Plural Sources Of Supply Patents (Class 307/18)
  • Publication number: 20080231112
    Abstract: On an aircraft, primary power distribution control and secondary power distribution control may be performed with a single line replaceable module (LRM) having an integrated architecture. The LRM may be provided with trip engines that are based on digital signal processors (DSP's). The DSP's may be programmed to allow the trip engines to perform either ELCU functions or SSPC functions. Use of the single LRM precludes a need for complex circuitry that might otherwise be required to coordinate prior-art independent ELCU and SSPC controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Randy J. Fuller, Zhenning Z. Liu, Milind Ghanekar, Ted J. Gayowsky
  • Patent number: 7417335
    Abstract: A power booster circuit for use with an integrated circuit coupled to power supply circuitry. The integrated circuit includes a first circuit block that operates at a first voltage level and a second circuit block that operates at a second voltage level. The power supply circuitry includes a first regulator that receives a main supply voltage and provides a first supply voltage at the first level and a second regulator that receives the first supply voltage and provides a second supply voltage at the voltage level. The power booster circuit provides a temporary supply voltage at a third level to the second circuit block in response to the main supply voltage during a time interval between a first time at which the first supply voltage reaches the first level and a second time at which the second supply voltage reaches the second level upon power up of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Hakam D. Hussein, Sam B. Bhattarai
  • Patent number: 7408269
    Abstract: There is provided a method for managing a multi-level power supply. The method includes comparing a voltage level (Vs1) of a lower voltage supply bus to a voltage level (Vs2) of a higher voltage supply bus, and routing current from the lower voltage supply bus to the higher voltage supply bus if Vs2<Vs1. The lower and higher voltage supply busses provide power to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit. The method prevents a latch-up of the CMOS circuit. There is also provided a circuit that employs the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv V Joshi, Louis L Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080179948
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering power to a dynamic load. The system includes a power supply providing DC power having a substantially constant power open loop response, a power amplifier for converting the DC power to RF power, a sensor for measuring voltage, current and phase angle between voltage and current vectors associated with the RF power, an electrically controllable impedance matching system to modify the impedance of the power amplifier to at least a substantially matched impedance of a dynamic load, and a controller for controlling the electrically controllable impedance matching system. The system further includes a sensor calibration measuring module for determining power delivered by the power amplifier, an electronic matching system calibration module for determining power delivered to a dynamic load, and a power dissipation module for calculating power dissipated in the electrically controllable impedance matching system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Siddharth P. Nagarkatti, Yevgeniy Barskiy, Feng Tian, Ilya Bystryak
  • Publication number: 20080174177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for supplying power to an aircraft comprising several generators supplying alternating current to several different primary electrical master boxes (10, 11, 12 and 13), the various aircraft loads being connected to each of these master boxes. This system comprises conventional master boxes (10, 11, 12 and 13) which supply power loads and at least one master box (40, 41) devoted to actuator loads, this at least one devoted master box being connected to conventional master boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventors: Olivier LANGLOIS, Etienne Foch, Lucien Prisse, Xavier Roboam
  • Publication number: 20080157595
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus may include a plurality of power supply circuits, an individual soft start circuit including a first terminal for outputting a predetermined fixed voltage and a second terminal for outputting a voltage that varies with time, and an individual soft start switch. The individual soft start circuit may be operated when any of the plurality of supply voltages output from the power supply circuits is caused to make a transition individually. The individual soft start switch may connect the power supply circuit with the first terminal or the second terminal of the individual soft start circuit. The plurality of power supply circuits may apply soft start control to the respective supply voltages in accordance with the soft start voltage output from the individual soft start circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Miyagoe
  • Publication number: 20080157822
    Abstract: A zero-crossing point detection circuit includes a hot line input, a neutral line input, a first zero-crossing point output, and a first optical coupler. The first optical coupler includes a first light-emitting diode (LED) and a first optical transistor. The hot line input and neutral line input are respectively connected to two terminals of the first LED. An emitter of the first optical transistor is grounded. A collector of the first optical transistor is connected to a direct current (DC) power source. The collector of the first optical transistor is also connected to the first zero-crossing point output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HENG-CHEN KUO
  • Publication number: 20080150359
    Abstract: Low-potential side power supply lines and high-potential side power supply lines of n internal components making up a semiconductor device are sequentially connected in series between a ground voltage GND and a power supply VD. Voltage of a value obtained by adding values of predetermined operating voltage of the components is supplied as power supply for the entire device such that a differential voltage between the low-potential side and high-potential side wiring lines of each component is the predetermined operating voltage. Electric current flowing through the semiconductor device is reduced to 1/n, enabling reduction of voltage drop in the wiring lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Junji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080150356
