Current Patents (Class 307/131)
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Patent number: 12237125Abstract: In a method for coordinating a distribution grid of different levels of electromechanical switches and automatically electrically closable apparatuses in a DC circuit, the distribution grid is arranged between feed-in devices and loads and includes at least one busbar. Each of the apparatuses includes an electrical switch to open or close the DC circuit, a fault current detection device, a tripping unit, and a pre-charging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Shivansh Batra, Yi Zhu
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Patent number: 12191846Abstract: Provided are a determination device and a switch system capable of suppressing a power loss of a semiconductor switch. Determination device is used for semiconductor switch. Semiconductor switch includes junction field-effect transistor having gate and source corresponding to gate. Determination device includes resistor and determination circuit. Resistor has a first end and a second end. The first end of resistor is connected to gate. Determination circuit determines that overcurrent is flowing through semiconductor switch when there is a predetermined change in gate-source voltage of junction field-effect transistor in a range smaller than gate drive voltage provided between the second end of resistor and source.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Kinoshita, Hidetoshi Ishida
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Patent number: 12119685Abstract: A control device including a first shell; a battery pack mounting part; a first control unit, which is provided in the first shell and is used for cutting off power transmission from a battery pack to an electric power tool when the battery pack is abnormal; a first user operation unit, which is arranged on the first shell and is operated by a user to control the electric power tool; and a first interface, electrically connected to the first user operation unit. An electric power tool system comprises the control device and the electric power tool. The control device can be adapted to different types of electric power tools, and the control device is not provided with a control portion used for adjusting working parameter of the electric power tool, such that the control device can more flexibly match an upgraded new electric power tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., LtdInventors: Harry Szommer, Warren Brown, Graham Gerhardt, Xiaoli Pang, Bing Liang, Jun Lu, Zhihan Yang
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Patent number: 12068624Abstract: A power system including a load terminal, a sensor, and an electronic processor. The load terminal is configured to electrically connect to a load device. The sensor is configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the load device. The electronic processor is configured to receive, via the sensor, the electrical characteristic of the load device, supply power, via the load terminal, to the load device, discontinue supply of power to the load device when the electrical characteristic of the load device crosses a predetermined threshold, and enter a standby mode upon discontinuing supply of power to the load device. Wherein when in standby mode the electronic processor, at predetermined time intervals, determines if the load device crosses the predetermined threshold a second time.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Thomas Scanzillo, Matthew Samojeden, Steve Liscinsky, Shadi AbuGhazaleh, Blake Nickles, Robert Cordery
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Patent number: 12003184Abstract: The invention relates to a power converter assembly including at least two power converter units; a busbar; at least two connecting elements, each connecting element electrically connecting one of said power converter units to the busbar, thereby interconnecting the at least two power converter units; and at least one converter housing, enclosing and shielding at least one of said power converter units. It further includes a busbar housing in which the busbar is contained and shielded, wherein the at least two connecting elements are electrically isolated from the busbar housing and from the at least one converter housing. The invention further relates to a working machine and a power system including said power converter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Anders Berg-Palmqvist, Arto Honkanen, Carl Fredrik Wangenborn, Alexander Svensson
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Patent number: 11984728Abstract: An intelligent optimized power monitoring shutoff device includes a power conversion module, first current detection module, second current detection module, switch module, measure control module, and bypass module coupled with each other. The power conversion module enables one of the power generation devices to supply power to each module. The first and second current detection modules detect the power generation current value of the power generation device and the overall current value of the power generation system. The measure control module compares the two current values, and switches the switch module to the open-circuit status when the power generation current value is smaller than the overall current value, such that current of the power generation system flows through the bypass module. An intelligent optimized power monitoring shutoff system is provided for monitoring the operation status and maintaining the maximum power generation efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2023Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: JINLI HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Qiao-Mi Li
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Patent number: 11929580Abstract: A power strip and method for providing and controlling power to power strip outlets and for differing amperages and/or voltages is disclosed. The power strip includes a power cord for connecting to a power outlet and a plurality of electrical outlets of the same of differing amperage and voltage connected to receive the electrical current from the power cord. At least one of the plurality of electrical outlets is powered continuously with electrical current from the power outlet. Electrical current from the power outlet to the plurality of electrical outlets is controlled by load presence controlled circuit, current limiting circuit, and/or soft-start circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: RAYMOND INNOVATIONS, LLCInventor: Will Hansen
