Power Packs Patents (Class 307/150)
  • Patent number: 6498406
    Abstract: A power source is provided with a holder-case housing a plurality of slender power modules. Cooling-air passes through on the surfaces of power modules by passing air through the holder-case. An air-duct is formed in the holder-case and intermediate air-inlets are opened in a central portion of the air-duct. A plurality of rows of power modules housed in the holder-case are cooled by the air inhaled from the intermediate air-inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhito Høriuchi, Yoshiharu Takasaki, Kazuo Osaki
  • Patent number: 6495932
    Abstract: A DC power source unit includes a main unit that generates DC voltage, and an output cable. The output cable is connected, either integrally or detachably, at one end to the output of the main unit and another end to an adapter plug. The adapter plug is electrically connected to an electrically powered tool, such as an electrical drill. An output voltage switching unit switches the level of voltage supplied by the main unit to the electrically powered tool, to a level that matches the rated voltage of the electrically powered tool that corresponds to the fitting portion of the adapter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikai Yoshimizu, Hiroaki Orikasa, Takahiko Shimada, Shigeru Shinohara, Eiji Nakayama, Kazuhiko Funabashi, Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6492745
    Abstract: A battery control system for controlling the connection of a plurality of batteries to a load is provided. The system comprises a plurality of switches and a plurality of controllers. Each switch is operable to connect or disconnect one of the batteries from the load. Each controller is operatively coupled to one of the switches. Each controller is operative to cause one of the switches to disconnect one of the batteries from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Colley, III, James A. Giancaterino
  • Patent number: 6483204
    Abstract: A notebook-sized personal computer representing consumption-side hardware sends electric power data, which indicates an electric power (including voltage, alternating or direct current, cycle and wave shape) suited to the personal computer, to an electric power supply system through a communication line. In the system, the electric power data of the personal computer is analyzed in an allotter, and the allotter sends electric power data, which indicates an electric power required in the allotter, to an electric power supply adapter through a communication line. The electric power supply adapter converts an electric power received from an electric power company into another electric power matching with the electric power data of the allotter and supplies the converted electric power to the allotter through an electric power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Electric System LSI Design Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeto Hanaki
  • Publication number: 20020158516
    Abstract: In a DC power source unit that can selectively charge a battery pack and supply DC power to a cordless power tool through an adaptor shaped like the battery pack, a battery pack insertion space, into which the battery pack is inserted to charge, is substantially sealed or closed so as not to be in fluid communication with the inner space in which the circuit components are disposed. Cooling air for cooling the circuit components are not disturbed by disturbing air flow which may otherwise be created if the battery pack insertion space is not sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Tomomasa Nishikawa, Nobuhiro Takano
  • Patent number: 6465913
    Abstract: A power source unit is constructed by an AC/DC switching power source circuit 12, a battery unit 16, switching circuits 13 and 15, detecting circuits 18 and 21 corresponding to the switching circuits 13 and 15, and stop signal forming circuits 19 and 20. In the supplying mode, the power source circuit 12 is made operative, the switching circuit 13 is turned on, an output voltage formed by the power source circuit 12 is supplied to the load side, and at the same time, the switching circuit 15 is turned off by a stop output from the stop signal forming circuit 20. In the charging mode, the power source circuit 12 is made operative, the switching circuit 15 is turned on, the output voltage formed by the power source circuit 12 is supplied to the battery unit 16, and at the same time, the switching circuit 13 is turned off by a stop output of the stop signal forming circuit 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tamiji Nagai, Yoshisada Okayasu, Akio Nakamura, Tsutomu Suda
  • Patent number: 6459176
    Abstract: A survival radio battery adapter is provided for survival equipment to operate with commercially available rechargeable batteries sealed in a rugged, watertight battery compartment. The survival radio battery adapter comprises a battery compartment, an adapter coupler, an adapter means having surge protection, voltage regulator and voltage conversion devices, with the adapter coupler being connected to the battery compartment and the battery compartment containing sufficient commercially available rechargeable batteries. The battery compartment is configured to provide a watertight seal when closed. The preferred embodiment is an AN/PRC-90 survival radio battery adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Brockel, Peter J. Rathemacher, Fenton K. Yip, Douglas B. Howe, Marc D. Gietter
  • Patent number: 6445086