    Abstract: A power distribution system for a vehicle is provided. The power distribution system includes a network incorporating at least one load. At least a first and a second power source are connected to the network. The first power source is located and connected proximal to the load and the second power source is located distal from the load. A generator may be connected to the network distally from the first and second loads and configured to supply power to at least one of the first and second loads. The generator may be configured such that power is supplied selectively when power from at least one of the first and second power sources is less than respectively required by the first and second loads. The first and second power sources may be configured to be regenerated by the generator. The network may include more highly power-rated components in areas configured for higher power transmission and more lowly power-rated components in areas configured for lower power transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph S. Breit, Joanna A. Szydlo-Moore, Kurt Lorhammer
  • Publication number: 20080143181
    Abstract: A semiconductor power supplying apparatus driven by a power source includes at least two driven circuits for performing prescribed data processing when electric power is supplied. An electric power supplying circuit is provided so as to convert power from the power source as needed to supply at least two driven circuits with electric power in accordance with voltages that the driven circuits need. A driven circuit power supplying condition signal generating device is provided so as to generate a driven circuit power supplying condition signal for determining a power supplying condition of all of the at least two driven circuits. A power supplying control signal generation circuit is also provided so as to generate a power supplying control signal for controlling operation of the power supplying circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Fujii
  • Publication number: 20080136260
    Abstract: A multiple input/output power converter includes: at least two input/output circuits to be connected to electric units; a plurality of power converting circuits including switches and at least an inductor, a plurality of capacitors connected to the power converting circuits; and a control circuit for controlling the switches in a plurality of modes to selectively operate the inductor and the capacitors to operate the power converting circuits in either of stepping up, stepping down, or conducting operation. The capacitors are shared among the power converting circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuto Watanabe, Mitsuaki Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 7383137
    Abstract: A method for managing power data includes determining an amount of power used for a system running an application over a first time period from an operating system. An amount of power used for the system in a baseline state over a second time period is determined from the operating system. A net power consumption of the application is determined from the amount of power used for the system running the application and the amount of power used for the system in the baseline state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ulf R. Hanebutte
  • Patent number: 7377805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an universal power supply apparatus wherein the power suitable for various kinds of portable electronic devices having different shapes and voltages of power input terminals is selectively supplied, and a power supply apparatus wherein a supplied voltage can be changed with only selection of a tip suitable for a portable electronic device. The power supply apparatus of the present invention includes a main unit having an electronic circuit for converting a received voltage, a cable, and a tip having a select pin. According to the present invention, as a desired power supply voltage is automatically adjusted by selecting a proper tip according to a subject electronic device, a manufacture cost is reduced. Further, as the power supply apparatus of the present invention can be used for various kinds of portable electronic devices by exchanging a tip, its operation is very easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim, Dae-Young Youn
  • Patent number: 7362005
    Abstract: An isolated dual power source system for isolating a first power source of a vehicle, connected to an engine starter, from a second power source of the vehicle which has an electrical circuit for distributing electrical power among the consumers, includes first and second switches for selectively connecting the first and second power sources to the electrical circuit, respectively. The system may include a controller that independently and operatively connects to the first and second switches to control operation thereof for selective and respective isolation from the electrical circuit. A third switch connecting the second power source to the starter may be used to selectively provide power thereto and bypass the first power source to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Red Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Leblanc
  • Patent number: 7358625
    Abstract: An electrical power strip includes a housing, an AC power source (e.g. a male plug or power cord), an AC outlet, a converter, and a 12 VDC outlet. The AC outlet and the converter receive power from the AC power source. The converter converts the AC power (e.g. 120 VAC) to 12 VDC and supplies the converted power to the 12 VDC outlet, which may be a cigarette lighter outlet. The housing exterior defines a cradle to receive a 12 VDC device. A handle is also included on the power strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Woods Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Cheng, Shiao-Tsun Ku, Dan Altheimer
  • Patent number: 7345378
    Abstract: A power supply circuit contains a plurality of DC-DC converter control loops that provide respectively different control signals. A plurality of output driver stages of given current drive capabilities have their inputs programmably connectable via a set of switches to control signals that may be generated by any of the converter control loops. The output of each output driver stage is externally selectively connectable to any of plural output voltage ports, so that each output voltage port is capable of supplying any of the respectively different output voltages associated with the voltage control signals generated by the DC-DC converter control loops, and has an output current capability that depends upon which output driver stages are coupled to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence George Pearce
