Electrical Patents (Class 307/125)
  • Patent number: 10439493
    Abstract: Operating a resonant Dickson converter. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: driving a voltage output of the Dickson converter by a resonant current through a first branch for a first on time, the resonant current has a resonant half-period; driving the voltage output by a resonant current through a third branch for a second on time, the resonant current through the third branch has a resonant half-period; and then electrically isolating the first branch and the third branch; detecting, during a first dead time, that the first on time was different than the resonant half-period of the first branch; and adjusting the first on time used in a subsequent cycle of driving the resonant currents, the adjusting makes the first on time more closely match the resonant half-period of the first branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Alessandro Zafarana
  • Patent number: 10425754
    Abstract: Embodiments herein enable fast and easy interconnectivity among multimedia accessories including mobile devices and other devices. There is only limited space on mobile devices yet there are numerous input connectors. The standard TRRS audio jack is one such input that has and remains common, primarily because it is the accepted standard for audio input; namely, headphones and earpieces for listening purposes. Embodiments herein describe an intelligent switch to that audio jack that permits for additional backward and forward compatibility. It transparently allows a user to insert analog or digital audio devices, such as earphones, without the need to manually reconfigure device settings. The device herein automatically converts between input connector types using the same input convention present on their existing mobile devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: Koen Weijand, Steven W. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 10411485
    Abstract: A battery protection system, comprising: a first protection circuit configured to detect a battery output voltage value and to disconnect the battery output from a load when the output voltage falls below a first threshold; a second protection circuit configured to detect the battery output voltage value and to disconnect the battery output from the load when the output voltage falls below a second threshold, wherein the first threshold is within a tenth of a volt of the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Li, Christopher Barnes
  • Patent number: 10396770
    Abstract: A power supply unit for use with thermostats or other like devices requiring power. A power supply unit may be designed to keep electromagnetic interference emissions at a minimum, particularly at a level that does not violate governmental regulations. A unit may be designed so that there is enough power for a triggering a switch at about a cross over point of a waveform of input power to the unit. Power for triggering may come from a storage source rather than line power to reduce emissions on the power line. Power for the storage source may be provided with power stealing. Power stealing may require switching transistors which can generate emissions. Gate signals to the transistors may be especially shaped to keep emissions from transistor switching at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Landry, Daniel Tousignant, Alex Daher, Marco Lussier
  • Patent number: 10394308
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical device having a power saving mode, a sleep mode, and a run mode of an OS system. A modality switch controls an on-off of the battery module and the OS system for achieving to switch between the power saving mode and other modes. The power saving method mentioned above can apply to the shipment and the storage of the electrical device to reduce the power consumption of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignees: INVENTEC APPLIANCES (PUDONG) CORPORATION, INVENTEC APPLIANCES CORP.
    Inventors: Jing-Wei Zhu, Shi-Song Chen
  • Patent number: 10382036
    Abstract: Disclosed is circuitry for operating a switch which sees high voltage swings across its source, gate, drain, and bulk terminals. The circuitry generates one or more bias voltages in proportion to an input voltage swing. The one or more bias voltages may be used to bias the gate and bulk terminals to provide reliable and improved turn OFF performance in the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Alok Prakash Joshi, Gireesh Rajendran
  • Patent number: 10381926
    Abstract: A digitally compensated hysteretic power supply with enhanced resolution is provided. Such a power supply includes a comparator that is used to compare a load current sense signal with an internal signal generated from a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). A compensation circuit at a DAC input operates to improve current accuracy beyond the given DAC resolution. The current sense signal is converted to its digital equivalent, which is fed to a proportional-integral (PI) compensation loop, which in turn generates a relatively precise high resolution DAC input value. The DAC uses the higher part of the DAC value. The lower part of the DAC value is treated as a duty cycle number, and the DAC output is toggled between two levels at this duty cycle. This toggling generates a current output signal having a value that is the average of the two toggled values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Xiao, Markus Ziegler
  • Patent number: 10332449
    Abstract: The application discloses a method for powering an organic electroluminescence display panel, and a display device. When an external compensation circuit is acquiring parameters of respective sub-pixels in a display area of the organic electroluminescence display panel, the display area is powered using a power-supply circuit in a driver chip at high conversion efficiency, and thus high power consumption, to thereby lower power consumption in a parameter acquisition stage. While the external compensation circuit is performing data compensation to the respective sub-pixels in the display area of the organic electroluminescence display panel, the display area of the organic electroluminescence display panel is powered using the power management chip at high conversion efficiency to thereby achieve low power consumption in the data compensation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI TIANMA AM-OLED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jingxiong Zhou, Ruiyuan Zhou