    Abstract: An electronic power supply for use with a personal computer exhibits a construction including an external power section located exterior to a personal computer and including a direct current voltage source in combination with a battery source for providing a load adjusted direct current voltage. A first supervisory computer is connected to the direct current voltage source and the battery source for controlling the load adjusted direct current voltage. An internal power section is located interior to the personal computer and in electrical contact with the external power section. The internal power section comprises a plurality of voltage output devices for providing a plurality of direct current output voltages. A second supervisory computer is connected to the plurality of voltage output devices for controlling the plurality of direct current output voltages distributed to the personal computer. A signal communication link exists between the second supervisory computer and the first supervisory computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: David H. Houston
  • Patent number: 6441581
    Abstract: An energy management system comprises: an energy storage system comprising flywheels and batteries; and an energy storage system controller adapted to cause the flywheels and batteries to store energy during load-supplying periods and to supply energy during load-receiving periods. The flywheels may be situated in respective ones of a plurality of compartments in a vehicle platform, and the batteries may be situated above the flywheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Lembit Salasoo, Dongwoo Song, Somanath Nagendra
  • Patent number: 6418018
    Abstract: A heat removal system of the present invention includes a fan (30) of a power supply (20), a heat sink (50) mounted to the fan, and a heat pipe (60) connecting the heat sink to a CPU (24). The heat sink includes a cylindrical base (52) and a plurality of radial fins (54) around the base. Four bolts (40) attach the heat sink and the fan to the power supply. A central bore (58) is defined in the base of the heat sink, for receiving one end of the heat pipe. The other end of the heat pipe is attached to a top surface of the CPU. Heat generated by the CPU is thereby conducted to the heat sink via the heat pipe, and then dissipated outside of a computer enclosure by forced convection of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Ta Lo
  • Patent number: 6418015
    Abstract: A compact multiple output power supply which has a circuit architecture with distinct primary and secondary circuit domains. Within the secondary circuit domain, a distribution bus of relatively low constant voltage supplies power inputs to d.c.-to-d.c. converters providing regulated outputs and operating independently of each other. Because of the secondary circuit domain topology, surface mount components are made available in conjunction with relatively simple converter circuitry. Heat management within the compact housing of the power supply is achieved through the utilization of linear driven air flows in combination with employment of heat sinks extending to the heat sink configured cover of the housing. Additionally, the highest heat generation components are positioned rearwardmost within the driven air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Tracewell Power, Inc.
    Inventor: John Kociecki
  • Patent number: 6410997
    Abstract: A metal-air cell for powering electronic components in a hearing aid device. The metal-air cell has a flex circuit inside containing an anode mixture. The flex circuit comprises a flexible substrate having a cathode electrode area at one end of the substrate, an anode electrode area at another end of the substrate and an electronic components area in between. The flexible substrate is disposed within the housing. The cathode electrode area is near a top surface of the housing, and the anode electrode area is near a bottom surface of the housing and in contact with the anode mixture. The cathode electrode area has air flow means for permitting air into the housing. An isolation means between the cathode electrode area and the anode mixture is provided for preventing contact between the cathode electrode area and the anode mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Paul Sjursen, Gary John Hollingsworth, Marvin Allan Leedom, Derek Dwayne Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6404653
    Abstract: A multi-voltage transformer includes an average current loop circuit, a pulse width generator, a push-pull driver, and a pulse width modulator coupled to the average current loop circuit, the pulse width generator, and the push-pull driver for generating pulses for driving a power supply. In a standard operating mode, the power supply is powered by an AC power source. The power supply uses the AC power source to drive the output of the power supply and to recharge the batteries associated with the power supply. When the power supply is operating on AC power, it translates the AC sinusoidal wave signal into a saw tooth wave signal that drives a pulse width modulator. When the AC power source is interrupted, the transformer switches the power source from the AC power source to a battery backup source. The transformer is designed to operate with a variety of battery voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Antec Corporation
    Inventors: Ehsan Chitsazan, John Gary Batson, Joey Goodroe
  • Publication number: 20020067080
    Abstract: A power supply for a power tool which is adapted to be powered by a battery source and an AC voltage source includes a battery module constructed and adapted to be removably coupled to the power tool. The battery module includes a battery pack for supplying power to the power tool. A power converter module supplies current for charging the battery pack and for operating the power tool. A power plug extends from the power converter module and is adapted to be connected to the battery module. The power plug has a first output for supplying the tool operating current to the power tool and a second output for supplying the battery charging current to the battery pack when the plug is connected to the battery module. A switching device is provided in the battery module for electrically disconnecting the battery pack from the power tool responsive to the plug being connected to the battery module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: S-B POWER TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Peter W. Neumann
