Voltage Patents (Class 307/130)
  • Publication number: 20130207455
    Abstract: A charger appliance configured to determine a no-load, disconnected state from an electronic device having a rechargeable battery, and configured to determine a connected state of the charger with an electronic device in which recharging power may be supplied through the charger to the electronic device. Automatic connection and disconnection of a mains power supply is made depending on the detected state of the charger to avoid wasteful energy consumption in a no-load state. State detection may be determined by monitoring a voltage on one or more signal lines associated with the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Cooper Technologies Company
  • Publication number: 20130200728
    Abstract: A power management system for an electronic device includes a first power converting module, for selectively converting an input voltage of a battery module of the electronic device to a first supply voltage and outputting the first supply voltage to an output node according to a first control signal; a second power converting module, for selectively converting the input voltage to a second supply voltage and outputting the second supply voltage to the output node according to a second control signal; and a logic control module, for outputting the first control signal and the second control signal according to the input voltage and a threshold voltage in order to control whether the input voltage is converted by the first power converting module or the second power converting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Chin-Min Liu, Chien-Fu Liao
  • Patent number: 8503900
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply unit, comprising: a converter transformer; a first low voltage generation unit to generate a first voltage on a secondary side of the converter transformer and output the first voltage; a first controller that controls an activation state of a primary side of the converter transformer based on the first voltage; an inactivation unit to inactivate operation of the first controller based on the first voltage to let the first low voltage generation unit to suspend output of the first voltage; a high voltage supply unit to output a high voltage higher than the first voltage by using the first voltage; a detection unit to detect an anomalous state concerning output of the high voltage of the high voltage supply unit. The high voltage supply unit inactivates the operation of the first controller through the inactivation unit when the anomalous state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Inukai
  • Patent number: 8494684
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a substation automatic control system. An automatic power adjusting apparatus activates an automatic voltage adjusting apparatus when a phase tap is controlled. The automatic voltage adjusting apparatus activates the automatic power adjusting apparatus when a voltage tap is controlled. The automatic power adjusting apparatus suppresses the effective power on a transmission line to the value smaller than the prescribed value while the automatic voltage adjusting apparatus is performing an automatic control, thereby maintaining transmission-side system voltage within a tolerant system voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Wataru Yamamori, Hirotoshi Saotome, Koichi Tomaru
  • Publication number: 20130175881
    Abstract: An external signal sensor uses a single sensing circuit to detect a DC voltage or an AC voltage or a contact closure. The circuit can sense different isolated signals with relatively low power consumption. According to various embodiments, an isolation transformer has a primary winding that is fed by an oscillator signal. A secondary winding of the isolation transformer is open when no contact closure or AC or DC voltage is present, but is closed when a contact closure is present or when an AC or DC voltage is present. When the secondary winding is open, a status signal at an output of the sensing circuit has a logical high value. When the secondary winding is closed, the status signal has a logical low value. In this way, the same sensing circuit can be used to detect either a contact closure or an AC or DC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ELSTER SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. SHUEY
  • Patent number: 8478344
    Abstract: A power recovery system includes a transmission line that is coupled to transfer an RF signal received via an antenna. The RF signal generates a partial standing wave in the transmission line and the transmission line has at least one standing wave anti-node. A power recovery circuit converts an anti-node signal from the at least one standing wave anti-node to a power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8477517
    Abstract: A contact-input circuit for a power system device is described for processing a higher voltage signal from power system equipment or another power system device for use by a lower voltage circuit. The contact-input circuit generally includes a voltage threshold detection device adapted to allow current to flow therefrom when it detects that the higher voltage signal reaches a select threshold. An opto-isolator device, which is coupled to the voltage threshold detection device, provides a voltage signal suitable for use by the lower voltage circuit when the threshold detection device allows the current-flow through the opto-isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc
    Inventor: Milind H. Joshi
  • Publication number: 20130140914
    Abstract: There is provided a controlling communication system which includes a control device for transmitting a control signal, an object-side communication device mounted on a controlled object for receiving the control signal, and a drive control device for controlling the controlled object, and which can set a failsafe function of the object-side communication device using the control device, wherein a voltage reference value and a detection time reference value set by the control device are transmitted to the object-side communication device and are stored in a memory unit of the object-side communication device, and wherein the object-side communication device judges if the battery state meets a requirement for activating a failsafe function by referring to the voltage reference value and the detection time reference value stored in the memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Futaba Corporation