  • Patent number: 10317471
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a battery communication diagnosis method, and more particularly, to a battery communication diagnosis method for diagnosing a state of communication periodically performed between battery management systems (BMSs) in a battery to prevent a message or data from being omitted during communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mi So Park
  • Patent number: 10312822
    Abstract: An electrical system includes a sensing arrangement coupled to an electrical grid interface to measure an electrical characteristic of the electrical grid interface, a power conversion module having an output coupled to the electrical grid interface, and a control module coupled to the sensing arrangement and the power conversion module. The control module determines a reference value for the electrical characteristic, identifies an islanding condition based on a difference between a value for the electrical characteristic and the reference value, determines a target output value for the power conversion module based on the difference, and in response to the islanding condition, operates the power conversion module to provide the target output value for the electrical characteristic at the output. The target output value reduces the difference while a connection arrangement is being opened to achieve islanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: David Glenn Porter
  • Patent number: 10312823
    Abstract: A power inverter comprising a power inverter circuit to convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power, a condition monitoring system, a wired and/or wireless communication circuit, and a manual/automatic power selection capability. The power inverter can additionally include a remote controller and power inverter remote unit, a vehicle monitoring system, and an association with a portable computing device application. The power inverter remote unit replicates a power inverter controller circuit of the power inverter and provides additional alternating current (AC) output socket(s). The application is adapted to be run on a portable computing device and could include features to remotely activate and/or configure the inverter, obtain inverter operating characteristics, obtain error notifications, and monitor a vehicle status and/or operating history. The power inverter can additionally include a DC charging circuit, converting DC power to AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventors: Nicholas Montgomery, Jose Illidge
  • Patent number: 10305371
    Abstract: A power supply control apparatus includes a DC power supply including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a load electrically connected to the DC power supply, a relay connected to a current path from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through the load in series, a switching device connected to the current path in series, and a controller controlling the relay and the switching device. The controller, in a case in which the current path is to be electrically cut off, switches the switching device to an Off state and then switches the relay to the Off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taku Shimomura, Tetsuya Hayashi, Dai Tsugawa, Takayuki Ikari
  • Patent number: 10290981
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power outlet device that senses whether a plug is inserted into a terminal and controls determining supply or interruption of power to a 5 socket according to the sensed result. The power outlet device includes: a housing having a plug insertion hole inserted with an external plug; a substrate provided in the housing; a terminal provided on the substrate to be deployed to face the plug insertion hole; and a switching 10 unit controlling whether to supply power to the terminal by sensing that the plug is inserted into the terminal, wherein the terminal is electrically connected to the switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONIC KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Hwan Cho, Won Hee Choi
  • Patent number: 10289220
    Abstract: A pointing object is provided with a first sensor (a first detection section) adapted to detect that the pointing object has been held, a detection circuit section (a second detection section) adapted to detect that a first operation switch has been operated, and a pointing object control section capable of switching an operation mode of the pointing object between a normal operation mode (a first operation mode) in which the pointing object operates in an operation state suitable for a usage, and a power saving mode (a second operation mode) with a power consumption reduced to a level lower than in the normal operation mode, and adapted to switch the operation mode based on a detection result of the first sensor and a detection result of an operation of the first operation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Wakimoto
  • Patent number: 10277220
    Abstract: A device for controlling an electronic switch between a power supply and a load includes a sensing circuit to measure a current to the load and a control circuit to control operation of the electronic switch if the current exceeds a current limit. The control circuit includes a normal current circuit to output a first switch control current to the electronic switch and a boost current circuit to output a second switch control current to the electronic switch, the first switch control current being higher than the second switch control current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventors: Marcus O'Sullivan, Aldo Togneri
  • Patent number: 10256642
    Abstract: A power delivery controller includes a detection unit, a regulation unit, and a control unit. The detection unit has a detection pin and an enable pin, wherein the detection pin is used for detecting a power delivery consumer device. The regulation unit is coupled to the detection unit, wherein when the detection pin detects the power delivery consumer device, the detection unit is used for turning on the regulation unit through the enable pin, and after the regulation unit is turned on, the regulation unit generates an internal voltage. The control unit is coupled to the regulation unit for providing power to the power delivery consumer device according to the internal voltage. When the detection pin fails to detect the power delivery consumer device, the regulation unit is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: eEver Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shao-Hung Chen, Yu-Chih Hsieh, Sian-Jia Chen, Shih-Min Hsu
