Electrical Patents (Class 307/125)
  • Patent number: 8053994
    Abstract: An intelligent wall switch comprises an extend operation panel including sensor areas with a first conducting film; a glass on the back sides of the sensor areas including second conducting films; a first circuit board including a backlight LED and an infrared emitter and connected to a flexible cable connected to the second conducting film; a frame on a back side of the glass; a controller system including a second circuit board having an AC-DC power module, relays, AC output connectors, an AC input connector all on a back side thereof, and having a flat cable connector, an infrared receiver, and multiple indicating LEDs all on a front side thereof; a connecting piece and a housing being used to receive the AC-DC power module, the connecting piece being disposed on a back side of the frame, the AC-DC power module being connected to the cable by the flat cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Yuan-Sheng Liu, Yen-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20110266890
    Abstract: A safety switching device for fail-safely switching on and off an electrical load, and to a system comprising at least two safety switching devices which interact in a fail-safe manner via a single-channel. The safety switching device comprises a fail-safe control unit, a first and a second electronic switching element connected with a first and a second output terminal; and at least one input terminal for receiving a first switching signal that causes a switching of said switching elements. Said first and second switching elements each comprise an output which provides depending on the first switching signal an output signal having a first or second potential. A third output terminal connects said safety switching device to a second safety switching device, providing a clocked signal depending on the first switching signal and being monitored by said control unit for performing a cross fault detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Dirk Lorenz, Norbert Machuletz, Rudolf Papenbreer, Thomas Helpenstein
  • Patent number: 8049373
    Abstract: In a cooling system used in cooling of a heater housing box, the present invention presents an apparatus for stabilizing power supply of heater housing box cooling apparatus capable of changing over a plurality of taps provided in the winding of a power transformer before the output voltage exceeds an allowable voltage range when turning on alternating-current power supply. For this purpose, first resistor 1 for elevating slowly the output voltage of the power transformer when turning on the alternating-current power supply is provided at the secondary side of the power transformer, direct-current voltage V1 rectified and smoothed from the output voltage is delayed by the charging time of a first capacitor, and an electronic controller for operating a tap changeover relay for automatically changing over the plurality of taps provided in the power transformer is started before the output voltage exceeds the allowable voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kouichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110248576
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include an intelligent energy-saving power supply system which conserves energy by recognizing when a chargeable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, has been detached from its battery charger and by then cutting off power to the battery charger to prevent energy from being consumed while not serving the useful function of charging the chargeable electronic device. In addition, these systems may optionally include a device which turns off the receiver circuit of an electronic device to additionally save power and an interface which displays the amount of energy conserved by using the energy-saving power supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Tenebraex Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. J. Jones
  • Patent number: 8035248
    Abstract: A system and a process for energizing loads through a control unit, said loads being energized from a power network, said system comprising: connecting elements, each including a processing unit operatively connected to a respective power switch so as to lead the latter to opening and closing conditions, de-energizing and energizing a respective adjacent load that is electrically coupled to the connecting element; a pair of electrical conductors connected to a power network for energizing the loads and which are disposed so as to define an energizing means which is common to the connecting elements and to the control unit; and a signal conductor not galvanically isolated from the power network and which is common to the processing units and to the control unit, connecting them so as to allow the control unit to instruct, through the processing units and through coded electrical signals, the opening and closing of each respective power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Ronaldo Riberio Duarte, Marcos Guilherme Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20110242717
    Abstract: A power tool 1 is connected to a battery pack 5 including an overcurrent detector 533 which detects overcurrent of a battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal, and an overdischarge detector 532 which detects overdischarge of the battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal. The power tool 1 includes a motor 2 which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery pack 5, a trigger switch 31 for setting the power supply from the battery pack 5 to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state, and an FET 410 which sets the power supply to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state on the basis of the detection signal from the overcurrent detector 533 or the overdischarge detector 532.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko FUNABASHI, Shinji WATANABE, Eiji NAKAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8030799