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Patent number: 11545931Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kirsten Kaye Pace
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Patent number: 11451117Abstract: An electric machine includes a plurality of conductive tracks defining an electric power circuit, to provide current for electronic power components, a printed circuit board which mounts the conductive tracks, an enclosure which defines a housing for the printed circuit board and has a dissipative wall, a heat-conductive filler interposed between the printed circuit board and the enclosure, an elastic device acting on the printed circuit board to press it against the dissipative wall, a conductive element held in position by at least one heat-sensitive joint and disposed to connect a first track and a second track to close the electric power circuit. The elastic device includes an elastic element pressed against the conductive element to apply a force on the heat-sensitive joint and the heat-sensitive joint is configured to break if subjected to a temperature higher than a predetermined threshold temperature to open the electric power circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: SPAL AUTOMOTIVE S.R.L.Inventor: Pietro De Filippis
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Patent number: 11303113Abstract: A shutdown control system and a shutdown control method are provided. A main circuit is a series circuit formed by connecting output ends of multiple shutdown circuits in series or a series-parallel circuit formed by connecting output ends of multiple such series circuits in parallel. Each of the multiple shutdown circuits is connected to at least one of direct current power supplies in a distributed power generation system. A control circuit includes a SCU, one or more ACUs, and multiple PCUs corresponding to the multiple shutdown circuits. The SCU and the ACU are configured to transmit respective mode control instructions when respective condition is satisfied. Each of the multiple PCUs is configured to obtain multiple criteria based on the mode control instructions, determine a target operation mode of a corresponding shutdown circuit, and control the shutdown circuit to operate in the target operation mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yanfei Yu, Hua Ni, Zongjun Yang
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Patent number: 11226361Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting a fault location of an underground cable are proposed. The apparatus includes: an optimal reference signal design unit configured to design a reference signal for detecting the fault location of the underground cable considering propagation characteristics of the underground cable according to a time-frequency domain reflectometry method; a signal application and acquisition unit configured, as the designed reference signal is generated and applied to the underground cable, to acquire the reference signal applied to the underground cable and a reflected signal of the applied reference signal; and a data analysis unit configured to analyze whether a fault location of the underground cable exists according to a decision on similarity between the reference signal and the reflected signal after obtaining a time-frequency domain energy distribution for the acquired reference signal and reflected signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Chae-Kyun Jung, Yong-June Shin, Gu-Young Kwon, Tae-Kyun Kim, Jae-Sang Hwang
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Patent number: 11211784Abstract: An output device outputs a DC voltage applied between a first terminal and a second terminal via the drain and the source of a semiconductor switch. The output device includes a conversion circuit configured to convert the DC voltage into a voltage of a predetermined polarity, irrespective of the polarity of the DC voltage. A booster circuit boosts the voltage that was converted by the conversion circuit and applies the boosted voltage to the gate of the semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch is on if the voltage of the control terminal with respect to the potential of the first terminal is at least a predetermined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Wakazono
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Patent number: 11100596Abstract: A construction device scheduling device is provided including processing circuitry configured to receive device identifiers associated with a plurality of construction devices, receive a construction plan, and determine a construction device schedule based on the device identifiers of the plurality of construction devices and the construction plan.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: HUSQVARNA ABInventor: Anders Erestam
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Patent number: 11040675Abstract: A vehicle includes a generator, a battery, a plurality of electrical devices configured to receive power from the generator and the battery, and a power controller. The power controller may group the plurality of electrical devices into a plurality of groups, and control an operation of an electrical device belonging to a group to which at least one electrical device among the plurality of electrical devices belongs, according to a fluctuation of an input voltage of the at least one electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jin Kim
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Patent number: 11043803Abstract: The present disclosure relates to generating reference signals for distance and directional elements in power systems. For example, an intelligent electronic device (IED) may receive A-phase, B-phase, and C-phase electrical measurements of a power system. The IED may transform the A-phase, B-phase, and C-phase measurements to a d-component, a q-component, and a 0-component. The IED may include an adaptive notch filter that reduces or eliminates a double frequency component that may be present when step changes of frequency and/or amplitude occur and/or when the A-phase, B-phase, and C-phase measurements have different amplitudes. By reducing the double frequency component, the IED may generate a more accurate ? which may allow for more accurately tracking changes to the polarizing source. Further, the IED may separately add inertia to the estimated angular frequency used in generating a reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Bartosz Jan Brusilowicz