  • Publication number: 20080048496
    Abstract: A junction box receives a plurality of input signals. The input signals are combined in accordance with AND logic to provide an output signal when all input signals are present. Multiple junction boxes may be connected to one another to increase the number of input signals that are accepted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Philip H. Fisher, Trent P. Fisher, Larry J. Linder
  • Patent number: 7332831
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a plurality of power supply circuits, switches connected to the power supply circuits, a common soft start circuit and an individual soft start circuit commonly connected to the plurality of power supply circuits via the switches. The power supply circuits are commonly connected to the common soft start circuit at power-on or power-off so as to perform common soft start by the common soft start circuit. When a voltage from any of the plurality of power supply circuits is caused to make a transition individually, the associated power supply circuit is connected to the individual soft start circuit so as to perform soft start by the individual soft start circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Miyagoe
  • Patent number: 7329968
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with multiple supply voltage domains includes a first domain and a second domain of electrical components. The first domain receives current from a first voltage rail and discharges electrical current to a second voltage rail. A second domain of electrical components receives current from the second voltage rail and discharges electrical current to a third voltage rail at a third voltage. An external voltage source provides a supply voltage across the first voltage rail and the third voltage rail. The integrated circuit further includes a regulator for regulating the second voltage rail. The circuit domains are divided into granules that can be multiplexed between domains when the supply voltage fluctuations are too large and too long for the regulator to handle. This concept may be extended to include additional domains of electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Kenneth Shepard, Saravanan Rajapandian
  • Patent number: 7313714
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically managing a plurality of power supplies for a computer system has a plurality of first circuits, each of the first circuits responsive to an electrical condition of each of the plurality of power sources. A second circuit is coupled to the plurality of first circuits, and is responsive to the plurality of first circuits. The second circuit identifies a state associated with any one of the plurality of power sources. A third circuit is coupled and responsive to the second circuit. The third circuit communicates the states of the plurality of power source to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Foundry Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Helfinstine, Chang-Pen Tai
  • Publication number: 20070284946
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus, each with several embodiments, for combining power from two ports of a multi-port Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems, for the purpose of providing increased power to a Powered Device (PD) that comprises two separate loads and requires two sources of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Robbins
  • Patent number: 7269447
    Abstract: A portable telephone terminal where power is supplied from a series power supply when the portable telephone terminal is in a wait state or a state where processors and the like are not in full operation. When the processors and the like are in a busy operating condition, power is supplied from a DC/DC converter. While the series power supply supplies power, operation of the DC/DC converter is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Yamatani
  • Publication number: 20070205662
    Abstract: A control circuit for a power supply device, a power supply device, and the like are provided in which the power supply device has a plurality of DC/DC converters provided for generating voltage while the mutual relationship of potential between the voltage outputs is maintained. The control circuit 20 in the power supply device 10 which outputs different direct current voltages (VCC, VBGP, and VBGN) includes a voltage setting unit 22 for determining the setting level of a second direct current voltage VBGP which has a potential relationship with the setting level of the first direct current voltage VCC which is one of a plurality of the different direct current voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Hidekiyo Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7253538
    Abstract: A method and a system of supplying electric power from shore to a ship with generators 60, 61, the ship being berthed in port include: a first step of synchronizing the electric power 11 from shore with electric power from the generators 60, 61, a second step of carrying out temporary parallel operation of the electric power 11 from shore and the electric power from the generators 60, 61 after the synchronization, and a third step of shutting off the electric power from the generators 60, 61 to supply the electric power 11 from shore to the ship after the temporary parallel operation. According to the method and system, electric power supply interruption can be prevented when a shore power source is changed over to an onboard power source, and vice versa. Also, onboard control devices can be smoothly operated even on the way of changing over the power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Radio & Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masumi Fujita
  • Patent number: 7205681
    Abstract: A power supply device (20) for an electrical system generates a primary logic supply voltage signal and one or more backup logic supply voltage signals from a plurality of sources (22, 24). The primary and backup logic supply voltage signals are distributed throughout the electrical system to provide a redundant logic supply to various components (330).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: That Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7194338