    Inventor: Futaba Corporation
  • Patent number: 8456035
    Abstract: Main arrays (MA1-MAm) of solar cells (2) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SM1-SMm), respectively. Charge arrays (CA1-CAn) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SC1-SCn) and charging circuits (CH1-CHn), respectively. Each shut circuit operates independently from other shunt circuits, and each charging circuit operates independently from other charging circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Teiji Yoshida, Tomotake Gondai, Koichi Kibe, Hiroaki Kusawake, Hitoshi Naito, Go Segami
  • Publication number: 20130134802
    Abstract: A transformer based voltage-optimization device configured for use as a component of an electrical circuit that is associated with an electrical power supply, a load and a bypass switch connection, the voltage optimization device comprising a transformer comprising a control winding, an electrical power input means and a transformer tap, the voltage optimization device characterized by further comprising a control means configured to control the voltage potential across said transformer wherein the control means is configured to substantially equalize the voltage and the associated phase angle of the voltage across the transformer in order to limit the voltage potential across the control winding before disconnecting the transformer from the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: EMSC (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: David Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130127401
    Abstract: A plug-in adapter includes a transformer having a primary winding capable of being coupled to an AC power source and a secondary winding configured to provide an output charging voltage. The plug-in adapter also includes a voltage sensing connection configured to sense an external device voltage. Additionally, the plug-in adapter includes an adapter isolation switch coupled between the primary winding and the AC power source and configured to close by application of the external device voltage thereby providing the output charging voltage, wherein removal of the external device voltage opens the adapter isolation switch thereby substantially isolating the primary winding from the AC voltage source. In other aspects, a method of operating a plug-in adapter and a plug-in adapter system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Roger A. Fratti
  • Patent number: 8446051
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrical installation or device equipped with a power supply unit comprising a voltage converter having primary and secondary parts respectively defining a primary side and a secondary side of this electrical installation or device. This power supply unit comprises a power management unit arranged on the primary side, the primary part of the converter being associated with a control circuit also arranged on the primary side and controlling the electrical energy flowing in the primary power path of the primary part. The control circuit receives from the power management unit at least a first control signal for switching OFF the electrical energy in the primary power path, the power supply unit entering a very low power mode (“Power-down” mode) when the first control signal is set to OFF so that the converter is not supplied anymore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Luthi, Jean-Noel Divoux, Steffen Schmid, Siegfried Kern
  • Patent number: 8441310
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a power supply voltage for an integrated circuit may be provided, which may include a plurality of different types of process region detection circuits, each process region detection circuit configured to identify a respective process region of a plurality of process regions. The apparatus may also include a voltage selection circuit configured to determine a highest voltage among the voltages associated with the identified process regions and to select a power supply voltage for the integrated circuit that is equal to the highest voltage, one or more functional test circuits configured to perform a functional test using the selected power supply voltage, and a voltage adjuster circuit configured to increase the selected power supply voltage if the functional test fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh Senthinathan, Hooman Moshar
  • Patent number: 8432058
    Abstract: A power supply device that enables completion of precharging to be accurately determined without increasing manufacturing cost. The power supply device includes a battery pack, a positive main contactor, a precharge contactor, and a precharge resistor. The battery pack supplies DC power to an inverter. A smoothing capacitor is arranged between input terminals of the inverter. The positive main contact disconnects the inverter from a positive electrode of the battery pack. A voltmeter detects the voltage between a negative electrode of the battery pack and a connection node of the precharge contactor and precharge resistor. Voltage detection values taken by the voltmeter immediately before precharging and during precharging are used to determine precharging completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Matsukawa, Duncan Bullock, Tetsuya Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 8405254
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a slave mode in which a power supply is turned on/off by an external device without any standby power supply and a master mode of turning on/off the power supply circuit in the slave mode. A power relay is provided in the power supply circuit between a power supply and a load circuit. The power supply circuit supplies a drive voltage to the power relay upon reception of a power-on command from an external device. A power supply input terminal receives the drive voltage for driving the power relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Kitano
  • Publication number: 20130062970
    Abstract: A phase changeover switch selects that phase of a three-phase supply system which has the lowest loading for forwarding to a single-phase connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Reinhard Maier, Sebastian Nielebock
  • Patent number: 8395518