  • Patent number: 10238265
    Abstract: This disclosure proposes a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. The cleaning device has at least one fluid device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device has at least one electrical load. The cleaning device further has at least one electrical connection for supplying electrical energy to the cleaning device. The cleaning device further has at least one energy store. The cleaning device is designed to receive electrical energy via the electrical connection and to temporarily store said electrical energy in the energy store. The cleaning device is further designed to supply electrical energy from the energy store to the at least one electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Gaus, Wendelin Hils, Thomas Peukert, Stefan Scheringer
  • Patent number: 10244608
    Abstract: A side looking occupancy sensor is incorporated in a conventional wall switch mounted into a switch box adjacent to a door. The side-looking proximity sensor preferably is mountable to either side of the doorjamb to make the side-looking proximity sensor face the door opening. During operation, the side-looking sensor monitors the door movement or senses the passage of a person for indication that a person is entering or leaving the space. Entry and exit determination is made based on activation of the side-looking sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventor: Louia Weidman
  • Patent number: 10236785
    Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for control apparatus of a voltage source converter for direct current transmission of electrical power over a transmission line. The control apparatus comprises regulation control for generating a regulation signal for the converter to regulate an electrical parameter of the voltage source converter, such as voltage or power, so as to regulate power transmission over the transmission line. The regulation signal is based on the difference between a measured value of said parameter and a reference value of said parameter, as may be supplied from a reference control block and may be derived from a demand signal indicating the voltage or power demand. The apparatus also includes damping control configured to generate a damping signal for modulating said regulation signal to reduce the effect of resonance within the bandwidth of control of the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Colin Oates
  • Patent number: 10236881
    Abstract: An input device includes a first component with an actuating layer and a first electrode arranged adjacent thereto, a second component with a carrier and a second electrode, and a device which electrically contacts the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes face each other with an air gap therebetween. The first electrode, under an influence of an actuating force acting on the actuating surface undergoes, upon an actuation, a displacement so as to move the first electrode closer to the second electrode against an elastic restoring force. A detection and evaluation device applies a measuring capacitance to the first and second electrodes and detects a change in the measuring capacitance dependent on the displacement moving the first and second electrodes closer to each other in order to associate the actuation with a switching or controlling function after detecting a predetermined change in the measuring capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: PREH GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Nauth, Sara Hofmann, Jochen Schlereth
  • Patent number: 10209730
    Abstract: Low power solutions can be provided in a serial bus system with a logic controller circuit. The logic controller circuit can include analog circuitry that includes a plurality of analog components and trimming circuitry for configuring the analog components. Digital circuitry can be configured to switch between an active mode and a hibernation mode, wherein the hibernation mode consumes less current than the active mode. A voltage regulator circuit can be configured to generate a regulated voltage from a supply voltage. A reset generation circuit can be configured to determine that the supply voltage has reached a first threshold voltage level and enable the voltage regulator circuit. When the regulated voltage has reached a second threshold voltage level and the supply voltage has reached a third threshold voltage level, the digital circuitry can be switched to the active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Chiahung Su, Madan Mohan Reddy Vemula, Abjijeet Chandrakant Kulkarni, Kenneth Jaramillo, Siamak Delshadpour, Xueyang Geng
  • Patent number: 10205680
    Abstract: A network switch includes: a plurality of communication ports, each communication port of the plurality of communication ports having a first electrical output terminal and a second electrical output terminal configured for providing an electrical output signal between the first electrical output terminal and the second electrical output terminal. The network switch is configured to electrically switch off the electrical output signal of at least one communication port of the plurality of communication ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karstein Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 10193510
    Abstract: System controller and method for providing at least an output voltage. For example, the system controller includes a first controller terminal configured to receive an input voltage. The input voltage is associated with an input-voltage magnitude. Additionally, the system controller includes a second controller terminal configured to receive a control voltage, and a third controller terminal configured to output an output voltage to a load. Moreover, the system controller includes a supply voltage generator configured to receive the input voltage from the first controller terminal and generate a supply voltage. The supply voltage is associated with a supply voltage magnitude. Also, the system controller includes a ramp voltage generator configured to receive the supply voltage and generate a ramp voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miao Li, Qiang Luo, Lieyi Fang