    Abstract: A combination switch and circuit breaker is operative as both a switch and circuit breaker when connecting a load to an auxiliary power supply, but is only operative as a switch when connecting the load to a main power supply. The combination switch and circuit breaker has a switch component for selectively connecting a load center branch circuit to either a main power supply or an auxiliary power supply. During main power interruption, for example, the switch component of the combination switch and circuit breaker may electrically connect a branch circuit of the load center to an auxiliary power supply, with a circuit breaking component providing current overload protection. However, during normal main power operation, the switch component electrically connects the load center branch circuit to main power, with a branch breaker and a main breaker providing current overload protection for the branch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Publication number: 20110234173
    Abstract: A smart battery device includes an adapter, a switch electrically connected to the adapter, a battery pack electrically connected the switch, a sense resistor electrically connected to the battery pack and the adapter, an analog preprocessing circuit electrically connected to the battery pack and the sense resistor for digitizing analog signals measured at the battery pack and the sense resistor to form digital signals, and an adaptive control circuit electrically connected to the analog preprocessing circuit for receiving the digital signals, and electrically connected to the switch for selectively turning the switch on or off according to the digital signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Chin-Hsing Kao, Chun-Ming Chen, Tien-Chung Tso
  • Patent number: 8022577
    Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Echelon Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon T. Grice
  • Publication number: 20110215656
    Abstract: Power supply devices are provided that can include power regulating circuitry for regulating (e.g., transforming or converting) electric power to be passed to an electronic device. A power supply device can also include control circuitry coupled with the regulating circuitry. The control circuitry can determine when the power supply device is coupled with an electronic device. The control circuitry can control the operation of the regulating circuitry based on whether or not the power supply device is coupled with the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Stanley Rabu, Wendell Sander, Jahan Minoo, Nicholas Ainsley Sims
  • Patent number: 8010823
    Abstract: An architecture for a power supply with an integrated UPS control system to which generic batteries may be connected. Such an architecture greatly reduces the overall cost, complexity, size and inefficiency of providing uninterruptible power to a device such as a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries Inc.
    Inventor: Daryl G. Sartain
  • Publication number: 20110204727
    Abstract: An overvoltage suppression device which suppresses overvoltage that occurs when breakers which turn on/off the connection between a power source bus and a power transmission line, are turned on after the breakers are turned off. The overvoltage suppression device measures the waveform of voltage on the side of the power source and the voltage on the side of the power transmission line, and extracts the waveform of a component in a predetermined frequency band on the basis of the waveform obtained by multiplying the wave shape of the voltage on the side of the power source by the waveform of the voltage on the side of the power transmission line. The breakers are turned on on the basis of a cycle wherein the waveform is peaked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tadashi Koshizuka, Minoru Saito, Hiroshi Kusuyama, Hiroyuki Maehara, Yoshimasa Sato
  • Patent number: 8004122
    Abstract: A power converter controller is operable to control power provided to a load circuit coupled between a first voltage supply terminal and a first switching element by controlling the first switching element and to control power provided to an energy storage element coupled to the first switching element. The energy storage element is operable to provide a power supply. A first control terminal couples to a control input of the first switching element. A first load terminal couples to the first switching element and the charge storing element. A second switching element couples between the first load terminal and a second voltage supply terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Zarlink Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Moriarty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8004121
    Abstract: A connection cable is disclosed for controlling a voltage-controlled generator such as an electrosurgery generator from a controlling device such as a robotic surgery system. The cable includes a first connector adapted to connect to a voltage-controlled generator and a second connector adapted to connect to a controlling device. Within the cable is a voltage divider interdisposed between the first connector and the second connector. The voltage divider is configured to divide a reference voltage provided by the voltage-controlled generator into at least one control voltage which is selectable by the controlling device. The cable additionally includes a plurality of electrical wires which operatively connect the first connector, the second connector and the voltage divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 8004265
    Abstract: A voltage generating circuit for generating a plurality of associated voltages includes a constant current source for generating a constant current; a plurality of resistors connected in series to the constant current source in series for generating a plurality of associated reference voltages; and a first controlled switch connected to a first resistor in parallel, wherein the plurality of associated reference voltages are changed by optionally conducting the first controlled switch to control the flow of the constant current through the first resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Kai Derrick Wei, Kuan-Yeu Chen, Hung I Wang, Song-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7982342
