For Particular Load Device Patents (Class 307/154)
  • Patent number: 11929666
    Abstract: A first drive circuit is connected to a first end of a primary winding of a pulse transformer. A second drive circuit is connected to a second end of the primary winding of the pulse transformer. A voltage clamp unit clamps a voltage of a semiconductor element at a specified voltage when a voltage output from a secondary winding of the pulse transformer is negative. A current detection circuit detects current flowing through the semiconductor element and outputs a detection signal. A control circuit controls the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit based on the detection signal. A current limiting circuit imposes a limit on current flowing through the primary winding of the pulse transformer based on the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikarashi, Hideyasu Machii, Naoki Takigawa
  • Patent number: 11921147
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a polyphase network includes the steps, repeated regularly, of: acquiring voltage measurements taken by voltage sensors of an item of electrical equipment, and producing current values of electrical parameters; accessing a reference table comprising a list of connection configurations each associated with a distinct combination of reference values of said electrical parameters, the list of connection configurations comprising configurations each corresponding to a combination of connection states for each phase (P1, P2, P3) and for the neutral (N); implementing an exploratory algorithm intended to explore the reference table to identify the current connection configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
    Inventors: Pierre Lhuillier, SĂ©bastien Saint-Leger
  • Patent number: 11899600
    Abstract: A serial connector adapter system includes a serial connector adapter device connected to a computing device. The serial connector adapter device includes a serial communication request subsystem coupled to a serial connector and a first USB connector. The computing device includes a second USB connector connected to the first USB connector, a serial communication subsystem coupled to the second USB connector, and a serial communication configuration subsystem coupled to the second USB connector and the serial communication subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Lambert, Jeffrey L Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11571982
    Abstract: This disclosure presents a portable load bank apparatus, system, method of control, and method of manufacture. A portable load bank apparatus may comprise one or more of a vehicle, a load bank, a set of batteries, a set of battery chargers, one or more processors, and/or other components. The load bank may be configured to perform a load test of an external power source. The processor(s) may be configured to cause one or more battery chargers in the set of battery chargers to direct an amount of a power output received by the load bank from the external power source to the set of batteries. The set of batteries may be used to provide electrical energy to one or more of an electric motor of the vehicle, one or more other electric vehicle, and/or other sources that may need electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: Shelby Kenneth Campbell Tyne
  • Patent number: 11569691
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a power transmitter and control circuitry. The power transmitter is configured to transmit power by using electromagnetic waves. The control circuitry is configured to transmit a first request including information on the electronic apparatus to a first server before power transmission, and start power transmission by the power transmitter if a first response from the first server relating to the first request is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yutaka Asanuma
  • Patent number: 10998626
    Abstract: There are provided an antenna control apparatus, a head-mounted display, an antenna control method, and a program that are capable of suppressing power consumption of the head-mounted display including a plurality of antennas. A selection unit selects, as an antenna to be driven, a portion of the plurality of antennas in accordance with an attitude of the head-mounted display including the plurality of antennas. An antenna control unit controls only the antenna to be driven to be driven and an antenna other than the antenna to be driven to be stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Issei Chigusa, Katsuyoshi Onishi, Kazuo Miura
  • Patent number: 10897138
    Abstract: A switch has a first input to couple to an AC electrical power source, a second input to couple to a DC electrical power source, and an output to couple to an electrical power load. A control module transmits a signal to the electrical power load to determine whether the electrical power load uses AC electrical power or DC electrical power, and receives in response thereto an indication that the electrical power load uses one of AC electrical power and DC electrical power. The control module then transmits a signal to the switch to configure the switch to receive electrical power from one of the AC electrical power source and the DC electrical power source and transmit the received electrical power to the electrical power load, responsive to the received indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Katerra, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Brathwaite, Jumie Yuventi, Bahman Sharifipour, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 10819456
    Abstract: A distribution point unit to exchange communication data between a service provider and subscribers. The distribution point unit may include a first port to couple the distribution point unit to an optical data network to exchange communication data between the distribution point unit and the service provider, and a second port to couple the distribution point unit to an electrical data network to exchange the communication data between the subscribers and the distribution point unit. The distribution point unit may also include a third port to couple the distribution point unit to an electrical device, the third port being configured to provide control data to control the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventor: Martin Spreemann