  • Patent number: 6400121
    Abstract: A battery starter pack comprises a housing having a base 2, a top 3, a rear 4, a front panel 5 and a pair of sides 6, 7. The sides 6, 7 extend forwardly and rearedly proud of the rear 4 and front 5 to define an area which protects various switches 25, 26, 27, 28 if the pack is toppled over. The starter pack incorporates a switching system to avoid accidental switching of the unit into a 24 volt setting while it is connected to equipment which is not designed to take a 24 volt charging supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: James Tracey
  • Patent number: 6396239
    Abstract: A portable PV modular solar generator. A plurality of wheels are attached to the bottom of a rechargeable battery container. At least one rechargeable battery is contained inside the rechargeable battery container. A power conditioning panel is connected to the rechargeable battery container. At least one photovoltaic panel is pivotally connected. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery container is a waterproof battery enclosure having a knife switch connection. A mast having a rotation bar is supported by the waterproof battery enclosure. At least one solar panel support brace for supporting the photovoltaic panel is attached to the rotation bar. The power conditioning panel is waterproof, is attached to the mast and has a door. When the door is opened, at least one safety switch is opened, breaking an electric circuit. The waterproof power conditioning panel has a charge controller and an inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: William M. Benn, John T. Benn
  • Patent number: 6396167
    Abstract: A power distribution system delivers power onto a regulated bus to a load from a plurality of individual indivisible DC power source devices and or DC energy storage devices each having a respective regulator for coupling the devices onto the bus. Respective storage device chargers for the DC energy storage devices enable charging of the DC energy storage devices when the DC power source devices provide power in excess of the demands of the load. The respective regulators and chargers continue to provide sufficient coupled power onto the bus even in the event of a failure of one or more of the devices thereby enabling graceful degradation of power delivery to the load for improved reliably of the power delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Simburger, Alonzo Prater, Peter J. Carian
  • Patent number: 6388869
    Abstract: The power generator unit includes a container having a peripheral wall enclosing a power generating motor assembly. A breaker box is provided in an opening in the peripheral wall of the container, so as to have power outlet socket connectors accessible from outside of the container. An external electric circuit to be fed with electricity can be operatively connected to the power outlet socket connectors. Power inlet socket connectors are also provided in the breaker box, accessible from inside the container, to which the power generating motor assembly can be operatively and releasably connected. A breaker links the power inlet socket connectors to the power outlet socket connectors, to open the breaker box circuit should any excessive power demand occur. The breaker box is releasably bolted to the peripheral wall of the container, about the opening in which it is inserted. A pair of spaced-apart pockets are provided on the breaker box casing, being outwardly opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Solutions Jupiter Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Fauteux, Pierre Bernard
  • Patent number: 6384570
    Abstract: A battery pack comprises a solar panel, a battery, a connector, and a charge/discharge circuit. The solar panel converts light energy into electric energy. The battery is charged with the electric energy from the solar panel. The connector supplies the electric energy to a portable terminal device. The charge/discharge circuit supplies the electric energy from the solar panel to the connector, and supplies the electric energy from the battery to the connector or charges the battery with part of the electric energy from the solar panel, in accordance with the amount of electric energy to be used by said portable terminal device, while the portable terminal device is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6384492
    Abstract: Power output switching circuit for use in high current and high frequency applications. The output circuit provides a series of geometrically symmetric, parallel spaced semiconductor converters arranged such that the voltage for each semiconductor output device is substantially equal and minimal for each device. In this way, each device exhibits substantially the same impedance, such that circuit performance is largely a function of intrinsic device characteristics, and substantially independent of cross coupling and other external influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Spinel LLC
    Inventors: Arthur H. Iversen, George Gabor
  • Patent number: 6376931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable computer having a power supply in the form of a battery pack, the battery pack being both electrically and physically separable from the portable computer. The portable computer has a power management system capable of decreasing power consumption by differentially supplying power according to power management mode, including a base having internally a storage member and provided with at least one opening at one side of the base, a battery pack coupled to the base to supply a power and having at least one lug inserted into the at least one opening, at least one lever coupled to the base and combined or separated with the at least one lug, a switch provided in the base, wherein the switch generates a signal of operating the power management system when the at least one lever is separated from the at least one lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Do-Seong Kim