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Patent number: 10998935Abstract: A secondary power distribution box (SPDB), solid state power controller (SSPC) line replacement module or printed board assembly (LRM/PBA), integrated power distribution and avionics system, and method of power distribution are disclosed. For example, the method includes receiving electrical power from a power source at a power feeder network, communicating with at least one load of a plurality of loads at least in part over the power feeder network, and coupling the electrical power to the at least one load of the plurality of loads in response to the communicating.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Honeywell LimitedInventors: Zhenning Liu, Randy Fuller, Karthik V J, Rohit Parashar, Prashant Purushotham Prabhu K, Muthukumar Murthy
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Patent number: 10914623Abstract: A system (with corresponding a method and computer program product) for sensing wire tampering of a utility service. The system comprises a flow meter configured to produce output pulses indicative of a flow through the utility service, a switching-element receiving the pulses from the flow meter, a diode in parallel with the switching-element, and a processor for recording the flow, and having a first wire and a second wire electrically connected to the switching-element and the diode. The processor is configured to apply a forward voltage to the diode, detect a response at the diode during the application of the forward voltage to the diode, and based on a comparison of a magnitude of the response to at least two of three different electrical states, determine if the detected response is indicative of a) a short between the first wire and the second wire, b) a cut in either of the first wire and the second wire, or c) an untampered wire condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: SENSUS SPECTRUM, LLCInventors: Adam D. Hansen, Anup Nandwana
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Patent number: 10897107Abstract: A smart socket is provided, including a main body and a smart system. The main body has at least two slots, each of the at least two slots extends linearly along an extension direction, each of the at least two slots is for a pin of a plug to insert thereinto along an insertion direction and slidable along the extension direction, and the extension direction is perpendicular to the insertion direction. The smart system can communicate and interact with an electronic device, and the smart system can switch the electronic device on or off remotely.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Inventor: Yu-Hung Chu
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Patent number: 10690715Abstract: A signal distribution apparatus for distributing a stress signal to a plurality of devices under test (DUTs) is disclosed. The distribution apparatus includes a single input that receives the stress voltage signal to be distributed, a plurality of outputs that distribute the stress voltage signal to the plurality of DUTs, and a plurality of integrated current limiter and switch circuits. Each integrated current limiter and switch circuit connects a DUT of the plurality of DUTs to the single input through one of the plurality of outputs, and includes at least one combined switching and current limiting element.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: QualiTau, Inc.Inventor: James Borthwick
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Patent number: 10651646Abstract: A fault current limiter, including: two inductors, a direct current circuit breaker, a shunt resistor, a first fixed resistor, and metal oxide arresters. The two inductors include wound superconducting wires. The inductors have identical number of windings and identical structure. Magnetic fluxes of the inductors are forward coupled, and the inductors are connected in parallel to form a superconducting inductor structure. The direct current circuit breaker and the superconducting inductor structure are connected in series to form a series branch. The shunt resistor is connected in parallel to the series branch. The first fixed resistor is connected in parallel to the direct current circuit breaker. The metal oxide arresters are two in number, and are connected to two ends of the inductors in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Li Ren, Siyuan Liang, Yuejin Tang, Ying Xu, Zhong Xia, Zuoshuai Wang, Jing Shi, Jingdong Li, Lihui Zhang, Sinian Yan, Zhangwei Yang, Yi Zhang
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Patent number: 10490995Abstract: According to an example, a device comprises a pass element and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a measurement of a current through the pass element. Based on the measurement of the current, the controller is configured to select a thermal shutdown threshold. The controller is further configured to turn off the pass element based on a determination that a temperature of the pass element is greater than the thermal shutdown threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Sergiu Stanculescu, Alexandru Simion
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Patent number: 10366845Abstract: An emergency off-switch for triggering an emergency switch-off function has an actuator and two electrical contact points that can be disconnected from one another by the actuator. The emergency off-switch has an active operating state in which the emergency switch-off function can be triggered by moving the actuator, and a passive operating state in which the emergency off-switch is functionless. The emergency off-switch further has a visualization unit having at least a first and a second display state. The emergency off-switch is visually highlighted in the first display state, and the emergency off-switch is neutrally represented in the second display state. The visualization unit adopts the first display state in the active operating state and adopts the second display state in the passive operating state. The emergency off-switch also has a monitoring unit which monitors whether the visualization unit is in the first or in the second display state.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: PILZ GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Martin Bellingkrodt, Christoph Zinser, Christoph Weishaar, Helge Peters
