309596
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided that is able to illuminate despite the loss of a primary source of power. In implementation, a controller is provided for determining if a loss of normal power has occurred so that a first source of illumination cannot function. In that case, a second power source is provided to supply energy to a second source of illumination. Further, the first and second sources of illumination may use the same switch such that a users inconvenience is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Michael L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 10256639
    Abstract: A reverse power supply management method, apparatus and system are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring reverse power supply information of terminal devices of various links during a process that various terminal devices connected to a local end device stably perform reverse power supply on the local end device; determining reverse power supply management information of the various terminal devices according to the acquired reverse power supply information of the terminal devices of the various links; and transmitting respectively the reverse power supply management information of the various terminal devices to corresponding terminal devices to instruct the various terminal devices to adjust parameters for supplying reverse power to the local end device according to the received reverse power supply management information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Mingming Cheng, Weiliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10236706
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing electrical power to electronic devices from various power sources are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Wireless Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Ramin Rostami
  • Patent number: 10228667
    Abstract: There is described a system for managing interactions between a plurality of devices selected from a group consisting of energy sources, energy loads and energy storage devices. The system includes a control bus, a power bus, a plurality of energy device interface and a power management unit. Each energy device interface comprises a control bus port, a power bus port and a device port for operatively connecting the energy device interface to a device and for controlling the device. The energy device interface is operatively connected to the control bus via the control bus port and to the power bus via the power bus port. The power management unit is operatively connected to the control bus and to the power bus and comprises a control strategy determining unit. The power management unit is adapted for controlling each energy device interface according to a determined control strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: SYNAPTIC POWER INC.
    Inventors: Charles Morin, Daniel Quinz
  • Patent number: 10221679
    Abstract: A system and methodology are provided for improving telemetry over a three-phase electrical power cable of the type used to provide power to electric submersible pumping systems or other powered devices. Data communication is provided between one end of a three-phase electrical power cable coupled with an electric power source and the other end of the three-phase electrical power cable coupled to a powered device, such as an electrical motor. The system and methodology enable a reduction in the level of common mode noise generated by, for example, a variable speed drive and/or enable minimizing or eliminating the common mode noise before mixing with data communication signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dudi Rendusara
  • Patent number: 10096987
    Abstract: A power distribution and communication system includes nodes connected by power lines and communication links. The system receives power from one or more power sources. Each node contains at least one power port, data port and load port. Associated with each power port and load port is a port monitor for measuring current flowing into or out of the port and the voltage difference between the port outlet and ground, which measurements are passed to a processing element. The processing element and monitor analyze measured values to detect fault conditions. Upon fault condition detection, the port is disabled by opening a switch, disconnecting the port from the system voltage. The processing element receives power directly from the power line, thus receiving power from a live power line even if the associated power port is disabled allowing the processing element to enable a disabled node following a failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Invention, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Anthony N. Gardner, Russel Howe, Randall Adam Yates
  • Patent number: 10085342
    Abstract: A microelectronic device incorporating an air core inductor having one or more inserts to provide efficiency of the inductor are described. One or more inserts having a selected permeability may be placed within regions defined by coils of the air core inductor. The inserts can be formed of a solid material of the selected permeability or such a material can be applied to other structures, such as circuit components. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bok Eng Cheah, Jackson Chung Peng Kong, Khang Choong Yong, Min Suet Lim, Chin Lee Kuan, Howe Yin Loo
  • Patent number: 10084393
    Abstract: A method of putting a converter module of a cascade converter system into operation, wherein the cascade converter system includes: n converter modules; n bypass switch modules; and a system controller, wherein the method includes: a module pre-plug-in step: m bypass switch modules of the n bypass switch modules being in a non-bypass state, and remaining n-m bypass switch modules being in a bypass state, the system controller communicating with the module controllers of the m converter modules, such that the m converter modules operate according to a first control signal, wherein 1?m<n; a module plug-in step: the system controller controls the (m+1)th bypass switch module to change from the bypass state to the non-bypass state; and a module post-plug-in step: the system controller communicating with the module controllers of the m+1 converter modules, such that the m+1 converter modules operate according to a second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Xia, Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 10069332