  • Patent number: 6376764
    Abstract: A solar panel is operably connected to a power capacitor and associated circuitry which includes at least one diode for ensuring correct current flow direction. The power capacitor is inside a cartridge which is has exterior electrical contacts and overall dimensions enabling it to fit into the space intended for and replace at least one conventional battery. The exterior contacts, in conjunction with the power capacitor and associated electrical circuitry, enable provision of direct current (DC) electrical power of appropriate voltage and amperage to various electronic devices: cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc (CD) and digital video disc (DVD) players, infrared and radio remote controllers, and other low power consumption devices including radios, alarms and calculators, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Ching-Hsing Luo
  • Patent number: 6376938
    Abstract: A power supply interface device for supplying 110 volt power to an electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Alonzo Williams
  • Patent number: 6373152
    Abstract: An electricity storage device and a portable electric-powered tool. The device comprises at least a battery; at least a super capacitor, which has lower internal impedance, when fully charged, than that of the battery and connects the battery in parallel; and an output end for supplying the electricity. The super capacitor is the major power supply for the pulse current output; the battery is used for generating electricity to the super capacitor and is the secondary power supply for the pulse current output. The connection of the battery and the super capacitor does not need any converters or current-limiting resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Synergy Scientech Corp.
    Inventors: Pei-Jen Wang, Shun-Ming Huang, Wei-Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 6359783
    Abstract: A socket attaches to a first component and includes a receptive area to couple a second component to the first component. A low profile voltage regulator is integrated into the socket and proximately disposed adjacent to the receptive area. The low profile voltage regulator converts a first power signal from the first component to a second power signal for the second component. A chassis encloses the socket and the low profile voltage regulator and serves as a base for a heat sink to be attached to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Scott L. Noble
  • Patent number: 6356434
    Abstract: A vault system for batteries that supply a battery power signal to an electronic device. The vault system comprises an enclosure assembly, a control enclosure, at least one terminal set, and one or more lead pairs. The enclosure assembly contains the batteries. The control enclosure assembly is arranged within the enclosure assembly. The at least one terminal set is arranged within the control enclosure. At least one lead pair is associated with each battery and each lead pair is connected at one end across terminals of the battery associated therewith and at another end to the terminal set. Power cables extend from the control enclosure to the electronic device. The terminal set interconnects the lead pairs and the power cables such that the battery power signal is generated by the batteries connected to the at least one lead pair and present across the power cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Osterman
  • Publication number: 20020018025
    Abstract: A power supply antenna comprises a plurality of coils disposed concentrically. Power supply portions formed at opposite ends of the respective coils are located in different phases on the same plane such that spacing between the adjacent power supply portions is equal. The power supply antenna can generate a uniform electric field and a uniform magnetic field, although it has the plural coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Matsuda, Noriaki Ueda, Kazuto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6315523
    Abstract: Electrical isolation method and assembly that protects a pump-off controller 31 as used for controlling the pumping of a subterranean well, from lightning and transient electrical power surges by electrically isolating the pump-off controller 31, the isolation assembly including fiber optic cables 17, 18, signal converters to convert electrical signals to optical signals 25, 33, signal converters to convert optical signals to electrical signals 32, 19 and a solar panel 35 to power the pump-off controller 31. Components of the fiber optic and control assembly may also be electrically protected from lightning and electrical power transients by including an isolation transformer 53, components to drive the isolation transformer 53, metal oxide varisters, fuses and other protection devices. Signals from the pump-off controller 31 may be used to stop/start a prime mover 45 for a pumping unit 46, or regulate the speed of the prime mover 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: DJAX Corporation
    Inventor: Manuel D. Mills
  • Patent number: 6304064
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply device that is able to be used even when power is supplied to electronic circuits using secondary batteries of nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-hydrogen batteries or the like whose recharging capacities are lowered, wherein original performance of the secondary battery can be maintained. A power supply circuit according to the present invention includes a connector which is electrically connected to a secondary battery which is a storage, a voltage step-up circuit that steps up an output voltage from the secondary battery, and a power supply line for supplying the stepped-up output voltage to an electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Eiji Kawai