  • Patent number: 10554137
    Abstract: A DC/DC converter enabling a step-up operation and a step-down operation in a bidirectional power transmission, and capable of adjusting transmission power amount with a good response. A DC/DC converter decreases a first phase shift amount and increases a second phase shift amount, as a first transmission power amount increases, when a first transmission power amount is larger than a first reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Higaki, Ryota Kondo
  • Patent number: 10056945
    Abstract: A leakage power processing method of an electronic device including a first conductive pattern that sends and receives a communication signal associated with a communication function, a second conductive pattern that is arranged adjacent to the first conductive pattern and sends and receives a power signal used for charging, and a communication hardware interface electrically connected with the first conductive pattern is provided. The leakage power processing method includes determining, by a processor of an electronic device, whether a specific power signal is induced through the second conductive pattern and forming, by the processor of the electronic device, a closed loop including the first conductive pattern if the specific power signal of a specific magnitude or greater is induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Zo Kim, Kwang Seob Kim, Se Ho Park, Yu Su Kim, Han Seok Park, Keum Su Song, Ju Hyang Lee, Min Cheol Ha
  • Patent number: 10042801
    Abstract: A system for detecting universal serial bus (USB) device and method thereof are described. The system and method utilizes a USB controller to control a switch module and to detect the signal level of USB interface for determining whether the USB device is electrically connected to the host unit. Therefore, the system and method are capable of improving the power consumption of the host unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GENESYS LOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: Nai-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 9948194
    Abstract: In a DC/DC converter, a first switching circuit is connected between a first winding of a transformer and a DC power supply, and a second switching circuit is connected between a second winding and a battery. In charging the battery, a control circuit controls respectively phase shift amounts of first and second diagonal elements in the first and second switching circuits relative to the drive phase of a first reference element in the first switching circuit. During a step-up charge control period, if charge current is positive or zero, the control circuit performs control so that the phase shift amount becomes greater than the phase shift amount by an amount exceeding a short-circuit prevention time for the switching elements, allowing step-up operation to be performed, improving controllability in step-up control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Higaki, Ryota Kondo, Masaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 9893700
    Abstract: A LAN filtering circuit is discloses. The LAN filtering circuit includes an isolation transformer and a common-mode chock. The isolation transformer includes a first winding and a second winding coupling to each other. The first winding has a first tap, a second tap, and a center tap. A distance between the first tap and the second tap is not only larger than a distance between the first tap and the center tap but also larger than a distance between the second tap and the center tap. The common-mode chock includes a first input port, a second input port, and an input port arranged in a sequence order, the first tap is electrically connected to the first input port, the second tap is electrically connected to the second input port, and the center tap is electrically connected to the input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Chi-Huan Teng
  • Patent number: 9806543
    Abstract: A system and methods to configure, track and provide device data for clients is disclosed. The system configures a device to interact according to client specified settings. The system also tracks relevant data from a service provider interaction with the client. The system is configured to provide the tracked data to a third party upon a validated request. For example, the system may store and provide the tracked data in the cloud, through a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: David J. Radford
  • Patent number: 9678550
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems, devices, and methods effective to dynamically select at least one power supply rail for a router. In some examples, a power control unit may be configured to determine a buffer occupancy level of one or more buffers of the router. In some further examples, the buffer occupancy level may be compared to a threshold value. In various other examples, the at least one power supply rail of the router may be switched from a first power rail to a second power rail based on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Mazen Kharbutli, Yan Solihin
  • Patent number: 9641089
    Abstract: A first switching circuit is connected between a transformer first winding and a DC power supply. A second switching circuit is connected between the transformer second winding and a battery. When charging the battery, a control circuit turns off an element in a second bridge circuit in the second switching circuit, and controls a phase shift amount of a first diagonal element, and a phase shift amount of a second diagonal element in the second bridge circuit, relative to a drive phase of a first reference element in a first bridge circuit in the first switching circuit. When discharging the battery, the control circuit turns off an element in the first bridge circuit and controls a phase shift amount of the second diagonal element and a phase shift amount of the first diagonal element relative to a drive phase of a second reference element in the second bridge circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Higaki, Ryota Kondo, Masaki Yamada, Yohei Tan
  • Patent number: 9030056
    Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) voltage supply system for supplying a multipole mass spectrometer, in particular a quadrupole mass spectrometer, with the alternating RF voltage used to generate a multipole field, in a secondary circuit excited by means of a primary circuit. The RF voltage supply system has an RF voltage measuring device, by means of which the alternating RF voltage in the secondary circuit is sampled, and a digital measurement value that is dependent on the alternating RF voltage is determined. The RF voltage supply system also has a computing device, by means of which a digital alternating voltage amplitude setting value is determined, taking the measurement value into account. There is also an RF voltage generator, by means of which the alternating RF voltage can be made available with an alternating RF voltage amplitude that is set depending on the alternating voltage amplitude setting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: InProcess Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Thomsen, Rainer Kappelt, Rolf Reinermann
  • Publication number: 20150122008
    Abstract: The present invention can be made more lightweight even if a dry cell is used as a power source battery, can supply a necessary voltage at a battery capacity corresponding to an observation time, and can generate a predetermined electromotive force even in extremely low-temperature environments, This radiosonde power source device supplies driving electrical power to an apparatus tor processing and transmitting observation information resulting from, observing meteorological phenomena of the upper atmosphere, and has; a dry cell such as a lithium battery having a rated voltage lower than the driving voltage of the apparatus; and one or more step-up power source circuits that step-up the voltage of the dry cell to a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Kensaku Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20150114024
    Abstract: A portable cooler includes an insulated body that defines a main interior storage space, and a lid structured to at least partially cover the main interior storage space. The lid includes an integrated blender or an integrated blender drive. Components of the blender may include a source of electrical power, an electric motor, and a blender spindle mounted through a surface of the lid and coupled to the electric motor. The integrated blender may also include a blender jar structured to hold food items for blending and one or more blending blades. The lid may further include a blender recess shaped in a negative mold of a collar of the blender jar to prevent the blender jar from rotating during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan Grepper
  • Patent number: 8989598
    Abstract: Methods and circuits for providing a minimum driving voltage to a current-driven load (such as a laser diode) are disclosed. The circuit and methods may be useful for efficiently providing a bias and/or driving current to the current-driven load with minimal energy loss. The circuit generally comprises (1) a driver or voltage source configured to provide the bias and/or driving current to the current-driven load, (2) a sense circuit configured to (i) sense the bias and/or driving current and (ii) convert the bias and/or driving current to a first voltage, and (3) a comparator configured to (i) receive the first voltage and first and second reference voltages and (ii) provide a feedback/error signal to the driver or voltage source, the feedback/error signal configured to maintain or adjust the bias and/or driving current at or towards a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Source Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammad Azadeh
  • Patent number: 8841801
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for limiting the input power of a power supply appliance (1) fitted between a power source (2) and a load (3). The arrangement according to the invention comprises a power supply appliance (1) fitted between a power source (2) and the load to be supplied (3), which power supply appliance (1) is fitted to limit its input power on the basis of the status of the aforementioned power source (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: KONE Corporation
    Inventor: Risto Jokinen
  • Patent number: 8823219
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to device for selectively forming an open loop antenna or a closed loop antenna. A device may include a wireless power receiver and a receive antenna operably coupled to the wireless power receiver and having a portion for selectively forming an open loop antenna or a closed loop antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Shahin Farahani
  • Publication number: 20140232208
    Abstract: In a movement control apparatus manipulation can be carried out while watching the movement of the moving body, without needing to watch one's hands, so even a novice operator can perform the manipulation easily, safely, reliably, and quickly. The apparatus can include a signal transmission cable, a casing of a manipulation remote controller disposed at one end of the cable, a rotary encoder that produces a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing, and a motor drive control circuit that is disposed on the other side of the cable and controls the movement of a moving body on the basis of a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing. The signal corresponding to the direction of the casing can be supplied from the rotary encoder, through the cable, to the motor drive control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GOGOU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fujioki YAMAGUCHI, Kouji OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8793516
    Abstract: A power supply unit for providing power to servers and a power supply system for servers is disclosed. The power supply unit for providing power to servers, comprises a housing; a plurality of power supplies arranged in the housing, the plurality of power supplies comprising a first output end and a second output end; a circuit board comprising a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate, the first conductive plate being electrically connected with the first output end, and the second conductive plate being electrically connected with the second output end; and an integrated management module electrically connected with the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Yu Li, Ning Zhang, Sheng-Ping Xie, Yun-Quan Tang