    Abstract: An electrical power status-indicating device for integration with a Smart Grid network. The device comprises an electrical receptacle installed within a wall of a consumer premises, a communication module for retrieving and interpreting power status data from a centralized control module, and at least one indicator activated by the communication module, with activation based at least in part on the status data. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a power pass-through device for receiving at least one in-premise electronic device, and/or a light switch in communication with a lighting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Charles Ivan Cook
  • Patent number: 10050560
    Abstract: An inverter circuit with a current detection circuitry includes a main bridge circuit connected between the pair of DC input nodes, the main bridge circuit converting the received DC voltage to a primary AC current so as to output the primary AC current through an output terminal to be connected to a load; a supplementary bridge circuit connected in parallel to the main bridge circuit between the pair of DC input nodes, the supplementary bridge circuit having a circuit configuration identical to that of the main bridge circuit with smaller circuit parameters in at least some of constituent circuit elements so as to generate a detection-use AC current that is a prescribed fraction of said AC current outputted by the main bridge circuit. The detection-use AC current is detected by a current detector so as to calculate the amount of the primary AC current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10033290
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power conversion apparatus 3 for converting polyphase ac power directly to ac power. A conversion circuit includes first switching devices 311, 313, 315 and second switching devices 312, 314, 316 connected, respectively, with the phases R, S, T of the polyphase ac power, and configured to enable electrical switching operation in both directions. There are provided input lines R, S, T connected with input terminals of the switching devices and output lines P, N connected with output terminals of the switching devices. The output terminals of the first switching devices and the output terminals of the second switching devices are, respectively, arranged in a row. The first switching devices and second switching devices are arranged side by side with respect to a direction of the rows. The output lines are disposed below the input lines in an up and down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignees: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., NAGAOKA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hironori Koyano, Takamasa Nakamura, Masao Saito, Kouji Yamamoto, Tsutomu Matsukawa, Manabu Koshijo, Junichi Itoh, Yoshiya Ohnuma
  • Patent number: 10014091
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprising a power cable and an energy harvesting device as shown in FIG. 18. This patent also protects the energy harvesting device. This development also comprises the manufacturing method of the System and the Device and at the same time protects the repair method of the system by means of a repair kit of the system. Finally this system has a broad range of uses within which the fields of localizing, illuminating, identifying, monitoring, sounds generating, electromagnetic fields capturing and accumulating energy in power cables are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventors: Mariano Lopez Gomez, Borja Rodriguez Rios
  • Patent number: 10008882
    Abstract: Power transfer system including a transfer pick-up circuit for inductively picking up power from a cable carrying an alternating supply current. The power transfer system includes a first circuit having the secondary winding of a transformer for providing an inductive coupling to the cable and a first capacitive module connected in parallel to the transformer. The transfer pick-up circuit further includes a second circuit connected in parallel to the first circuit and has a second inductive module and a connection to transfer power to the load, the connection being in series with the second inductive module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: USE SYSTEM ENGINEERING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Herbert Venderbosch, Raymond Kaspers, Martinus Peter Eikendal, Steven Ferdinand Boks, Johannes Hermanus Maria Van Der Kuil
  • Patent number: 9997997
    Abstract: A regulated current-fed power system employs power branching units connected in series. Each power branching unit includes a plurality of parallel-redundant converter groups connected in series with each other within a current path for the regulated current. Each parallel-redundant converter group includes at least two direct current (DC)/DC converters connected in parallel with each other, each sharing the power load. A protection device connected in series with each DC/DC converter disconnects the respective DC/DC converter from the regulated current when the respective DC/DC converter short circuits, with the remaining DC/DC converter(s) then receiving more of the power load. An active clamp connected in parallel with all of the DC/DC converters within a parallel-redundant converter group temporarily sinks a portion of the regulated current when one of the DC/DC converters fails in a short-circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Boris S. Jacobson, John C. Cochran, Jason D. Adams, Mark S. Langelier
  • Patent number: 9991738
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power to a plurality of dispensers. For example, a supply coupler, such as an alternating current to direct current power converter, is coupled to an energy storage component and/or a load coupler of a power distribution apparatus. The supply coupler provides power over the load coupler to one or more dispensers for operation. The supply coupler provides power to the energy storage component for energy storage. Responsive to a load on the power distribution apparatus exceeding a supply current of the power provided by the supply coupler (e.g., multiple dispensers may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events), the energy storage component may discharge energy to provide additional power to one or more dispensers to facilitate concurrent dispense events. Because the power distribution apparatus may connect to multiple dispensers, a cord management device may be used for power cord management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jackson William Wegelin
  • Patent number: 9979295