  • Patent number: 6289179
    Abstract: A power supplying device for flashes includes a base having a bottom formed with two opposite grooves, a threaded hole vertically extending therethrough, and two threaded holes, at least a rechargeable battery having a top provided with two conducting terminals and a protuberance, an extension cord provided at one end with a plug engageable with a power socket of the battery and at another end with a socket, and a power cord having an end provided with a plug engageable with the socket of the extension cord and another end provided with a positive and negative wires each provided with a metal conductor. One of the wires has a buzzer. A circuit protecting switch and a metal conductor are fitted within a cylinder with the metal conductor partially projected out of an end of the cylinder. Another one of the wires is provided at an end with a metal conductor which is fitted within another cylinder and partially extends out of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jeng-Hwang You
  • Publication number: 20010015579
    Abstract: An adapter includes a cord, a fitting portion, a voltage setting unit, and a fitting prevention mechanism. The cord is adapted to connect to a DC power source unit in order to receive DC voltage from the DC power source unit. The fitting portion is for insertion into the battery holding space of any one of a plurality of cordless power tools. The fitting portion receives the DC voltage received through the cord and supplies the DC voltage to a cordless power tool in which the fitting portion is properly inserted. The voltage setting unit is for setting voltage supplied through the fitting portion to the cordless power tool. The fitting prevention mechanism operates in linked association with operation of the voltage setting unit to prevent proper insertion of the fitting portion into a cordless power tool that has a rated voltage different from the voltage set by the voltage setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakagawa, Eiji Nakayama, Takeshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 6232677
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of resetting an electric device. One method according to the present invention includes providing an electrical device including a power supply and an electrical component; providing an interconnect; electrically coupling the power supply and the electrical component using the interconnect; shorting the power supply of the electrical device following the coupling; removing the short; and applying power from the power supply to the electrical component via the interconnect. Another method according to the present invention includes providing a substrate; supporting a power supply using the substrate; supporting an electrical component using the substrate; coupling the power supply and the electrical component using an interconnect; temporarily shorting the power supply; and applying power via the interconnect to the electrical component using the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 6208520
    Abstract: An apparatus, computer system and method allow either redundant power supplies or a non-redundant power supply to be mounted in a computer chassis, efficiently fitting into the same space. The apparatus and computer system include a chassis with a power supply bay for holding one of a power supply of a first type and a plurality of power supplies of a second type wherein the power supply bay is capable of receiving either one of the power supply of the first type and the plurality of power supplies of the second type, the power supply of the first type fitting into the same space as the plurality of power supplies of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Ty R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6204637
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying external electrical power to charge a battery within a data processing system by utilizing a automated remotely located power adapter is disclosed. The automated remotely located power adapter includes a state control logic circuit for determining when to supply external electrical power to charge the battery and an auto-close detection circuit for automatically shutting on and off the external electrical power in response to the state control logic. The automated remotely located power adapter is connectable between the external power supply and the data processing system for supplying external electrical power to charge the battery within the data processing system and automatically shuts off the external electrical power when the data processing system indicates that the battery is fully charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Michael Rengan
  • Patent number: 6198642
    Abstract: A compact multiple output power supply which has a circuit architecture with distinct primary and secondary circuit domains. Within the secondary circuit domain, a distribution bus of relatively low constant voltage supplies power inputs to d.c.-to-d.c. converters providing regulated outputs and operating independently of each other. Because of the secondary circuit domain topology, surface mount components are made available in conjunction with relatively simple converter circuitry. Heat management within the compact housing of the power supply is achieved through the utilization of linear driven air flows in combination with employment of heat sinks extending to the heat sink configured cover of the housing. Additionally, the highest heat generation components are positioned rearwardmost within the driven air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tracewell Power, Inc.