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Patent number: 10345368Abstract: A circuit configuration for high-voltage tests includes an AC voltage source and at least two circuit branches, each of which can be electrically connected to the AC voltage source. An electrical AC voltage can be applied to a test object by a first circuit branch, and an electrical DC voltage can be applied to the test object by a second circuit branch which rectifies an AC voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Bock
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Patent number: 10333462Abstract: A measuring apparatus for solar cell is provided, which is configured to measure a solar cell to obtain a characteristic curve thereof. The measuring apparatus includes a signal measurement control circuit and a signal transmitting control circuit. The signal measurement control circuit is configured to output at least one control signal for controlling a resistance circuit thereof to provide a measurement loading. The signal transmitting control circuit includes at least one path separating circuit, each path separating circuit is configured to provide at least two signal transmitting paths with different signal transmitting directions. The signal measurement control circuit outputs the control signal to the resistance circuit by using the signal transmitting control circuit, so that the resistance circuit can be controlled to provide the measurement loading.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ren-Chin Shr, Yean-San Long, En-Yun Wang, Min-An Tsai, Hung-Sen Wu, Teng-Chun Wu, Cho-Fan Hsieh, Chin Lien
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Patent number: 10148106Abstract: A power connector for use in charging a battery of a device is provided. The power connector has an electromagnetic switch having terminals used to supply power from an external power source to a power adapter which is connected to the battery of the device. A power sensing circuit is coupled between the terminals of the electromagnetic switch and the power adapter, wherein the electromagnetic switch is configured to shut off power supplied to the power adapter when the power sensing circuit detects that the battery is fully charged. A reset mechanism is configured to mechanically activate the electromagnetic switch to start supplying power to the power adapter.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventor: Izak Bencuya
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Patent number: 10141142Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring ground current includes a signal generation module that generates a plurality of AC components of different frequencies. An injection module injects the plurality of AC components on one or more phases of a set of power cables connecting a power source to a load. The set of power cables includes an equipment grounding conductor. The AC components are injected in the equipment grounding conductor. An AC detection module that determines an AC current corresponding to each frequency of the AC components present in current in the equipment grounding conductor, an AC threshold module determines if one or more of the AC currents is below an AC threshold, and a trip module opens a contact if the AC threshold module determines that at least one of the AC currents is below an AC threshold. The contact disconnects the power source from the power cables.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Intermountain Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Dale V. Curtis
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Patent number: 10094863Abstract: Disclosed examples include systems to determine an on-state impedance of a high voltage transistor, and measurement circuits to measure the drain voltage of a drain terminal of the high voltage transistor during switching, including an attenuator circuit to generate an attenuator output signal representing a voltage across the high voltage transistor when the high voltage transistor is turned on, and a differential amplifier to provide an amplified sense voltage signal according to the attenuator output signal. The attenuator circuit includes a clamp transistor coupled with the drain terminal of the high voltage transistor to provide a sense signal to a first internal node, a resistive voltage divider circuit to provide the attenuator output signal based on the sense signal, and a first clamp circuit to limit the sense signal voltage when the high voltage transistor is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Sandeep R. Bahl, Grant L. Smith, Daniel Ruiz Flores
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Patent number: 10050620Abstract: An apparatus that includes a first device connected to an inductor. The first device includes a first silicon carbide (SiC) junction gate field-effect transistor (JFET), a first SiC schottky barrier diode (SBD) connected to a gate and a drain of the first SiC JFET, and a first silicon (Si) transistor connected to transmit current to a source of the first SiC JFET. An inductor input terminal is connected to the drain of the first SiC JFET.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC.Inventors: Tetsuo Sato, Koichi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 10027104Abstract: An electronic circuit arrangement may include a first supply line and a second supply line which are connectable with an electric energy supply unit at a first supply line input connection and a second supply line input connection. The first supply line and the second supply line may be electrically connectable at a first supply line output connection and a second supply line output connection with an external electronic device for supply of electric energy. The arrangement may include a switching element provided in the first supply line. The switching element may be switched between an opened state, in which the switching element electrically interrupts flow of an electrical current in the first supply line, and a closed state, in which the electrical current flows uninterrupted. The electronic circuit arrangement may include a first electronic circuit, a second electronic circuit, and a third electronic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: ECOM INSTRUMENTS GMBHInventor: Norbert Sack