    Abstract: A mobile terminal, a control method, a program and a recording medium which can advise the user about a charge or a change to a charged battery is provided. There are provided: a control means for erasing a screen of a display device automatically and showing a reason of the erasing and/or a coping process to a user; and a detection means for detecting a battery exchange or attachment/detachment of an external power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Toba
  • Patent number: 8390150
    Abstract: A field device interface module includes a connector, a plurality of terminals, a protocol interface module, a controller and a power supply module. The connector is configured to operably couple to a computer. The terminals are operably coupleable to a field device. The protocol interface module is coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to generate signals in accordance with a process communication protocol. A power supply module is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The controller is coupled to the protocol interface module and to the power supply module and is configured to measure a voltage across the plurality of terminals and selectively cause the power supply module to provide power to the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Vande Vusse, Alden C. Russell, III, Douglas W. Arntson
  • Publication number: 20130049485
    Abstract: A monitoring circuit for use with a monitored circuit having a power supply input and a load output. The monitoring circuit having a biasing module, a reference generator coupled to the power supply input and the biasing module, a comparator coupled to the monitored circuit and the reference generator and an output device coupled to the load output and activated at a predetermined signal threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: TRIUNE IP LLC
    Inventor: TRIUNE IP LLC
  • Publication number: 20130038128
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a first digital circuit, a second digital circuit, a first detection part to detect a first voltage value which is an operation voltage of the first digital circuit, a second detection part to detect a second voltage value which is an operation voltage of the second digital circuit, a comparison part to compare the first voltage value and the second voltage value, and a connection/disconnection part to perform connection and disconnection between the first digital circuit and the second digital circuit depending on a comparison result acquired by the comparison part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20130038141
    Abstract: A fan control circuit is used to control first and second fans to be powered on at different time after receiving a power good (PWGD) signal from a motherboard. The fan control circuit includes a first control circuit, a delay circuit, and a second control circuit. The first control circuit and the delay circuit are connected to the motherboard to receive the PWGD signal. The first control circuit powers the first fan after receiving the PWGD signal. The delay circuit delays the received PWGD signal, and outputs the delayed PWGD signal to the second control circuit after a delay time. The second control circuit powers the second fan after receiving the delayed PWGD signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TING GE, YING-BIN FU, YA-JUN PAN
  • Publication number: 20130038142
    Abstract: Electronic circuits are provided for use with various electrical adapters. Two resistors define a voltage divider circuit. One or more resistors are coupled in parallel arrangement with the voltage divider by way of controlled switching. A voltage present within the voltage divider is converted into a digital signal, which is used to determine a power rating for the respective electrical adapter. The power rating is used to control normal operations of a computer or other device. The electrical adapter can optionally include a second resistor that is switched into parallel circuit arrangement with a first resistor during the power rating determination process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Sawyers
  • Publication number: 20130033109
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing power with an uninterruptible power supply are provided. The uninterruptible power supply includes a first input to receive an input AC voltage from a power source, the input AC voltage having an associated phase angle, and a second input to receive an input voltage from a backup power source. The uninterruptible power supply also includes an output. The output provides output power derived from power from at least one of the power source and the backup power source. The uninterruptible power supply also includes an inverter coupled to the backup power source, a relay and a controller. The relay is configured to couple the first input with the output in a first position, and to couple the inverter with the output in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Lynn Ernest Schultz, Noah L. Pendleton, Vishwas Mohaniraj Deokar
  • Publication number: 20130015722
    Abstract: An actuating device of a wireless access point (WAP), the WAP includes a first module, a second module with a power requirement, and an actuating device. The WAP has a first voltage range and a second voltage range. The actuating device includes a switching unit and a voltage regulating unit. The switching unit receives an input voltage and has two output terminals. The switching unit outputs a first voltage via the first output terminal when the input voltage is within the first voltage range, and outputs a second voltage via the second output terminal when the input voltage is within the second voltage range. The voltage regulating unit is coupled to the output terminals to convert the second voltage to the first voltage. The second module is coupled to the second output terminal of the switching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Lu, Shi-Min Yen, Chih-Wei Liao
  • Publication number: 20130002335
    Abstract: Devices and methods for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a DC power line. An AC input is coupled with the DC power line. A device is also included and is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules if an AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line, and is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules if no AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: David DeGraaff
  • Publication number: 20130002045