    Inventor: John Kociecki
  • Patent number: 6191948
    Abstract: A device, used in particular in telecommunications technology to supply power to parallel-connected, electrical loads has side-by-side arranged potential lines. These are secured inside a connecting housing, with connections for supplying the operating potential. The connections supply plug-in modules for connecting individual loads, which modules are fitted against the connecting housing in longitudinal direction of the potential lines. The potential lines are configured as rigid, parallel bus bars that project on a side from the connecting housing. With the aid of passages that make contact with the bus bars, the plug-in modules are fitted side-by-side onto the bus bars, such that they fit against the connecting housing or against each other, and are frictionally secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Beyer
  • Patent number: 6188146
    Abstract: A power supply for providing electrical power to one or more communications components includes energy converting cells configured for mounting on or adjacent a light source such as a street light. Energy dissipated by the light source is converted into electrical energy and used to power one or ore communications components. The power supply combined with a battery, control circuitry and a communications component is provided as a unit to be mounted onto a street light housing. Energy converting cells in the form of thermoelectric converters use the heat from the light housing to power the communications component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Paris Michaels
  • Patent number: 6188575
    Abstract: A novel and apparatus for cooling, supporting, and packaging power electronics. An elongated heat exchanger having a rectangular cross-section may carry and cool plural electronic devices. Plural heat exchangers may be arranged to form a chassis for two-sided cooling. Electronic devices on the heat exchangers may be interconnected and configured using circuitry bonded to a power pack cover. Circuitry on the cover, e.g., for reducing internal inductance, CTE mismatch and preventing voltage overshoot at turn-off, may be cooled through physical connections with electronic devices carried by the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Intersil Corporation
    Inventor: James Kevin Azotea
  • Patent number: 6181032
    Abstract: An improved interface for releasably connecting a power control module or battery pack to an electrical appliance or tool. The power control module includes a power control trigger and provides electrical power to a motor of the appliance. The power control switch is located on the appliance, and is actuated by a portion of the trigger extending through the interface. The interface includes a pair of dovetail connections with interlocking flanges, requiring a two-motion procedure for assembly and disassembly. A latch release assembly interacts with the trigger to avoid powering the motor during assembly, and to prevent disassembly with the trigger pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Michael A. Milligan, Kevin Stones
  • Patent number: 6169661
    Abstract: A computer spare power supply structure includes a power supply and a casing. One corner of the casing is provided with a retaining threaded seat. One corner edge of the power supply is provided with a longitudinal recess that can circumvent the retaining threaded seat when being inserted into the casing, thereby achieving optimum use of the unit usable space of the power supply and ensuring that the power supply appears nice and even on a front face of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Kenny Lee
  • Patent number: 6153950
    Abstract: A power supply device for an electronic equipment is able to execute an accurate discrimination even when a battery, whose characteristics are different, is attached to the electronic equipment. A power supply voltage from a battery cell 11 provided in an external battery 1 is outputted to a power supply terminal 12 and also supplied to an input terminal of an A/D converting means housed in a microcomputer 13. The microcomputer 13 stores threshold values of operation discrimination voltages of a battery (B), and these values are transmitted through a communication terminal 14. A terminal voltage, which is inputted to a power supply terminal 21 provided in an electronic equipment body 2, is applied to an internal circuit 22 or the like, and is also applied to an input terminal of an A/D converting means housed in a microcomputer 23. Also, the microcomputer 23 stores threshold values of operation discrimination voltages of an equipment body (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Hirano, Yoshinari Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6115236
    Abstract: The HT power supply unit modular support according to the invention comprises functional housings intended to accommodate the functional elements of the power supply unit, the insulating walls of which are formed by two protruding walls (2, 3) having overlapping complementary inclined surfaces (5, 6). Application to HT power supply units for X-ray sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Jedlitschka, Denis Perillat, Jacques Sireul
  • Patent number: 6094345
    Abstract: In a modern computer, heat is removed from the internal power supply unit by means of a fan and ducting for channeling the airflow created by the fan through the circuitry of the power supply unit. The fan draws part of its air supply from the ambient air inside the computer casing and this helps to cool other components of the computer such as the microprocessor. As the power of microprocessors increases, the cooling requirement for this component has increased and heat sinks have been utilised to increase heat transfer to the surrounding air. Whilst further augmentation of heat removal could be achieved by increasing the power of the cooling fan, this would also increase noise levels. The present arrangement provides for increased heat removal without increasing fan power by arranging for the microprocessor heat sink to project into the ducting used to channel cooling air over the circuitry of the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Guy Diemunsch
  • Patent number: 6081047