    Abstract: A fuel cell power management system and an anti-islanding method using the power management system. The power management system includes a fuel cell to generate direct current (DC) power, a power conditioning system (PCS) to generate alternating current (AC) power from the DC power generated by the fuel cell, a power grid that is connected to the PCS, a detector to detect a change in the AC power flowing from an output line of the PCS, and a controller to control the connection between the PCS and the power grid, according to the result of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Dukjin Oh, Seeyoung Choi
  • Patent number: 7973425
    Abstract: A power strip device includes a power plug, a master power outlet, multiple slave power outlets and a control circuit. The control circuit includes an inductor, a reed switch and a switching circuit. Under the control of the control circuit, the power strip device allows the slave power outlets to be automatically turned on or off simultaneous with the master power outlet being turned on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang-Che Chen
  • Patent number: 7966839
    Abstract: A system for controlling a heating and cooling system for use on a machine includes a condenser, an evaporator assembly, an electric motor driven compressor, and a master controller operable to determine and regulate an operational speed of the compressor. The master controller includes a plurality of control algorithms each receiving respective dynamic input information and outputting a respective controller speed request based upon the respective dynamic input information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick McEnaney, Brian Todd Morrical, John Jay Bernardi, Timothy Allen Goldammer
  • Patent number: 7962994
    Abstract: A vacuum electronic switch detection system allows multiple user selectable vacuum modes to be chosen with only one micro-controller input available for performing the multiple selectable modes. The switch detection system provides multiple voltage ratio control signals indicative of multiple switch position possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Beers
  • Patent number: 7956591
    Abstract: Power supply devices are provided that can include power regulating circuitry for regulating (e.g., transforming or converting) electric power to be passed to an electronic device. A power supply device can also include control circuitry coupled with the regulating circuitry. The control circuitry can determine when the power supply device is coupled with an electronic device. The control circuitry can control the operation of the regulating circuitry based on whether or not the power supply device is coupled with the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Stanley Rabu, Wendell Sander, Jahan Minoo, Nicholas Ainsley Sims
  • Patent number: 7957732
    Abstract: In order to mount a mobile phone in a test device, the current between the battery unit and the phone unit is fed through a switch unit. The switch unit contains at least one switch for interrupting the current, e.g. for resetting the mobile phone after malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Swissqual License AG
    Inventor: Hanspeter Bobst
  • Patent number: 7953993
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state. A voltage regulator may be coupled to a processor to provide an operating voltage to the processor. During a transition to a zero voltage power management state for the processor, the operational voltage applied to the processor by the voltage regulator may be reduced to approximately zero while an external voltage is continuously applied to a portion of the processor to save state variables of the processor during the zero voltage management power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Allarey, Sanjeev Jahagirdar
  • Publication number: 20110121662
    Abstract: The power supply includes a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit and a detection circuit. The first power connector includes a plurality of power terminals and a first detecting terminal. The power conversion circuit is coupled to the power terminals of the first power connector for converting an input voltage into an output voltage. The control unit is coupled to the power conversion circuit for controlling an operation of the power conversion circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the control unit and the first detecting terminal of the first power connector for detecting if the first detecting terminal is connected or disconnected with a predetermined voltage terminal and correspondingly generating a power transmission status signal to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 7948730
    Abstract: A fast turn-off and fast turn-on circuit (10) providing at least one power source (12, 20), at least one switching device (14, 22), a coil (16), and at least a first voltage control device (18). The at least one switching device (14, 22) is connected to the at least one power source (12, 20) for selectively connecting the at least one power source (12, 20) to portions of the circuit (10). An electrical current from at least one power source (12, 20) charges the coil (16) and creates an electromagnetic field when the at least one switching device (14, 22) is in a closed position and connects the at least one power source (12, 20) with the coil (16). The first voltage control device (18) limits a voltage in the circuit (10) when the electromagnetic field decays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Oliveira, Todd Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7948201