    Abstract: Techniques are described to harvest power from a single current carrying conductor to furnish power to a powered device. The techniques employ a power harvesting device that is coupled to the conductor. In implementations, the conductor has a first path and a second path. The power harvesting device includes a first switch coupled to the second path. An energy storing element is coupled to the first path and configured to store energy based upon the direct current flowing through the first path. The power harvesting device also includes a power condition and management device coupled to the energy storing element configured to switch the first switch to a closed configuration when the energy storing element is measured to have a predefined high voltage threshold, and to switch the first switch to an open configuration when the energy storing element is measured to have a predefined low voltage threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Mudhafar Hassan-Ali, Boris Golubovic
  • Patent number: 8344714
    Abstract: A linear voltage regulator circuit includes first and second voltage input terminals to receive a first or second external voltage, a voltage output terminal, a voltage regulator unit, a voltage switch unit, and a voltage detecting unit. The voltage regulator unit selectively receives the first or second external voltage controlled by the voltage switch unit. The voltage detecting unit outputs a first control signal to control the voltage switch unit to output the first external voltage to the voltage regulator unit, in response to an output voltage of the voltage output terminal being less than or equal to a predetermined value. The voltage detecting unit outputs a second control signal to control the voltage switch unit to output the second external voltage to the voltage regulator unit in response to the output voltage being greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Publication number: 20120326531
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrical storage apparatus includes an electrical storage unit configured to output direct-current power, a switch element configured to block positive-side wiring connecting the electrical storage unit to an outside, a diode connected in parallel with the switch element in a direction of a current flowing from the outside to the electrical storage unit, a voltage detection unit configured to detect voltages at both ends of the switch element, and a switch control unit configured to open the switch element when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit is a predetermined value or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Shinya KAWAMOTO, Tamotsu ENDO
  • Patent number: 8339192
    Abstract: A line filter includes at least one X capacitor located between two supply lines and at least one discharge resistor that discharges the X capacitor, wherein the discharge resistor is arranged in series with at least one switching element, and at least one detector circuit that detects a network disconnection and closes the switching element to discharge the X capacitor via the discharge resistor when a network disconnection is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Busch
  • Patent number: 8338986
    Abstract: A method for providing power to devices in a network and coordinating actions of multiple power supplies on the network is described. The method may include maintaining connectivity of communication signals and ground between upstream and downstream portions of the network relative to a power supply, while terminating power from an upstream power supply and taking over power supply functions for downstream devices. This may be achieved by including a logic feature within one or more of the multiple power supplies that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or the power status of the associated power supply. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Furukawa, Nicholas R. Goebel, Amy L. Stachowiak, Robert D. Law
  • Publication number: 20120313455
    Abstract: An automatically re-configurable solar array apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar array electrically connected to an inverter through a power switch controlled by a microprocessor. The solar array comprises a combination of solar panel strings wired in parallel. Each solar panel string comprises a plurality of solar panels wired in series. An output electrical parameter level of the combination of solar panel strings is capable of producing output power from the inverter. The output electrical parameter level of the combination of solar panel strings is equal to about a predetermined electrical parameter level under sunny conditions. The solar array is pre-wired to permit microprocessor-controlled switching to reconfigure the array into solar panel strings of varying lengths. The electrical parameter level is at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and a power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew V. Latham
  • Patent number: 8330294
    Abstract: A power supply selection/detection circuit to select one main power supply from a plurality of external power supplies includes a resistance element with one end connected to an external power supply and another end connected to the main power supply, a first voltage detector to receive a voltage of the external power supply and detect a voltage of the external power supply, a second voltage detector to detect a voltage between the ends of the resistance element, and a switch connected between the external power supply and a ground to short-circuit or open-circuit between the external power supply and the ground according to an output of the second voltage detector. The resistance element and the first voltage detector are disposed for each of the plurality of external power supplies, and the second voltage detector and the switch are disposed for at least one of the plurality of external power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Nishigata
  • Publication number: 20120299395
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 8319377