  • Patent number: 10174527
    Abstract: A backup energy source (1) for an automotive system (102) in a motor vehicle (101) is designed to receive a main supply voltage (Vbatt), during a normal operating condition, and to provide a backup supply voltage (Vsc) during a failure operating condition, different from the normal operating condition. The backup energy source (1) has a control unit (2), and a supercapacitor group (4), operable by the control unit (2) to store energy during the normal operating condition and to provide the backup supply voltage (Vsc) during the failure operating condition. A diagnostic module (10) is coupled to the supercapacitor group (4) to provide the control unit (2) with information concerning an operating status of the supercapacitor group (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: Davide Dente
  • Patent number: 10159770
    Abstract: New and useful systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically identifying alternative cell chemistries of batteries that power portable electric devices and adjusting the characteristics of such devices in response to the identification of such cells in a reduced-pressure therapy environment are set forth in the appended claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, David Robson Blandford
  • Patent number: 10153704
    Abstract: A power converter including a transformer, a resonant circuit including the transformer and a resonant capacitor having a characteristic resonant frequency and period, and output circuitry connected to the transformer for delivering a rectified output voltage to a load. Primary switches drive the resonant circuit, a switch controller operates the primary switches in a series of converter operating cycles which include power transfer intervals of adjustable duration during which a resonant current at the characteristic resonant frequency flows through a winding of the transformer. The operating cycles may also include energy recycling intervals of variable duration for charging and discharging capacitances within the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: VLT, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrizio Vinciarelli
  • Patent number: 10153632
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a device and method for protecting an electrical system component of a vehicle electrical system. The device comprises a semiconductor switch connected to the electrical system component. A circuit connected to the semiconductor switch comprises a detection unit for detecting an electrical malfunction of the vehicle electrical system and an activation unit for activating the semiconductor switch. A control unit communicatively connected to the circuit is configured to switch the semiconductor switch into a first safe state, in which the semiconductor switch is switched off, based on the detection of an electrical malfunction, and to selectively switch the semiconductor switch into the first safe state or into a second safe state, in which the semiconductor switch is switched on, based on at least one predetermined vehicle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wortberg, Anton Bachmeier, Anton Ederer
  • Patent number: 10133328
    Abstract: A device may include multiple power supplies that are cooled by a system fan. The power supplies may be cross-connected to supply power to one another and the device may monitor temperatures of the power supplies. Based on the temperatures of the power supplies, the device may determine whether any of the power supplies are likely to be on fire. The device may shut off the fan when a power supply is determined to be likely to be on fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Thuan Khac Che, Jaspal S. Gill, Frank Krippendorf
  • Patent number: 10067573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for control/command of a plurality of man-machine dialog facilities which are linked in series in such a way as to form a network. This device comprises a wire interconnection block linked by a point-to-point link to each dialog facility via a network of twisted cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Dominique Benni, Francis Chauvet
  • Patent number: 10061721
    Abstract: An approach to data handling based upon the temporal extents of the interruptions to supply of electricity to selected components is provided. At present, digital electronics and computing is primarily based on the binary system, with fixed time duration in and between the two electricity states in components. Considering the limitations posed, the present innovation employs instruments that utilize the no electricity temporal extents in the selected components, or parts thereof, in the data handling system (100) as a basis for reasoning over plurality of information, simultaneously. The use of dynamic durations in electricity states, including ‘no electricity signal’ states, accompanied by the punctuations that adopt dynamically determined temporal and electrical characteristics for data handling, in a scalable manner that is task effective and energy saving is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Indrajith Kuruppu
  • Patent number: 10038320
    Abstract: A method for balancing a polyphase network for supplying an installation including a plurality of sockets for plugging-in electrical equipment, wherein a phase selector is inserted for each socket, between a system for supplying a polyphase voltage and the socket, and intercepts a command signal for energizing the socket. Once an energizing command has been received from one of the monophase equipments, the least charged phase is selected for powering the equipment, the evaluation of the least charged phase being carried out upstream of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Sylvain Guillemin, Rémi Vial
  • Patent number: 9995768
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electrical meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC converter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric
    Inventors: Ken Parks, Michael Colburn
  • Patent number: 9987711