    Abstract: An analysis method for an electrical power system whereby the plurality of buses are grouped into agents, family lines of agents and families of agents based on the reactive reserves depleted when the buses are loaded. Contingencies are then applied to the electrical power system. The reactive reserves are monitored, and an exhaustion factor is determined for one or more family lines in one or more families. A boundary case solution is used to assess where, why, and how the contingency causes voltage instability, voltage collapse and/or local blackout. Based on this information, the design of voltage rescheduling, active rescheduling, unit commitment, load shedding, etc., is determined that can be used as preventive, corrective or emergency controls in applications such as system design and planning, operation planning, reactive and voltage management, real time control and Special Protection System Control. Based on this information, solutions can then be applied to the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Intellicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Schlueter, Benjamin Ashton Minshall, Ryan Joseph Hunt
  • Patent number: 7190090
    Abstract: A redundant power distribution system (74) that has multiple distribution lines (168) and (174) includes multiple regulators (122). Multiple isolation transformers (124) are coupled to the regulators (122) and have isolation boundaries (261). A redundant regulator device circuit (152) is coupled to the isolation transformers (124) to regulate the multiple distribution lines where M (integer) out of N (integer) distribution lines are required so that the system continues to operate properly. The regulators (122) and the isolation transformers (124) have a non-feedback looped configuration (259) across the isolation boundaries (261).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Fong Shi
  • Patent number: 7171461
    Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 7164214
    Abstract: A programmable uninterruptible power supply for coupling battery powered systems associated with a mobile site, such as a vehicle, to the primary electrical system of the mobile site operates to selectively couple the battery powered systems to the electrical system of the mobile site and to a secondary, or back-up battery separate from the primary battery associated with the electrical system of the mobile site. Various system control functions are performed, including reverse battery protection, over voltage and under voltage protection, battery drain protection, battery charging detection, reverse current detection and uninterruptible power switching. For detected adverse operating conditions, the load is disconnected from the electrical system of the mobile site and the back-up battery is used to operate the battery powered systems which are to be protected from such adverse operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Dean Eisenberger, Jeff Legg
  • Patent number: 7159129
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a supply interface unit for use in a DC power pooling system, the DC power pooling system comprising a plurality of DC electrical power consuming and providing entities, each of the DC electrical power consuming and providing entities having at least a first operative mode in which it may provide more electrical power than it consumes and a second operative mode in which it may consume more electrical power than it provides, and at least one pooling controller, the supply interface unit comprising: a first port and a second port; a controller; at least one controllable switch, operable by said controller to enable current flow from one of said first port to said second port and said second port to said first port; and at least one current limiter, operable by said controller to limit said current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: PowerDsine, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Pincu, Ilan Atias, Amir Lehr
  • Patent number: 7157807
    Abstract: A rectifier circuit powers three power conversion modules using a three phase AC input without a neutral connection. The rectifier circuit includes a first bridge rectifier that is connected to a first phase of the three phase AC input and that produces a first rectified waveform. A second bridge rectifier is connected to a second phase of the three phase AC input and produces a second rectified waveform. A third bridge rectifier is connected to a third phase of the three phase AC input and produces a third rectified waveform. A first inductor has one end that is connected to the first bridge rectifier. A second inductor has one end that is connected to the second bridge rectifier. A third inductor has one end that is connected to the third bridge rectifier. Opposite ends of the first, second and third inductors are connected to form a virtual neutral. A protection circuit prevents overvoltage when one of the DC outputs is shorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Vadim Lubomirsky
  • Patent number: 7155320
    Abstract: A method for supplying power includes supplying power to at least one critical device, supplying power to at least one essential device, and remotely removing power to the essential device while maintaining power to the critical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mikel Gee
  • Patent number: 7148637
    Abstract: A portable compound battery unit management system comprises a portable high capacity battery unit, a main power battery unit, and a DC converter. The portable high capacity battery unit has a built-in battery management means and is connected to the DC converter. The main power battery unit supplies power to a motor which in turn drives the vehicle, and contains another battery management means or a device for limiting maximum output current, or provides the DC converter and a motor controller installed behind with battery information required to operate the vehicle. The DC converter transfers the electrical energy of the portable high capacity battery unit to the main power battery unit, or converts output power of the portable high capacity battery unit to a necessary power required to operate the motor controller, wherein it has boost up or buck down function of voltage to match the voltage difference between the two battery units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Wiz Energy Technology, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Hao Shu, Bin-Yen Ma
  • Patent number: 7120520
    Abstract: An energy management device is provided in a first energy related system and manages transfer of energy between the first energy related system and a second energy related system remote from the first energy related system, each of the first and second energy related systems including, as an energy related element, at least one of an accumulation unit which accumulates energy, a consumption unit which consumes energy, and a generation unit which generates energy. In the energy management device, a communication unit exchanges information between the first energy related system and the second energy related system, the information related to at least one of the energy consumption, the energy accumulation and the energy generation in each of the first and second energy related systems. A supply control unit controls supplying of energy from one of the first and second energy related systems to the other based on contents of the exchanged information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Seto, Hiroshi Isono, Kei Takakuwa, Takahiro Kodaira