  • Publication number: 20140068891
    Abstract: A power factor correction circuit, a power supply device and a vacuum cleaner using the same. The power supply device for a vacuum cleaner is applicable to a vacuum cleaner having a flexible hose. The power supply device for a vacuum cleaner includes: A power factor correction unit correcting a power factor of an AC voltage supplied from an AC power source; a rectifying unit rectifying the AC voltage power factor-corrected by the power factor correction unit into a direct current (DC) voltage and outputting the DC voltage; a smoothing unit smoothing the DC voltage output from the rectifying unit and outputting the smoothed the DC voltage; an a converting unit converting the smoothed DC voltage from the smoothing unit into an AC voltage, wherein the power factor correction unit uses a conductive line included in the flexible hose, as an inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SUMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyung Joon Kim, Han Kyung Bae, Hong Chul Shin
  • Publication number: 20140009003
    Abstract: Various embodiments enable the operation of fuel cell system support equipment using variable frequency drives and power from fuel cells and/or grid power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Chad Pearson, Rajesh Gopinath, Carl Cottuli, James Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 8624444
    Abstract: A process for conserving energy while operating a water heater includes the steps of programming a system controller with at least one time interval and assigning a target temperature, comparing the current time to the programmed time interval and the current water temperature setting for the water heater against the target temperature, and heating the water as long as the current time is within the time interval and the water temperature setting is less than the target temperature. An energy saving switch includes a programmable logic controller, geared control shafts, a motor, a control lever, and a mating cuff. Together, these members control the water heater thermostat control valve to ensure that hot water is available only during the times of day when it is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Monetti
  • Publication number: 20130335013
    Abstract: An electric power tool is powered by a plurality of rechargeable battery cells and configured to removably receive respective rechargeable battery cells individually. The electric power tool may preferably include a monitor circuit that monitors states of respective battery cells, and an indicator circuit that indicates the states of the respective battery cells monitored by the monitor circuit. Especially, the monitor circuit may preferably monitor output voltages of the respective rechargeable battery cells and the indicator circuit may preferably indicate whether the detected output voltages are within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Hideyuki Taga, Hironori Ogura, Kenta Eguchi, Kazuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 8575789
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a carrier, a power unit, a switch, and a controller. The carrier is configured to carry a recording medium. The power unit is configured to provide drive power to the carrier. The switch is configured to switch an operation state of the carrier between an ON state and an OFF state of a transmission of the drive power from the power unit to the carrier. The controller is configured to provide a control power to control the switch such that the control power is reduced after switching from the OFF state to the ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kubo
  • Patent number: 8558414
    Abstract: A voltage regulator for a merchandise display security device provides an appropriate operating voltage through a power cable electrically connected between an alarm sensor and an item of merchandise. The voltage regulator utilizes a feedback signal from a power conversion chip and data from a microprocessor look-up table to adjust the input power to the merchandise. The look-up table stores appropriate operating voltage requirements for each power cable used for different types and brands of merchandise. The type and brand of merchandise is identified by the resistance of the power cable and the feedback signal is modified continuously to maintain power to the merchandise at an appropriate operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Warren, David P. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20130264439
    Abstract: A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, ROBERT RYAN BRADLEY, JAMES W. KENDALL, STEVEN J. KUEHL, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, ALAN S. LUCAS, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU
  • Publication number: 20130241315
    Abstract: The recuperative cableway system with fuel cells (10) serves for transportation of the load using a skyline (1), mainly for skidding, which uses gravity of the carriage (18) and load (19) to run an electric generator (8) with the help of a winding device (3) and a clutch (5), and voltage from electric generator (8) helps electrolysis of water in fuel cells (10), where oxygen and hydrogen are produced, and consequently they synthesize in fuel cells (10) into water when pulling an empty carriage up the hill, and at the same time, voltage is produced, and it is transmitted through the switch (13) into an electric motor (9), it runs the winding device (3) using a clutch (6) and it helps to pull the empty carriage up the hill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Vladimir Stollmann, Stefan IlcĂ­k, Jozef Suchomel, Peter Smal
  • Patent number: 8456040
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device that operates to detect when the encoded feature module is connected to the utility source, where one or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source, and where the detection and recognition device may be a reed switch, a DIP switch, and a comparator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