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welding tool coupling, in particular a hose-assembly interface or a welding torch handle, for connecting a welding tool (3), in particular a welding torch neck, to a supply line of a welding device, comprising a coupling device (2) for detachably coupling the welding tool (3) by means of a magnetic retaining force that can be switched on and off. According to the invention the coupling device (2) has at least one magnet system (10) and at least one short-circuit device, which can be moved in relation to each other between a switch-on position and a switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic flux generated by the magnet system (10) exits from the coupling device (2) in the switch-on position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force is generated and is at least partially short-circuited in the coupling device (2) by means of the short-circuit device in the switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force disappears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ALEXANDER BINZEL SCHWEISSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Gabriel Jesser
  • Patent number: 9979335
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes an inductive load, at least one electrical component in communication with the inductive load, and a semiconductor. The semiconductor is configured to emit light in response to a voltage drop across the semiconductor being at least equal to a forward voltage, wherein the semiconductor is placed in parallel with the electrical component and emits the light in response to the inductive load generating a voltage spike during operation that causes the voltage drop across the semiconductor to be at least equal to the forward voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tilotson
  • Patent number: 9973005
    Abstract: A power controller assembly is disclosed that transfers alternating current (AC) power generated by solar panels to devices coupled to the power controller assembly. The power controller assembly includes a power connector assembly that is coupled to an AC power outlet and transfers AC power generated by the solar panels from the AC power outlet to a power cord that is coupled to the power controller configuration. The power cord transfers the AC power to the device that consumes the AC power. The power controller assembly also includes an outlet power controller that controls the device that consumes the AC power based on instructions received from a communications device via wireless communication between the outlet power controller and the communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher A. Estes
  • Patent number: 9966947
    Abstract: A gate driving circuit for an insulated gate-type power semiconductor element includes an Nch MOSFET which turns on the insulated gate-type power semiconductor element, a Pch MOSFET which turns off the insulated gate-type power semiconductor element, a control circuit which turns on the Nch MOSFET by applying a positive voltage to the gate electrode of the Nch MOSFET, and which turns on the Pch MOSFET by applying a negative voltage to the gate electrode of the Pch MOSFET, and a power supply which applies a negative voltage to the drain electrode of the Pch MOSFET and to a negative-side electrode of the control circuit, which applies a positive voltage to the drain electrode of the Nch MOSFET, and which applies to a positive-side electrode of the control circuit a positive voltage whose absolute value is larger than absolute value of the positive voltage applied to the drain electrode of the Nch MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Otsu, Junichiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9952608
    Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may comprise an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Ian C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9937804
    Abstract: A charging device for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a charger having an electronic switching element which reduces an excessive current instantaneously flowing when an external AC power source outside the vehicle is connected to the charger; and a controller configured to control an operation of the electronic switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sang Kyu Lee, Jae Hwa Jeon, Jeong Bin Yim, Dae Woong Han
  • Patent number: 9929589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stabilizing the supply to a consumer from a buffer store, wherein during normal operation the consumer is supplied from an energy store. The device, which includes a DC-to-DC converter, a plurality of controllable switching elements and a control unit, is configured to (i) supply the consumer during normal operation, while bypassing components having power losses, directly from the energy store when the input voltage is greater than a preset first limit voltage, (ii) supply the consumer via the DC-to-DC converter fed from the energy store when the input voltage is below the first preset limit voltage, wherein the DC-to-DC converter converts the input voltage into an operating voltage of the consumer, and (iii) feed the DC-to-DC converter from the buffer store when the input voltage is below a second preset limit voltage until a voltage of the buffer store reaches the second preset limit voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Mittermaier
  • Patent number: 9923398
    Abstract: An electricity-storage system 110a is configured to be able to charge and discharge by connecting a plug to an electrical outlet 140a. Power discharged from the electricity-storage system 110a is monitored by a reverse-power monitoring device 100 and discharge from the electricity-storage system 110a is executed according to instruction from the reverse-power monitoring device 100, in order to avoid reverse power flow to an electrical grid 150.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Satoru Inakagata
  • Patent number: 9923357
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises a plurality of distributed power source systems capable of supplying powers to loads 400 by performing an interconnection operation in parallel with grid 10 or an offline self-sustained operation. SOFC system 300 detects an abnormal state of the power supplied to loads 400. SOFC system 300 eases the abnormality detection conditions during the self-sustained operation than during the interconnection operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaya Kojima
  • Patent number: 9923366