    Abstract: A buck-boost DC-DC converter, which includes converter control circuitry, converter switching circuitry, and a first inductive element, is disclosed. The converter control circuitry provides a buck mode timing signal and a boost mode timing signal. The converter switching circuitry provides a switching output signal. During a buck mode of the buck-boost DC-DC converter, when a buck pulse-width of the switching output signal is less than a buck pulse-width threshold, the buck pulse-width is limited based on both the buck mode timing signal and the boost mode timing signal. During a boost mode of the buck-boost DC-DC converter, when a boost pulse-width of the switching output signal is less than a boost pulse-width threshold, the boost pulse-width is limited based on both the buck mode timing signal and the boost mode timing signal. The first inductive element receives and filters the switching output signal to provide a converter output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Kay, Manbir Singh Nag
  • Patent number: 9972852
    Abstract: Various embodiments enable the operation of fuel cell system support equipment using variable frequency drives and power from fuel cells and/or grid power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Chad Pearson, Rajesh Gopinath, Carl Cottuli, James Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 9945909
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, two or more subsea motors are run simultaneously from a common topside frequency converter and a single set of three-phase cores within an umbilical cable. The subsea distribution system, which may include a subsea transformer distributes the power to the electrical motors. Current sensor and measuring electronics are used to measure current on one or more of the phases used to drive each motor. Measurement data is transmitted to the surface where an analysis system is used to detect possible load imbalance conditions between the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Aage Hadler-Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9900051
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating an electronic system includes detecting an incoming transmission on a power line, and modifying a switching behavior of a switched-mode power supply coupled to the power line upon detecting the incoming transmission. Modifying reduces the level of interference produced by the switched-mode power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Oleg Logvinov
  • Patent number: 9847672
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a power device comprising an input, power circuitry, a plurality of outlets, a network module configured to be coupled to a network, a controller coupled to the plurality of outlets, the power circuitry and the network module, the controller configured to operate the power circuitry to provide output power to the plurality of outlets derived from input power, provide a management interface to a management system via the network module and the network, the management interface configured to allow an operator to provide an indication of a type of equipment coupled to each one of the plurality of outlets, and display, via the management interface, a plurality of network configuration options in a layout based on the indication of the type of equipment coupled to each one of the plurality of outlets provided by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond M. Fallon, Daniel C. Cohen, Noah L. Pendleton, Sarah Jane Hannon, George Hsia, Heidi Sohlberg-Siltanen
  • Patent number: 9841454
    Abstract: An energy saving device that is adapted to be connected to a power outlet and further connected to at least one electrical device, said electrical devices drawing power through the energy saving device, the energy saving device including testing means adapted to perform at least one installation verification test and communication means adapted to communicate a validation signal to a monitoring entity when a result of the installation verification test indicates that a correct installation has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Embertec Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Giuseppe Antonio Gelonese
  • Patent number: 9812863
    Abstract: An electrical power source includes a power converter and either an electrical generator or an electrical energy storage device. Power flow is controlled through control of the power converter based on a voltage source and resistance model of the electrical power source. A power converter for an electrical generator is controlled to synthesize a constant voltage of the voltage source and a variable value of the resistance. The resistance value is controlled to deliver a maximum available output power to the electrical microgrid over a range of microgrid voltages up to a voltage below a maximum allowable voltage of the electrical microgrid. For an electrical energy storage device, the power converter is controlled to synthesize a resistance value of the resistance that is dependent upon a phase angle between the voltage at the microgrid side of the electrical power source and current of the electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SOLANTRO SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: James Benson Bacque, Raymond Kenneth Orr, Edward Patrick Keyes
  • Patent number: 9804655
    Abstract: Apparatus control system includes control device controlling operation of apparatuses and portable mobile terminal communicable with the control device. In the control device, control unit controls each apparatus in accordance with control schedule stored in device-side storage unit and control request from the mobile terminal. In the mobile terminal, date and time setting unit sets arbitrary date and time as set date and time. Terminal-side storage unit stores terminal-side schedule in which control contents are associated with control dates and times for each apparatus. Simulation unit simulates operating state of each apparatus assuming that the apparatus is operating at the set date and time set by the date and time setting unit, using the terminal-side schedule. Apparatus state reflection unit outputs control request to the control device to cause the control device to control each apparatus such that the apparatus is in the operating state simulated by the simulation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugiyama, Hiroki Kazuno, Toshiaki Nakao, Yoshifumi Murakami, Toru Shimotsuma
  • Patent number: 9795003