    Abstract: An induction motor control device includes an inverter circuit for driving an induction motor by outputting a command voltage, a current detector for detecting an output current, a magnetic flux estimation observer for generating an estimated magnetic flux, an estimated current, and a phase command for the motor using the command voltage and the output current, a primary angular speed estimator for estimating a primary angular speed using the estimated magnetic flux, a slip compensator for calculating a slip angular frequency using the output current, a first angular speed estimator for estimating a first angular speed using the primary angular speed and the output current, a second angular speed estimator for estimating a second angular speed using the output current, the estimated magnetic flux, and the estimated current, and a resistance estimator for estimating a secondary resistance value of the motor using the first and second angular speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Masanobu Inazumi
  • Publication number: 20110115307
    Abstract: A compact information device in which a shortened unlatch time is enabled so such device can transition from a power cutoff mode to a power supply mode to resume supplying power to internal circuits as a result of a latch circuit unlatching a control signal. Embodiments of such a device, which may be a printer, includes a CPU, tactile switch, smoothing capacitor, switch circuit, a switch control signal generator including a latch circuit, and a potential difference detection circuit. The latch circuit and potential difference detection circuit operate with voltage Vin2. The CPU outputs a start latch signal VLT when the operating mode changes from the power supply mode to the power cutoff mode. When the tactile switch is turned off, the potential difference detection circuit outputs an unlatch signal VRST. When the unlatch signal VRST is input, the latch circuit unlatches the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Yoshie
  • Publication number: 20110115308
    Abstract: A feeder automation system and a method for operating the feeder automation system are disclosed. The feeder automation system comprises a first domain comprising a first slave station; a second domain comprising a second slave station; and a tie-switch provided between the first domain and the second domain. The first slave station is adapted to operate the tie-switch directly, and the second slave station is adapted to operate the tie-switch through the first slave station. When a fault occurs in the system, the first slave station and the second slave station cooperate with each other to perform fault detection, fault isolation, and fault restoration etc. without interacting with a master station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Zhao Wang, Lei Jing, Wenxiao Ma, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 7936087
    Abstract: A switching controller for parallel power converters is disclosed. The switching controller includes an input circuit coupled to an input terminal of the switching controller to receive an input signal. An integration circuit is coupled to the input circuit to generate an integration signal in response to the pulse width of the input signal. A control circuit generates a switching signal for switching the power converters. The switching signal is enabled in response to the enabling of the input signal. A programmable delay time is generated between the input signal and the switching signal. The pulse width of the switching signal is determined in response to the integration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: System General Corp.
    Inventors: Ta-yung Yang, Rui-Hong Lu, Jenn-Yu G. Lin
  • Patent number: 7936093
    Abstract: In a phase control switching device that controls a closing phase of a three-phase switching device connected between a power-supply-side transmission line and a compensation transmission line having a shunt reactor, a closing-phase control unit operates based on a closing command to the three-phase switching device, generates, for each phase, a closing phase in which the three-phase switching device is closed at zero points, both polarities of which are inverted into the same polarity, among zero points where zero points of a voltage changing ratio and zero points of the shunt reactor current coincide with each other, and controls the three-phase switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Kinoshita, Kenji Kamei, Haruhiko Koyama, Tomohito Mori
  • Publication number: 20110095728
    Abstract: A battery charger including a converter unit, a terminal adaptor, a cable, a battery, and/or multiple power connectors. A terminal, such as an electronic device, can be connected to the converter unit using the cable or directly to the converter unit without the cable. The converter unit determines when to draw power from an external power and when to cease drawing power from the external power source by detecting a power enablement condition or a power disablement condition. The power disablement condition occurs when the terminal is fully charged, the terminal is disconnected from the converter unit, and/or a charge time of the terminal exceeds the predetermined charge time threshold. The power enablement condition occurs when the terminal is initially connected to the converter unit and/or the terminal needs to be charged. The battery supplies power to components of the converter unit and/or the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: George Chen, Harry Mkhitarian, Samuel Sentosa, David P. Su
  • Patent number: 7923869
    Abstract: A power adapter includes a primary side for receiving power from a mains power supply; a secondary side for providing operating and/or charging power, derived from the primary side, to an electronic device connected to the secondary side; presence logic for determining whether the electronic device is connected to the secondary side; and switching logic for turning off the primary side automatically when the presence logic determines the electronic device is not connected. The power adapter thus shuts itself down if no electronic device is attached, and automatically starts itself up when a device is connected to the power adapter and is thus needed. The power adapter may also include voltage detection logic that detects when the device is fully charged. The power adapter also shuts itself down when an attached electronic device becomes fully charged, and automatically starts itself up when the charged state of the electronic device falls below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Fredrik B{dot over (a)}genholm, Stefan Sörensson, Idris Omerovic, Henrik Heringslack