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes an inverter, a photovoltaic generator with a plurality of serially connected photovoltaic modules, said photovoltaic generator connected to the inverter by an electrical supply line, a controllable fuse interconnected in the electrical supply line between the inverter and the photovoltaic generator and having a signal input, and a voltage-dependent resistor connected between the signal input of the controllable fuse and the electrical supply line and generating a control signal which triggers the controllable fuse responsive to the control signal and interrupts the electrical supply line. The controllable fuse can be used to disconnect the electrical connection of the photovoltaic system to the inverter when a switch short-circuiting one or more modules of the photovoltaic generator malfunctions. The arrangement permits operation of photovoltaic system at an operating voltage of close to 1000 V, thereby allowing use of thinner cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ADENSIS GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Beck
  • Patent number: 8319479
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Hsing Kao, Chun-Ming Chen, Tien-Chung Tso
  • Publication number: 20120293017
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, circuits, components, mechanisms, and processes in which a switching mechanism can be coupled between components. The switching mechanism is configured to have an on state or an off state, where the on state allows current to pass along a current path. A monitoring mechanism has one or more sensing inputs coupled to sense an electrical characteristic at the current path. The electrical characteristic can be a current, voltage, and/or power by way of example. The monitoring mechanism is configured to output a reporting signal indicating the sensed electrical characteristic. The monitoring mechanism can be integrated with the switching mechanism on a chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: VOLTERRA SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Lidsky, Ognjen Djekic, Ion Opris, Budong You, Anthony J. Stratakos, Alexander Ikriannikov, Biljana Beronja, Trey Roessig
  • Patent number: 8314515
    Abstract: A system corrected programmable integrated circuit is applied to a power supply and includes a comparator unit, a digital output unit and a programming unit. The comparator unit includes an external feedback voltage input end and a reference voltage input end for inputting a feedback voltage and a reference voltage respectively, such that when the feedback voltage equals the reference voltage, the comparator unit transmits a control signal to the digital output unit. When receiving the control signal, the digital output unit stops outputting the reference voltage and the current reference voltage is recorded as a programming voltage for outputting to the programming unit. When receiving the programming voltage, the programming unit programs the programming voltage and transmits the voltage to the reference voltage input end. Accordingly, the present invention automatically detects and compensates a system error to reduce external element, yet still achieving a qualified range of product specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Grenergy Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Hui Wang, Wei-Chun Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20120286591
    Abstract: A power supply device has a power source providing a voltage and a monitoring device electrically connected to the power source. The monitoring device measures the voltage, the current, and the temperature of the power source when power is drawn from the power source, and interrupts the power draw if the voltage drops below a cutoff threshold. The cutoff threshold depends on the temperature at the power source and the current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Schiemann, Ossama Obeidi, Peter Birke, Olaf Boese, Bertram Schemel
  • Patent number: 8310111
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald KaltenRieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Publication number: 20120280563
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may allow an electronic device to control a power adapter. One example may provide an electronic system where an electronic device may control a power adapter through a communication channel. Data transferred in the communication channel may include the temperature of the power adapter, the charging capability of the adapter, and other types of data. In one example, power and data may share the same two wires, and the power and data may be time-division multiplexed. That is, the two wires may convey power and data at different times. Another example may include circuitry to detect a connection between the electronic device and the power adapter. Once a connection is detected, power may be transferred from the power adapter to the electronic device. This power transfer may be interrupted on occasion to transfer data between the power adapter to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Smith, Bryan R. Hinch, Tommee So
  • Patent number: 8299653
    Abstract: An HVAC/R system is configured with a variable frequency drive power supply which provides power to both a three-phase motor and to a single-phase motor. In some embodiments, the three-phase motor is a compressor motor and the single-phase motor is a condenser fan motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian, Kaveh Khalili, Warren Harhay
  • Publication number: 20120261600
    Abstract: A drive circuit for a DC latching device includes a battery, a storage element, and a plurality of switches connecting the battery to the storage element for charging the storage element from the battery and discharging the storage element into the coil of a DC latching device. The drive circuit further includes components for determining a state of the DC latching device. The drive circuit may include components for terminating the discharge of the storage element into the coil of the DC latching device in response to determining that the DC latching device has changed states to add reliability to the system and reduce energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucian Scripca, Peter J. Woytowitz
  • Publication number: 20120256591
    Abstract: A balancer circuit for a cell in a rechargeable battery, having connecting terminals for connection of the balancer circuit to the cell. A first resistor is electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals and a voltage switch is arranged in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to the other one of the connecting terminals. The voltage switch, e.g., an adjustable voltage reference circuit, is operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Super B B.V.