    Abstract: There are provided methods and devices for programming a luminaire. For example, there is provided a programming module for use with a luminaire. The programming module includes a connector configured to provide an interface between the programming module and the luminaire via a photo-electric element (PE) socket of the luminaire. The programming module further includes a memory and a processor. When executing instructions included in the memory, the processor is configured to perform operations that include measuring the input power to the luminaire and changing a driver current set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: David Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 9745038
    Abstract: A power system for a marine ship includes a plurality of protection zones, wherein at least two protection zones are coupled to each other via at least one bus-tie converter. Each of the protection zones includes a plurality of direct current (DC) buses; wherein DC buses which do not have same DC voltage are coupled to each other via at least one DC to DC converter. Furthermore, at least one energy source is coupled to at least one DC bus via a power electronic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rixin Lai, Di Zhang, Dong Dong, Konrad Roman Weeber, Ravisekhar Nadimpalli Raju, Steven Michael Mankevich
  • Patent number: 9742290
    Abstract: A control arrangement for use in controlling the electrical supply from a power supply unit including an internal capacitance to an output is described, the control arrangement comprising an inductor, a switch arranged in parallel with internal capacitance, and a controller operable to control the operation of the switch such that closing of the switch results in the formation of an LCR circuit, the internal capacitance forming the capacitance of the LCR circuit. An associated control method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: University of Plymouth
    Inventor: Mohammed Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9728958
    Abstract: A current electronic distributing device that can limit maximum output currents of a plurality of input/output (I/O) ports to a first current or a second current. The current electronic distributing device includes a plurality of current detection units, a plurality of current limiting units, a control unit, and a power supply unit. The power supply unit supplies power to the current electronic distributing device. Each of the current detection units respectively detects consumption currents of each of the I/O ports. The control unit calculates a sum of the consumption currents of the plurality of I/O ports, and controls each of the current limiting units to limit the maximum output currents of each of the I/O ports to the first current or the second current according to the sum of the consumption currents of the plurality of I/O ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Her-Shuenn Chung
  • Patent number: 9698626
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a request control device includes a receiving unit, a generating unit, and a sending unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a first electric power control request issued for purpose of controlling electric power usage. The generating unit is configured to generate a second electric power control request, which is different than the first electric power control request, at least using the first electric power control request. The sending unit is configured to send the second electric power control request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kotaro Ise, Yu Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9690280
    Abstract: A power consumption output device for an apparatus that manufactures a plurality of products from a quantity of supplied material in a series of repeated cycles, includes a detector for detecting power consumption in a time period that includes at least the time needed for manufacturing all of the products that can be manufactured from a given quantity of supplied material, from the time at which the supply of the material to the apparatus commences to the time at which any remaining material is ejected, and delivers an output indicating power consumption per product by using the power consumption detected by the power detector and the number of products manufactured from the given quantity of supplied material. The device is thus capable of precisely calculating the electricity cost per product manufactured by an apparatus whose power consumption varies from one cycle of operation to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., Citizen Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Matsumaru, Hitoshi Matsumoto, Yutaka Shibui
  • Patent number: 9690955
    Abstract: An electronic system includes a computer and a power adapter. The computer includes an embedded controller (EC) coupled to a computer power delivery (PD) controller. The power adapter includes a power adapter PD controller connected to a slave device and is configured to communicate with the computer over a communication link. The computer PD controller is configured to receive a command from the EC and, to transmit a universal serial bus (USB) vendor defined message (VDM) header and one or more vendor defined objects (VDOs) including the information of the payload of the transmit command. The power adapter PD controller responds to the one or more VDOs either by changing an output signal to the slave device connected to the power adapter PD controller, reports a state of a general purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of the power adapter PD controller, or changes the state of the GPIO pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Deric Wayne Waters
  • Patent number: 9667162
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a converter to an AC voltage grid has a grid connection for connection to the AC voltage grid and a converter connection for connection to the converter. The grid connection and the converter connection can be connected to one another via two transformers that are connected in parallel with one another and which, in addition to a primary winding and a secondary winding, are equipped with a tertiary winding. At least one switch is connected in series with each transformer. A connection unit is connected to the tertiary windings of each of the transformers and is configured to connect the tertiary windings to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Matthias Gaudenz, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9621037
    Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a switch coupled between an input voltage terminal and an energy storage element, a first output capacitor coupled to a first node defined between the switch and the energy storage element, the first capacitor being coupled to a first output voltage terminal, a charge pump circuit coupled to the first node and comprising a second output capacitor coupled between a second output voltage terminal and the first output voltage terminal, and a controller operable to selectively enable the switch to control voltages generated at the first and second output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Microsemi Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Rossi, Jason Larry Rabb, David Nigel Wakely
  • Patent number: 9595827
    Abstract: A subsystem is configured to apply a voltage source to a gated circuit domain in a manner that limits in-rush current and affords minimal time delay. A control signal turns on a wake-up switch that connects the voltage source to the domain. The equivalent series resistance of the wake-up switch has a magnitude that limits the transient charge current to the gated domain. A digital control circuit monitors the resulting rising domain voltage and determines when the domain voltage reaches operating level, at which point additional transient current will be minimal. The control circuit then activates a primary switch that connects the voltage source to the domain through a series resistance of negligible magnitude. An adjustment element provides the option to permanently set a control signal that marginally reduces the time at which the control circuit activates the primary switch to compensate for variations in circuit parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Spencer Montgomery Gold, Karthik Natarajan
  • Patent number: 9588563
    Abstract: A host device can manage a controllable power adapter accessory using a communication protocol. Based on information provided by the controllable power adapter accessory as to its power capabilities and the power needs and preferences of the host device, the host device can determine a desired power profile and request power from the accessory conforming to the desired profile. The desired power profile can also depend in part on the power-carrying capability of one or more cables connected between the host device and the accessory. In some instances, the host device and controllable power adapter accessory can be connected via an intermediary accessory that can siphon power from the controllable power adapter accessory, and the host device can manage the power siphoning behavior of the intermediary accessory using the communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Shailesh Rathi, Jason J. Yew, Robert J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9569299
    Abstract: An error handling system as applied to a server, the server comprising a central processing unit, the central processing unit configured to send a warning signal when the central processing unit generates an error. The error handling system includes a programmable logic device, a baseboard management controller coupled to a southbridge chip, and a basic input-output system coupled to the baseboard management controller. The southbridge chip is configured to detect the warning signal and send a notification signal to the baseboard management controller upon detection. The basic input-output system is configured to identify the error and correct the error upon receiving the notification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 9444353
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an isolated power converter can include: (i) a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; (ii) a secondary rectifier circuit coupled to the secondary winding; (iii) a power switch coupled between an input voltage source and a first terminal of the primary winding, where a second terminal of the primary winding is coupled to ground; (iv) a feedback circuit coupled between the first and second terminals of the primary winding, the feedback circuit being configured to generate a feedback voltage based on a voltage across the primary winding; (v) a control circuit configured to generate a control signal to control the power switch; and (vi) an over voltage protection circuit configured to activate a reset signal when the voltage feedback signal is greater than a threshold value, where the reset signal is configured to reset the control signal when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTD
    Inventors: Qiukai Huang, Jian Deng
  • Patent number: 9425594
    Abstract: A relay harness (30) connects a first harness (10) and a second harness (20). The relay harness (30) includes relay wires (31) and first and second housings (36, 37) connected to ends of the relay wires (31). Each relay wire (31) has a third conductor (32) surrounded by a third coating (33). The first housing (36) is configured to connect to a first connector (16) of the first harness (10). The second housing (37) is configured to connect to a second connector (26) of the second harness (20). A coating resin for the third insulation coatings (33) and a housing resin for the first and second housings (36, 37) are synthetic resins having a higher flame retardancy than a resin material for the first harness (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Aizawa
  • Patent number: 9385608
    Abstract: A slave circuit for a DC-to-DC converter includes a switching circuit adapted to repeatedly switch a switching node between two different voltage levels, a slave control adapted to control switching of the switching circuit based at least in part on control signals from a master controller, a communication port, and a communication module. The communication module is adapted to (a) generate an analog slave communication signal at the communication port, where the analog slave communication signal represents information associated with the slave circuit, and (b) generate a digital slave communication signal at the communication port in response to occurrence of an event, where the digital slave communication signal represents additional information associated with the slave circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor LLC
    Inventor: Sombuddha Chakraborty
  • Patent number: 9369008
    Abstract: Example method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for negotiation of wireless powering of passive objects. Example embodiments of the invention include a method comprising: receiving, via a radio frequency wireless interface of an apparatus, a radio frequency signal from a wireless device, indicating that the wireless device is capable of receiving optical powering; switching on, by the apparatus, an optical energy source in the apparatus; and transmitting, by the apparatus, from the optical energy source, optical power to the wireless device in response to the radio frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Jani Ollikainen, Joni Jantunen