  • Patent number: 8400025
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially reducing the electrical energy consumption of a.c. induction motor-driven appliances by connecting a database predetermined capacitance in parallel with the motor-driven appliances and connecting a database predetermined inductance in series with the a.c. induction motor-driven appliances to effect the optimal power factor correction and optimal inrush current limiting of such motor-driven appliances thereby conserving electrical energy and reducing electrical energy costs. The databases of the present invention which specify the optimal power factor correction capacitance value and an optimal inductance value for specific a.c. induction motor-driven appliances eliminates the need for preliminary power factor and inrush current related electrical measurements and making the mass production and sale of the present invention practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Erik Keith Walker, James Lee Elliott
  • Publication number: 20130026855
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Whirlpool Corporation
  • Patent number: 8302418
    Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising an outdoor and an indoor unit connected through common power supply lines. The outdoor unit including a first communication circuit using one of the plurality of common power supply lines and one signal line independent of the power supply lines. The indoor unit comprising terminals connected to the first communication circuit; a switch configured to set the first and second communication circuits to a connection state or a disconnection state; a detection circuit configured to detect a voltage between the terminals; and a controller configured to control the switch. The switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the disconnection state when the voltage detected by the detection circuit equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold value; otherwise the switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8299656
    Abstract: A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. LeClear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
  • Patent number: 8296587
    Abstract: A legacy adapter for use with devices to be powered by a power adapter is described. The legacy adapter includes a multi-purpose power connector configured to couple to a power adapter external to the electrical device, a connector configured to connect the electrical device, and a microprocessor configured to communicate digitally with the power adapter. The microprocessor communicates power requirements of the electrical device to the power adapter through the multi-purpose power connector. A related method of receiving power from a power adapter external to an electrical device through a legacy adapter is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Green Plug, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Paniagua, Jr., Parag Mody, Hossein Yassaie
  • Patent number: 8212430
    Abstract: An electromagnetic service communicating device for coupling to a host in at least two distinct orientations as well as a modular system including a host and a functional device. The electromagnetic service communicating device provides electromagnetic service from the host to the functional device. The electromagnetic service communicating device includes a first member having a first interface connectable to the host and that is pivotally connected to a second member having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The hosts can have differently oriented electromagnetic service interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8207635
    Abstract: In one example, an electric circuit may be provided that is coupled to a line. The electric circuit may include a switch connected in series with a load, where the switch and the load are in series between two conductors of the line. The line may provide power to the load. The electric circuit may also include a resistive element connected in parallel with the switch and in series with the load. The switch may be configured to short circuit the resistive element when closed such that the voltage on the line varies between two voltage levels when the switch is opened and closed. The line provides power to the load when the switch is opened and when the switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Redwood Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Covaro
  • Patent number: 8205466
    Abstract: An air conditioning system including a first communication line, a second communication line, and at least one common power supply line coupling an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit including at least one of a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit, the first communication circuit configured to communicate through the first and second communication lines independent of the at least one power supply line, and the second communication circuit configured to communicate through the at least one power supply line and one of the first and the second communication lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120119591
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a pulsed power supply for plasma electrolytic deposition (PED) for generating pulsed direct current for controlled interruption of the arcing process of PED, comprising a power distribution and relay logic (PDRL) module; a positive AC/DC (alternating current/direct current) power module; a negative AC/DC power module; a power pulse output module; and a computer control and data acquisition module, wherein the power pulse output module further comprises a pulse controller and an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power switch, and wherein the PDRL module is operatively coupled to both the positive and negative AC/DC power modules and the respective positive and negative power modules are then operatively coupled to both the power pulse output module and the computer control and data acquisition module, and wherein the computer control and data acquisition module controls both the respective positive and negative power modules and the power pulse output module to generate pulsed
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Jian Sun, Weiman Qian, Wei Qu, Shiqiang Hui