  • Publication number: 20110074226
    Abstract: A power controller for controlling a power supply having a predetermined voltage, generated based on a power supplied from an external power source and supplied to a signal processor, includes: a receiver configured to receive a signal for switching an ON/OFF state of the power supply from a remote controller, a controller configured to switch the ON/OFF state of the power supply depending on the signal received by the receiver, and a communication module configured to communicate with the signal processor that operates when the controller switches the power supply to be in an ON state, wherein the controller controls to make the communication module be non-operational when the power supply is in an OFF state and to make the communication module be operational when the power supply is in an ON state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Katsuya OHNO
  • Patent number: 7911351
    Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mackenzie, IV, Alejandro Mier-Langner, Michael S O'Boyle, James Edward Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20110062794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for switching a multimedia source and multimedia sink from an operating mode to a standby mode, and a method for switching a multimedia source and multimedia sink from a standby mode to an operating mode. When the consumer device comprises two distributed boxes, such as a TV in which the display (multimedia sink) is separated from the processing unit (multimedia source) via a cable, then meeting the green rules for standby power becomes more complicated. The power consumption of processing unit and display unit should be minimal in standby mode. The methods of the invention provide for synchronizing the power states of both units, such that only the relevant parts remain active. The method is applicable on configurations where a DisplayPort link is used between a multimedia source, such as a set-top box, and a multimedia sink, such as a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Theodorus Anna Peter Gertrudis Vergoossen, Gerardus Maria Van Loon, Syed Hassan Akbar, Dengzhai Xiong, Chun Hsing Wu, Kok Siang Tan
  • Publication number: 20110063759
    Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to a hybrid switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Billingsley, Robert A. Dawley
  • Publication number: 20110057520
    Abstract: The power management integrated circuit has a startup circuit, a switch controller and a standby controller. Powered by a power source, the startup circuit provides electric power to an operational power source during a startup period. The switch controller controls a power switch to store or release energy in an energy conversion unit. Powered by the power source, the standby controller receives a standby signal. When the standby signal is asserted, the standby controller disables the startup circuit and the switch controller, thereby startup circuit not providing electric power to the operational power source and the switch controller continuously turning off the power switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Chi-Pin Chen, Ming-Ying Kuo, Chun-Teh Chen
  • Publication number: 20110043043
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a charger circuit and a control circuit. The charger circuit may be configured to generate a first power down control signal and a second power down control signal in response to (i) a first charge signal, (ii) a second charge signal, (iii) a supply voltage, and (iv) a host control signal. The control circuit may be configured to generate the first charge signal and the second charge signal in response to a first battery signal and a second battery signal. The control circuit may enter a power down state in response to the host control signal initiating the power down state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Lakshmana M. Anupindi, Brad D. Marshall, R. Brian Skinner
  • Publication number: 20110043983
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power supply of an electronic apparatus connected to another electronic apparatus, the method including: electrically connecting a contact part configured to be connected to the other electronic apparatus and a detection unit configured to detect a signal representing a state of the power supply of the other electronic apparatus via the contact part when the power supply of the electronic apparatus is off; electrically disconnecting the contact part and the detection unit when the power supply of the electronic apparatus is on; and controlling the power supply of the electronic apparatus when the signal is detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Youichi KONDOU
  • Patent number: 7888611
    Abstract: A limit switch control device comprises a shaft, a sensor, an upper limit reed switch, a lower limit reed switch and a drive element that cooperate with a control circuit. The sensor is combined on the shaft which is driven by the drive element, which is provided with an upper limit witch and a lower limit switch, so that when the sensor detects the upper limit and the lower limit reed switches, the upper and the lower limit switches will be triggered to power off the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventor: Tai-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7872378
    Abstract: A power management system for coupling to a worksite power-supply network and a PoE (Power over Ethernet) network, includes a power receiving terminal for receiving an input operating voltage with 24 volt DC from the worksite power-supply network, a voltage converter for converting the input operating voltage into an output operating voltage, and a power output terminal for transmitting the output operating voltage to a powered device coupled to the PoE network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Chung-Peng Lo
  • Publication number: 20100328040