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Patent number: 9991810Abstract: A synchronous rectifier driver pre-positions a gate of a synchronous rectifier to allow for fast turn-off. The synchronous rectifier driver turns ON the synchronous rectifier by driving the gate at a high level for a period of time that is based on a previous conduction time of the synchronous rectifier. The synchronous rectifier driver thereafter drives the gate at a lower level that is sufficient to keep the synchronous rectifier ON. The synchronous rectifier can be quickly turned OFF by further reducing the level of the drive signal at the gate of the synchronous rectifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hangseok Choi, Wei-Hsuan Huang, Cheng-Sung Chen
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Patent number: 9939482Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector configured to be electrically coupled to electrical circuitry. The connector has multiple pins, including one or more first pins and one or more second pins. The one or more second pins longer than the one or more first pins. The apparatus also includes a signal generator configured to detect disconnection of the one or more first pins prior to disconnection of the one or more second pins and generate a signal in response to detecting the disconnection of the one or more first pins. The connector could also include one or more third pins longer than the one or more second pins. The first pin(s) can create an electrical path from the signal generator to ground, the second pin(s) can provide a supply voltage to the electrical circuitry, and the third pin(s) can electrically couple the electrical circuitry to ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Dustin Flay
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Patent number: 9912331Abstract: A gate driver integrated circuit for driving a gate of an IGBT or MOSFET receives an input signal. In response to a rising edge of the input signal, the integrated circuit causes the gate to be driven in a first sequence of time periods. In each period, the gate is driven high (pulled up) via a corresponding one of a plurality of different effective gate resistances. In response to a falling edge of the input signal, the integrated circuit causes the gate to be driven in a second sequence of time periods. In each period, the gate is driven low (pulled down) via a corresponding one of the different effective gate resistances. In one example, the duration of each time period is set by a corresponding external passive circuit component. The different effective gate resistances are set by external gate resistors disposed between the integrated circuit and the gate.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: IXYS CorporationInventor: Andreas Laschek-Enders
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Patent number: 9843193Abstract: A photovoltaic power generator with safety shutdown system includes a plurality of solar panel strings, a combiner, and a plurality of solar safety switches electrically disposed between a plurality of DC outputs of the plurality of solar panels strings and a plurality of DC inputs of the combiner. Each solar safety switch is associated with one of the solar panel strings and includes a solid-state device and a close actuator. The solid-state device of each solar safety switch is connected between the positive and negative terminals of the DC output of its associated solar panel string. The close actuator in each solar safety switch controls whether its associated solid-state device is turned on or is turned off. During normal operating conditions, the close actuators prevent their respective solid-state devices from turning on.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Inventor: Robert Getsla
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Patent number: 9813055Abstract: A gate driver integrated circuit for driving a gate of an IGBT or MOSFET receives an input signal. In response to a rising edge of the input signal, the integrated circuit causes the gate to be driven in a first sequence of time periods. In each period, the gate is driven high (pulled up) via a corresponding one of a plurality of different effective gate resistances. In response to a falling edge of the input signal, the integrated circuit causes the gate to be driven in a second sequence of time periods. In each period, the gate is driven low (pulled down) via a corresponding one of the different effective gate resistances. In one example, the duration of each time period is set by a corresponding external passive circuit component. The different effective gate resistances are set by external gate resistors disposed between the integrated circuit and the gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: IXYS CorporationInventor: Andreas Laschek-Enders
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Patent number: 9804212Abstract: An energy management system controlling energy flowing into or out of a battery is provided. The energy management system includes a data receiving unit receiving load data and energy data; a total load amount calculating unit calculating the total amount of power consumption by using the received load data; an energy generation amount calculating unit calculating the total amount of power generation by using the received energy data; a comparator comparing the calculated total amount of the power consumption with the calculated total amount of the power generation; and a switch connecting the battery to a power supply according to a comparison result.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Young Min Kang, Young Gyu Yu
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Patent number: 9762056Abstract: An electrical unit outlet device is disclosed for controlling power isolation, based on a pre-determined time, for a device charger, while remaining plugged into a power outlet. A power isolating circuit cuts any power to the charging device off when charge is complete. Multiple embodiments are disclosed including a ground fault interrupted electrical unit outlet that may be controlled by a timer to shut down after batteries have been charged is disclosed and claimed herein. All circuits will subject to ground fault interruption protection and may be subject to surge protection as well. In another embodiment, a lamp with timed charging outlets that shut down when batteries are being charged is disclosed and claimed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventors: Dennis L. Miller, Dwain C. May