    Inventor: Marinus Hendrikus DOORNEKAMP
  • Patent number: 8278782
    Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a parasitic power circuit that powers a parasitic circuit. The parasitic power circuit derives a supply voltage from an external AC or other signal suitable for use as a communications signal. A PMOS transistor or transistors is utilized to enable a supply voltage capacitor to charge substantially to the same voltage as the channel voltage of the communications signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Lyle Peak, Jr., Bradley Mason Harrington, Matthew Ray Harrington
  • Patent number: 8278932
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a state of a switch coupled to the integrated circuit is determined by comparing a switch voltage at a first terminal of the switch to a reference voltage at a first time. If the switch voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the switch is determined to be in a first state. If the switch voltage is lower than the reference voltage, the switch voltage is stored in a storage element to produce a stored voltage. The stored voltage is compared to the switch voltage at a second time after the first time. A determination is made that the switch is in the first state if the switch voltage is higher than the stored voltage at the second time. A determination is made that the switch is in a second state if the switch voltage is not higher than the stored voltage at the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Quinones, Randall C. Gray
  • Publication number: 20120217823
    Abstract: A branch device has a connector for connecting to a display device as a sink device. A pull-up resistor is connected between an internal power source in the branch device and a first terminal in the connector when power supply from the display device is not necessary for the branch device, and a short resistor is connected between the first terminal and a second terminal in the connector when power from the display device is necessary. An evaluation circuit determines whether or not the power has to be supplied from the display device to the branch device by evaluating a voltage appearing at the first terminal when the signal for determination is applied to the second terminal by comparing that voltage to two different reference voltages which are within a range higher than a GND voltage and lower than the voltage of a second internal power source of the device itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120212077
    Abstract: A synchronous buck regulator includes a voltage regulator, a sample unit, a switch element, a comparison unit, a time delay unit, and a control unit. The sample unit is connected to the external power source for sampling a voltage drop in the external power source. The comparison unit is connected to the sample unit for outputting a result-high signal when the current passing through the sample unit is greater than a predetermined current rating. The time delay unit is connected to the comparison unit for outputting a first result-low signal. The control unit is connected to the time delay unit and outputs a first a low level signal to the switch element according to the result-low signal. The switch element connects the sample unit and the voltage regulator and can isolate the voltage regulator from the external power source when the low level signal is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHUN-AN LAI
  • Patent number: 8247928
    Abstract: A mobile phone includes a signal processor, an operating module, and a power supply system. The working voltage of the operating module is bigger than that of the signal processor. The power supply system includes a power source, a voltage boosting unit, and a controller. The input terminal and output terminal of the voltage boosting unit is connected to the power source and the operating module respectively. The controller is configured for connecting the signal processor to the power source or the output terminal of the voltage boosting unit corresponding to the output voltage of the power source being bigger or smaller than a preset threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Premier Image Technology(China) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhen Hou
  • Publication number: 20120200173
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a connector with a plurality of contacts and a processing resource. The connector is structured mate with different types of connectors. The mobile computing device also includes a data switching component that is configured to detect a type of connector that is mated to the connector. Based on the detected mated connector, the data switching component selects a signal path from the connector to the processing resource along either a first data path or a second data path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ping LIU, Livius Chebeleu
  • Patent number: 8232680
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing alternating current (“AC”) power redundancy in power supplies. A first input module is configured to receive a first AC power input waveform. A second input module is configured to receive a second AC power input waveform. A first switch and second switch are controlled by a switching logic module to select one of the AC power input waveforms for use by a power supply. If the first AC power input waveform is present, then it is selected for use. If both the first and second AC power input waveforms are present, then the first AC power input waveform is selected for use. If only the second AC power input waveform is present then it is selected for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert DiMarco, Randhir S. Malik