    Abstract: An electronic circuit comprising a circuit module, a capacitor connected to the circuit module and a shutdown line providing a shutdown signal to the circuit module for suspending the circuit module. The electronic circuit further comprises a switching module for switching the capacitor such as to reduce discharging of the capacitor, depending on the shutdown signal. Particularly, the switching module disconnects the capacitor from ground. Disconnection takes effect when the circuit module is suspended or in power down mode because of the shutdown signal being provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Matthias SCHNAUBELT
  • Publication number: 20100327664
    Abstract: A portable power source is configured for use with an electronic device. The portable power source cooperates and communicates with the electronic device via a peripheral bus to which the electronic device is attachable. The portable power source includes circuitry to process a power request signal from the electronic device to determine whether a device connected to a bus interface of the portable power source is requesting power from the portable power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: David John Tupman, Doug M. Farrar, Joseph R. Fisher, JR., Jesse L. Dorogusker, Donald J. Novotney
  • Publication number: 20100327663
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling connection of an electrical outlet to a power source so as to exclude the human body model. A first signal is generated and fed to the outlet through an outlet control device; feedback from a load at the outlet is detected. The load detector outputs a second signal to an outlet control device. The outlet is connected to the power source in accordance with the second signal. The outlet is not connected to the power source in the absence of a load, or if the detected load is consistent with the human body model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Jouper, John S. Lamb, JR.
  • Patent number: 7859132
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for safely connecting a device to a power source. The invention includes a power bus switch that operates to selectively allow operational power to flow from a power supply to a load. The operational power is independent of auxiliary power which may be separately provided to the load. A detection module determines whether an input impedance of the load is greater than a minimum impedance threshold in response to the load being connected to the power supply. A switch module causes the power bus switch to allow operational power to flow to the load in response to the detection module determining that the input impedance is greater than the minimum impedance threshold. Thus, if the load has an acceptable input impedance level, then operational power may be provided to the load without risk of failure to the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chu R. Chung, Cecil C. Dishman, Jen-Ching Lin, Randhir S. Malik
  • Patent number: 7855475
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator system wherein one or more of the various components of the system is configured to operate selectively in at least either of two operational modes. Each operating mode is characterized by a corresponding energy usage profile. The operational status of the system is monitored and operating modes are selected that serve both to substantially ensure proper operation given current likely operational expectations and an overall desire to reduce energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20100314950
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating notice to limit battery degradation within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a signal is generated and passed between modules of a battery pack to provide notice to limit battery pack degradation. The system and method may be particularly useful for a battery pack with distributed battery modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: A123 SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead, Paul W. Firehammer, John W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7847683
    Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an emergency machine off circuit of a fabrication system, includes: at least one safety switch adapted for shunting an operation enable signal from a piece of equipment selected for removal from service, the switch also removing from service supplemental devices for the selected equipment. A semiconductor fabrication system and a method for removing equipment from service are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Boettcher, William R. Copeland, Joseph P. DeGeorge, Scott M. Hargash, William T. Petry, Robert R. Young
  • Patent number: 7834484
    Abstract: A connection cable is disclosed for controlling a voltage-controlled generator such as an electrosurgery generator from a controlling device such as a robotic surgery system. The cable includes a first connector adapted to connect to a voltage-controlled generator and a second connector adapted to connect to a controlling device. Within the cable is a voltage divider interdisposed between the first connector and the second connector. The voltage divider is configured to divide a reference voltage provided by the voltage-controlled generator into at least one control voltage which is selectable by the controlling device. The cable additionally includes a plurality of electrical wires which operatively connect the first connector, the second connector and the voltage divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Joe D. Sartor
  • Publication number: 20100283329
    Abstract: Provided is normal and system-type green consents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gang-Deok Bak
  • Publication number: 20100284285
    Abstract: A power reception apparatus receives feed information from a predetermined line of a communication cable and judges a state of the power reception apparatus. If the state is normal, it transmits the feed information by returning it to a line which is a pair with the predetermined line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tetsushi YAMADA, Norihumi Ikeda