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Patent number: 9696739Abstract: In an embodiment, a coupled-inductor structure includes first and second windings. The first winding is configured to conduct a phase current, has a first node configured for coupling to a phase node of a power supply, and has a second node configured for coupling to an output node of the power supply and to a first node of a sense impedance that is configured to generate a sense signal representative of the phase current. And the second winding is configured for magnetic coupling with the first winding, has a first node coupled to the first node of the first winding, and has a second node configured for coupling to a second node of the sense impedance. For example, the first winding may be a phase inductor of a switching power supply, and the impedance may be a capacitor that generates a sense voltage representative of the phase current.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: INTERSIL AMERICAS LLCInventors: Shuai Jiang, Jian Yin
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Patent number: 9690678Abstract: Systems and methods for resolving fault detection in a control system is provided. The system includes an I/O module operably connected to a first, second, and third microcontroller for transmitting data. The first microcontroller is in an active state, i.e., in control, while the remaining controllers are in an idle state. The system further includes an event generator for generating an event indicative of a fault occurrence, and a means for detecting a fault event. The system also includes a means for reassigning a controller, wherein upon detection of a fault event in both the first and second controllers, the means for reassigning a controller changes the state of the third controller to active, leaving the remaining controllers idle or in a shutdown state, thereby effectively assigning control from the first controller to the third controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Rafael Perez, James Michael Weiss, Peter Nicholas Francino
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Patent number: 9625895Abstract: A method is provided for managing power for a wireless communication device. The method includes receiving a loop current at an insertion voltage at an initial input, the loop current being generated by a power supply. The method further includes comparing a reference voltage to the insertion voltage and generating a feedback signal based at least upon the comparison of the reference voltage to the insertion voltage. The method still further includes regulating the insertion voltage based at least upon the feedback signal, delivering charging power to an electrical storage element, wherein the charging power is a function of the insertion voltage and the loop current, and storing the charging power in the electrical storage element.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: PEPPERL+FUCHS GMBHInventor: Mark Sinreich
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Patent number: 9602031Abstract: An electronic circuit comprises at least one semiconductor switch mounted with its switching path in series with an inductive load to be triggered, and at least one freewheeling element that interacts with the semiconductor switch during switching phases and is also mounted in series with the load. A control unit controls a control connection of the semiconductor switch with a variable control current as a function of the time profile of a voltage measured at the freewheeling element and/or as a function of the time profile of the voltage measured at the switching path. A method for triggering a semiconductor switch of such a circuit, triggered by a variable control current for switching, the control current predefined as a function of the time profile of a voltage measured at the freewheeling element and/or as a function of the time profile of the voltage measured at the switching path.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Lipp, Ralph Wystup, Fabian Schneider, Sebastian Schroth
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Patent number: 9564277Abstract: Systems and devices are described herein for reducing a phantom load. The system may include a device for connection to a power source and a transformer or machine, wherein the device is configured to disconnect the transformer or machine from the power source under a predetermined load condition. The device may include a contactor, a current detector, a timer, and a controller. Portions of the current detector, timer, or controller may be implemented in a microcontroller.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: International Electrical Saving & Development, LLCInventors: Paul M. Cruz, Thomas J. McKenzie, Daniel B. Brunning
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Patent number: 9561761Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Patent number: 9483095Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying operating voltages to a plurality of electronic devices is disclosed. A plurality of power supply modules of a modular power supply may output voltages to at least two electronic devices. The apparatus may identify a failure of one of the power supply modules. The electronic device may be disconnected from the failed power supply module, and then reconnected to a functional power supply module of the modular power supply. A supplied voltage of the functional power supply module of the modular power supply may be varied, such as wherein the supplied voltage matches the set output voltage of the failed power supply module.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.Inventors: Tuan Tom Tran, Tony T. Doan