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to methods and devices for protecting a circuit against overcurrents. The device uses variable impedance properties of a semiconductor switch and includes closed-loop control for controlling the impedance of the switch as a function of the overcurrents to be corrected. The physical design stresses of an electrical circuit, linked to the protection against overcurrents, can therefore be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Christian Donadille
  • Patent number: 9898275
    Abstract: A connector includes a metal connecting element, a solder pad, and a control chip. Multiple contacts are disposed on the metal connecting element, and the metal connecting element is configured to connect with an electronically marked cable. The solder pad is disposed on a surface of the metal connecting element. The control chip is affixed to the solder pad and configured to store data and process transmission of data and power via the electronically marked cable according the stored data. Multiple chip pins of the control chip are electrically connected with the contacts via the solder pad, and the control chip is configured to update the stored data upon receipt of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hsi-Jung Tsai, Ping-Ying Chu
  • Patent number: 9887535
    Abstract: A power providing circuit which is configured to provide a current at an output voltage to a load at an output of the power providing circuit is described. The power providing circuit comprises a power transistor which is configured to draw the current from a supply voltage, wherein a resistance of the power transistor is controlled using a control voltage which is applied to a control port of the power transistor. Furthermore, the power providing circuit comprises short circuit protection circuitry which is configured to couple the control port of the power transistor with a first port of the power transistor to put the power transistor in an off-state, subject to a drop of the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Frank Kronmueller, Christian Meindl, Anthony Clowes
  • Patent number: 9883603
    Abstract: A battery powered device is configured to allow the device to be stored for extended periods of time with a lithium battery installed and operable. An electronic switch is coupled between the battery and processing logic of the device and is biased off to block all current flow to the processing logic while the device is in a storage state. A user may perform a simple action to overcome the bias such that the electronic switch is turned on and allows current to flow to the processing logic in an operational state. Later, the user may perform another simple action to restore the bias such that the electronic switch is turned off to return the device to the storage state in which essentially no current is drained from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Thomas Brian Olson, Alan Robert Ladd, Mark Lynn Shipley
  • Patent number: 9871410
    Abstract: A switching selector for selecting a power source from two power sources. It includes a controller, a detection circuit, a transistor and two groups of four transfer switches or relays, wherein the controller is a micro-processor and the detection circuit includes two transformers. Primary winding of each of two transformers is connected to two different power sources, and secondary winding of each of two transformers is connected to input of the controller. Output of the controller is connected to a base of a transistor for controlling the transfer switches. Each group of four transfer switches form a redundant switch for selecting one of the two power sources, where the four transfer switches are connected such that the selection function is not affected when any one of the transfer switches malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ATEN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yung-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 9843192
    Abstract: A photovoltaic power circuit is provided and includes a plurality of strings of connected photovoltaic panels operable to generate DC current from solar radiation. Each of the strings is connected to a solar inverter by a pair of fuses. A detection circuit is provided that is operable to detect when one of the fuses opens as a result of a fault, regardless whether the fault is temporary or continuing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Truettner
  • Patent number: 9826582
    Abstract: A strike barrier for use in an LED retrofit lamp is provided. The present invention provides the strike barrier with two silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) whose input is connected to a bridge rectifier and output is connected to a string of LED through a Zener diode. The strike barrier is compatible with UL ANSI requirement for a normal mode and an abnormal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Lunera Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barnetson, Joel Snook, Josef Kirmeier, William Andrew Elhers
  • Patent number: 9816576
    Abstract: A compact control device for failsafely controlling an electrical actuator capable of moving a movable machine part into a defined end position, has an input connection for receiving an external control signal representing a desired position of the machine part. The compact control device further has an input part for detecting a position signal, which signals an actual position of the machine part at the defined end position. A power section comprises a power switching element for switching on and failsafely switching off a control current for the actuator that is supplied to the electrical actuator via a first output connection. The compact control device has a second output connection for providing an external status signal and an evaluation unit which actuates the power switching element depending on the external control signal and generates the external status signal at the second output connection depending on the position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CHR. MAYR GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Karl Unsin, Martin Hecht, Alexander Wiegert, Andreas Hahn, Berthold Roessler, Michael Haerter
  • Patent number: 9793814
    Abstract: An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with an enabling circuit designed for sensing and output parameter indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The enabling circuit is configured to operate using low power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Brett Smith, Amer Atrash, Wayne Chen