  • Patent number: 9293918
    Abstract: An electrical control system consisting of two or more electrical transmitting devices each capable of transmitting synchronized messages consisting of electrical pulses to devices connected to one or more of the three phases of the AC power lines in a typical three phase power system. The synchronized transmitters are each connected to neutral and to one or more of the three phases, A, B, and C, or across two of the phases, of different circuit breaker panels in a typical three phase power system, and are capable of transmitting messages to one or more of the three phases. The transmissions from the two or more transmitters are synchronized such that the transmitted pulses from each transmitter are transmitted at the same time to produce a message that can be received correctly at any receiving device connected to any of the connected circuit breaker panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Powerline Control System, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshal Lester, Ron Fienberg, Preston Lane
  • Patent number: 9280405
    Abstract: A powerline communication (PLC) power supply and modem interface can be implemented using a power supply processing unit coupled with a PLC modem unit. The power supply processing unit generates a composite PLC signal comprising a PLC signal and a DC power signal modulated with a zero cross signal (all determined from an AC powerline signal). High-powered components of the PLC modem unit can cause signal distortion in the zero cross signal component of the composite PLC signal making it difficult to extract zero cross information. An error correction unit can be implemented at the PLC modem unit to minimize the signal distortion and generate a zero cross signal with little or no error. The PLC modem unit also extracts the PLC signal and the DC power signal from the composite PLC signal, and processes the PLC signal using the zero cross information extracted from the corrected zero cross signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Magin, Celestino Anastasio Corral
  • Patent number: 9231353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket having loading detecting function, which comprises: a housing; at least a socket; a sensor; a relay; a detection circuit capable of detecting the loading value of the socket; and a control unit. The control unit can be used for recording the maximum of the loading value, and said maximum is multiplied by an coefficient thereby obtaining a first threshold value; meanwhile comparing the loading value to the first threshold value and a second threshold value, when the loading value is lower than both of the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the control unit terminates the relay after a second time period for cutting off the electric source of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Whe-Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 9213351
    Abstract: A bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to generate a scaled version of a load current using a first transistor from a power regulator output stage and a second transistor that can be a mirror or scaled version of the first transistor. A trim circuit can be provided to correct gain errors under current sinking or current sourcing conditions. In an example, the bidirectional current sensor circuit can be configured to detect a polarity or a magnitude of a current signal that is used to operate a thermoelectric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Hio Leong Chao, A. Paul Brokaw
  • Patent number: 9209703
    Abstract: A control device for a rectifier of a switching converter that includes a rectifier with at least one MOS transistor and a control device that is configured to generate a turn on and off signal for the at least one transistor. The control device also includes a measuring circuit to measure the conduction time of the body diode of the at least one transistor during each converter switching half-cycle. The control device is configured to, cycle by cycle: verify if the drain-source voltage of the at least one transistor is greater or less than a voltage threshold, and if the drain-source voltage is greater than the voltage threshold to turn off the at least one transistor, measure the conduction time of the body diode and increase the voltage threshold by a quantity in the next switching cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alberto Iorio, Maurizio Foresta
  • Patent number: 9160174
    Abstract: A control architecture for a power controller has a power line input, a plurality of power channels that are operable to control power flow from the power line input to one or more loads, an isolated power supply, and a microcontroller module that controls each of the multiple power channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert J. Simper, Markus Greither
  • Patent number: 9155141
    Abstract: A multi-path constant current driving circuit. In the multi-path constant current driving circuit, a current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n?1)) is provided in power supply circuits which are provided with adjacent rectifier and filter units (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n). A first winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n?1)) is connected between a first terminal of a secondary winding of a first power supply circuit and the rectifier and filter unit (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n) of the first power supply circuit. A second winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n?1)) is connected between a first terminal of a secondary winding of a second power supply circuit and the rectifier and filter unit (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n) of the second power supply circuit. In-phase current flows through the dotted terminal of the first winding and the synonym terminal of the second winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n?1)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: INVENTRONICS (HANGZHOU), INC.
    Inventors: Liang'an Ge, Xiaoli Yao, Guichao Hua, Xinke Wu, Lijun Ren
  • Patent number: 9118194
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing electrical power to electronic devices from various power sources are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Ramin Rostami