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Patent number: 9444275Abstract: An energy storage system is provided. The system includes a plurality of energy storage modules connected in parallel. Each energy storage module has an energy storage source, a bidirectional current converter configured for supplying charge to the energy storage source from a power source and for discharging current for use by an electrical device, a monitoring module for monitoring the energy storage source and the current converter, and a controller configured to control the current converter based upon monitored characteristics of the storage source and the current converter to produce a respective output signal for each module. A communications module is in connection with each output signal of the energy storage modules and configured for communicating a combined output signal with one of the power source and the electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Qin Huang, Yu Du
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Patent number: 9431853Abstract: An uninterruptible power system and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The uninterruptible power system includes a power conversion apparatus, a switch unit, a first voltage detection unit, a second voltage detection unit, and a comparison unit. The power conversion apparatus receives an AC power source and converts the AC power source to supply an AC load. The first voltage detection unit detects an input voltage of the power conversion apparatus and produces a first voltage signal. The second voltage detection unit detects an output voltage of the switch unit and produces a second voltage signal. Under the AC power source is disabled and the power conversion apparatus provides a backup power to supply the AC load, the switch unit is detected in a fault operation when the first voltage signal is compared by the comparison unit to equal to the second voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Sung-Chieh Yeh, Wei-Guo Shen, Hui Zhou, Zu-Cheng Liu
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Patent number: 9372218Abstract: A diagnostic device for checking a control signal line between a control device of a motor vehicle and a motor-vehicle-side charging connection for a battery of the motor vehicle, includes a first resistor disposed at the charging connection and connecting the control signal line to ground, a second resistor connected in parallel with first resistor to form a parallel circuit, an evaluation device associated with the control device and comprising a current source and/or a voltage source for supplying a corresponding current or voltage outside a charging operation, and a diode connected in series with the first and second resistors and blocking a current flow from ground to the control signal line. The evaluation device is configured to measure, by using the first and second resistor, a current indicating a control signal line defect or a voltage indicating a control signal line defect.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Sami Zaki, Niklas Schalli, Florian Steinlechner
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Patent number: 9356553Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a photovoltaic (PV) installation includes providing a string of multiple panel interface device enabled PV panels; operatively connecting an inverter to the string; operatively connecting at least one PV panel to the string; discharging an input capacitance of the inverter; comparing a current in the string to a predetermined current threshold value; and controlling connection of the at least one PV panel to the string based on the comparing of the current in the string to the predetermined current threshold value. A panel interface device may be used to discharge the input capacitance of the inverter.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Solantro Semiconductor Corp.Inventors: Gerald Augustoni, Tudor Lipan, Raymond Kenneth Orr
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Patent number: 9299394Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing surge current in power gated designs. In one aspect, a storage capacitor supplies a portion of the current used to power up a circuit. The storage capacitor may be charged from a power supply or other source. When the circuit is to be powered up, the circuit is connected to the power supply and the storage capacitor. As a result, current is supplied to the circuit from the power supply and the storage capacitor to power up the circuit. Because a portion of the current used to power up the circuit is supplied from the storage capacitor, the amount of current needed from the power supply to power up the circuit can be reduced, thereby reducing current surge through the power supply. The storage capacitor may be shared by multiple circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Bharath Upputuri, Bruce Kauffmann, Ray Bloker
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Patent number: 9287768Abstract: A power converter configured to control an electrical load including a supply DC bus, a bus capacitor, a pre-charging circuit of the bus capacitor provided with a limiting resistor, a switched-mode power supply, and a starter assembly of the switched-mode power supply. The power converter includes a selection mechanism configured to connect the supply DC bus either, in a first state, to the starter assembly of the switched-mode power supply or, in a second state, to the bus capacitor to short circuit the limiting resistor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SASInventors: Jocelyn Guyomard, Heu Vang
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Patent number: 9112365Abstract: An outlet or multi-outlet power strip device for interrupting standby power is provided that includes at least one standby power shut-off unit, which is provided correspondingly to at least one receptacle outlet and either supplies or shuts off power to an electronic product connected to the at least one receptacle outlet depending on the status of the electronic product; an outlet power supply, which receives power from the at least one standby power shut-off unit, and converts and supplies the input power to the outlet; a mode selector, to which a selected mode on whether the outlet should be operated in independent mode or cooperative mode is input; and a controller, which sets a standby current of the electronic product, detects the power status of the electronic product by using the set standby current, and controls the at least one standby power shut-off unit according to the detected power status.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Inventor: Chang-Ho Kim