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of resetting an electric device. One method according to the present invention includes providing an electrical device including a power supply and an electrical component; providing an interconnect; electrically coupling the power supply and the electrical component using the interconnect; shorting the power supply of the electrical device following the coupling; removing the short; and applying power from the power supply to the electrical component via the interconnect. Another method according to the present invention includes providing a substrate; supporting a power supply using the substrate; supporting an electrical component using the substrate; coupling the power supply and the electrical component using an interconnect; temporarily shorting the power supply; and applying power via the interconnect to the electrical component using the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 6072250
    Abstract: A battery pack (100) includes a battery cell (102), a power switch (104), a regulator circuit (106), control circuit (108), electronic drive switch (112), and a mechanical driver switch (116). The battery pack is placed in the hibernate mode by sending a hibernate message to the control circuit from an external device (134). The control circuit removes a control signal from the electronic driver switch, causing the power switch to open, removing power from the regulator circuit and all attached circuitry, including the control circuit. No current flows from the battery cell past the opened power switch, and the battery pack is then in the hibernate mode. To wake up the battery pack, the mechanical driver switch is actuated by a user, causing the power switch to close, allowing current and voltage from the battery cell to power up the regulator circuit, which in turn powers up the control circuit. The control circuit applies a control signal to the electronic driver switch to hold the power switch closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Iilonga P. Thandiwe, James L. Estes, Jr., Theresa P. Szeto
  • Patent number: 6060795
    Abstract: A power pack for providing power electronics at high temperature with high dI/dt, current, and voltage capability. The power pack having three layers. A top layer for providing: a matching composite Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) between power device materials and power electrodes, thermal cooling, and electrical conduction paths. The top layer may have interface circuitry for driving and controlling on-board power semiconductor devices. The top layer may also include traces and pads for the attachment of a gate, a gate return, and terminals. A middle layer may be a power semiconductor device providing control of the current flow. The bottom layer may be a rigid base plate for providing structural rigidity or may provide an electric and thermal path for the power semiconductor device. The power pack also includes a thermal shim which provides a thermal path to dissipate heat generated by the interface circuitry. The power pack may also include a snubber circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Intersil Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Azotea, Steve Arthur, Homer Glascock
  • Patent number: 6057612
    Abstract: A power pack including a power device and driver circuit sandwiched between a base plate and a lid. The base plate and lid having flat exterior surfaces for bonding with heat exchangers and/or an external bus to provide both two-sided cooling and two-sided electrical access. The driver circuit and power device are spaced apart to allow parallel and separate thermal conduction paths to both the base plate and lid. The power pack further including a seal enclosing the power device and driver circuit between the base plate and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Intersil Corporation
    Inventor: Victor A. K. Temple
  • Patent number: 6049145
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes electrical circuitry (130), a housing (105) in which the electronic circuitry (130) is situated, a cover (110) for enclosing the electrical circuitry (130) within the housing (105), and a tamper proof safety circuit (120) coupled to the electrical circuitry (130) for rendering the electronic device (100) inoperable when the housing (105) and cover (110) are disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal M. Austin, Kevin D. Page
  • Patent number: 6031297
    Abstract: Printed circuit board comprising two power supplies V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 and a ground (GND), and a plurality of modules among which at least one module supplied by one of the power supplies can be replaced by another pin-compatible module supplied by the other power supply, each power supply being supplied in each case by a circuit including a ferrite connected to the power supply and a capacitor connected to the ground in order to filter the high frequency signals due to the switching operations in the modules. The board comprises a first area (24 or 24') having a first and a second terminals which is dedicated to a first ferrite to be connected to one power supply by means of its first terminal, and a second area (26 or 26') having a first and a second terminals and being dedicated to a second ferrite to be connected to the other power supply by means of its first terminal, each area including a connecting means for connecting the second terminal associated with the area to the footprints of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Louis, Michel Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: RE37182
    Abstract: A power system plant includes a backplane arrangement including a primary and secondary bus to which intermediate power processing modules are selectively connected to the input and output power control and monitors of the plant. The backplane connections are controlled by the plug-in power processing modules. , the resulting connections are unique to the type of plug-in module placeed placed on an input shelf (i.e. rectifier or converter plug-in module) and determine how the plant is to operated. The connections of these plug-in modules to the backplane connector are such that the plug-in module is designed to have its connectors connect to either primary or secondary referenced control signals. The connectors of the backplane accept both type of plug-in modules so that any plug-in module inserted is automatically connected to respond to the appropriate primary or secondary referenced control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Greg H. Fasullo, A. S. Herbert