  • Publication number: 20120056498
    Abstract: The present invention provides an RFID tag with energy collecting function, comprising a shell, and an RFID circuit is arranged in the shell. The RFID tag also comprises an energy converter and an energy-storage unit, wherein the energy converter is used for converting external energy of the RFID tag to electrical energy, the energy-storage unit is arranged in the shell for storing electrical energy generated by the energy converter, so as to provide electricity for the RFID circuit. In the RFID tag in the present invention, by arranging the energy converter to convert the energy, the RFID tag has an energy collecting function; therefore, batteries are not needed to be replaced continuously, so as to be convenient for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: LIPING ZHU
  • Publication number: 20120019062
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical power head for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances for an above ground pool. The power head includes at least one electrical outlet. The power head has an electrical housing located proximate the pool. The housing has access to an electrical power source. The power source defines ordinary domestic power. The housing includes an electrical circuit having structure for connecting the power head to the domestic A/C electricity, a step-down transformer for converting domestic A/C into electricity into that usable by a connectable pool appliance and a DAC for converting a digital signal to an analog signal, decision means for determining whether the usable electricity is D/C or A/C and at least one electrical outlet for connection to an electrical pool appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Publication number: 20120000609
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a process chamber including a chamber lid and a chamber body to provide a reaction space therein; a source electrode in the process chamber; a radio frequency (RF) power source for supplying an RF power to the source electrode; a feeding line connecting the source electrode and the RF power source; and a shielding part wrapping the feeding line to block an electric field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: JUSUNG ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Chul DO, Bu-Il JEON, Myung-Gon SONG, Jung-Rak LEE
  • Patent number: 8058753
    Abstract: A means for improving the dynamic and voltage stability of utility transmission systems is provided by the coordinated control of windfarms. Electrical measurements of the system, which may include synchronized phasors, are supplied to one or more windfarm controllers, which in turn perform a regulation function improving the damping of electromechanical oscillations or voltage performance in the utility system. The control structure is of a decentralized nature, which maintains operation in case of communication failures. The benefits are improved damping to electromechanical oscillations and better voltage performance and ultimately increased utilization of assets, reducing the install additional network assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alfredo S. Achilles, Parag Vyas, Robert W. Delmerico
  • Patent number: 8053935
    Abstract: An appliance having various mechanical components that can be replaced with a component that provides power or data to the appliance. The component being replaced includes handles, trim pieces, face plates, or the like. The source of power to the new mechanical component comes from an external source which can also provide data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Knight, Richard A. McCoy, Ameresh B. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 8018096
    Abstract: An inductive pulse forming network stores electrical energy delivered from an outside prime power supply in the electric field of a low-voltage, high-energy density network capacitor. Through timed actuation of a series of one or more switches, the energy stored in the electric field of the network capacitor is subsequently converted to electrical energy stored in the magnetic field of a network inductor. The energy stored in the network inductor supplies high-current, high-power electrical energy to drive an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William Bryan Maier, II
  • Publication number: 20110193423
    Abstract: A system with three distinct but integral aspects for an effective energy optimization solution is disclosed. First, the system comprises a Smart Energy Load Center (SELC) adjacent to an energy generation facility (e.g., a wind farm) to limit or to entirely eliminate energy losses in transit and to reduce transmission and distribution infrastructure costs, and to eliminate energy handling costs reflected in relatively higher retail energy rates, compared to lower wholesale energy rates. Second, the system comprises methods to split existing energy consuming gadgets/gizmos (e.g., personal computers—PCs) into two sets of parts and moves the bigger set of the parts to the SELC without compromising the original functionality of the gadgets/gizmos. Thirdly, the system utilizes the material reduction and increased design features and cost savings yielded by the economies of scale offered by PCs residing at the SELC (Remote PC Warehouse) and harnesses the residual energy contained in the digital information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: James R. Stalker
  • Publication number: 20110187205
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement CA for supplying a field device F1 of automation technology includes a consumer circuit CC, a direct-voltage converter G and an input circuit IC having a 2-conductor connection CN. The input circuit IC includes a modulator unit M, which is connected with a current regulating circuit RC and the direct-voltage converter G. The modulator unit M so controls the direct-voltage converter G that an adjustable total current IS is carried by the 2-conductor connection CN. Use of the controlled direct-voltage converter G enables an optimum power transfer to the consumer circuit CC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Endress +Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Jiri Karbula