  • Patent number: 7113395
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus (100) includes a main unit (110) including a keyboard and having a generally rectangular major surface, and includes a display device (130) including a display screen and having a generally rectangular major surface. A bottom of the major surface of the display device can be selectively placed in a first position in which the bottom extends substantially along a first side of the major surface of the main unit, and a second position in which the bottom extends substantially along a second side of the major surface of the main unit that is substantially perpendicular to the first side. The information processing apparatus (100) further comprises power supply and information communications connectors in the main unit on a third side of the major surface of the main unit that is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side. The connector is connectable through another connector on a car docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Hara, Hideki Tanaka, Hideyuki Motoyama, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7099934
    Abstract: A network comprises a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with an network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the network manager with variables in response to commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, Brian P. Auclair
  • Patent number: 7095138
    Abstract: A controller is disclosed for determining that the currents from the two AC power sources are correctly phased. Required circuitry can be disposed within a housing from which extend power cables having single phase 240V AC, 50 A male connector plugs connected at remote ends. Prongs in each of plugs can be arranged so that the plugs are connectable to a 240V, single phase AC source. A power cable, having a connector at a remote end, can also extend from the housing. The power cable connector can be connected to an AC power supply. The power cable connector supply a power transformer with single phase AC power at 240V and 100 A. The circuitry can assure that the phases and voltages of the two AC sources driving the connectors are properly connected to the connectors to enable the cable to supply the power cable connector with single phase AC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Jacques Brunier
  • Patent number: 7043543
    Abstract: A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 7038984
    Abstract: HDD boxes 831 to 83n are each incorporated with a secondary battery box 87, a non-isolated DC/DC converter 89, and an HDD 91. Logical circuit boards 851 to 85n are each incorporated with the secondary battery box 87, fast-transient-response-type non-isolated DC/DC converters 931 to 933, and a plurality of loads 951 to 953. Every secondary battery box 87 is provided with a charge/discharge circuit 97, and a plurality of in-line secondary batteries 99. In the HDD box, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to an HDD 91 via the DC/DC converter 89. In the logical circuit board, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to the corresponding loads 951 to 953 via the DC/DC converters 931 to 933. With such a structure, in a disk array apparatus, realized are higher energy efficiency and less space occupation through reducing power loss and optimizing power capacity setting for a backup power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6987368
    Abstract: A motor controller includes a position sensing device having a position sensor that senses a magnetic pole of a motor, a driver for driving the motor, and a wiring section that feeds a power supply voltage from the driver to the position sensing device. The position sensing device is equipped with a superposed-wave transmitter coupled to a first end of the wiring section and a serial converter for converting a signal of the sensing device into a serial signal. The driver is equipped with a superposed-wave receiver coupled to a second end of the wiring section and a parallel converter for converting the serial signal into a parallel signal. The foregoing structure allows superposing the information about switching a phase-excitation for driving the motor onto the wiring section formed of a pair of cables, i.e. two cables, so that the information is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Yamasaki, Koji Kameda
  • Patent number: 6977445
    Abstract: A rectifier circuit powers three power conversion modules using a three phase AC input without a neutral connection. The rectifier circuit includes a first bridge rectifier that is connected to a first phase of the three phase AC input and that produces a first rectified waveform. A second bridge rectifier is connected to a second phase of the three phase AC input and produces a second rectified waveform. A third bridge rectifier is connected to a third phase of the three phase AC input and produces a third rectified waveform. A first inductor has one end that is connected to the first bridge rectifier. A second inductor has one end that is connected to the second bridge rectifier. A third inductor has one end that is connected to the third bridge rectifier. Opposite ends of the first, second and third inductors are connected to form a virtual neutral. A protection circuit prevents overvoltage when one of the DC outputs is shorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: ENI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Vadim Lubomirsky
  • Patent number: 6952619
    Abstract: A semiconductor power supplying apparatus driven by a power source includes at least two driven circuits for performing prescribed data processing when electric power is supplied. An electric power supplying circuit is provided so as to convert power from the power source as needed to supply at least two driven circuits with electric power in accordance with voltages that the driven circuits need. A driven circuit power supplying condition signal generating device is provided so as to generate a driven circuit power supplying condition signal for determining a power supplying condition of all of the at least two driven circuits. A power supplying control signal generation circuit is also provided so as to generate a power supplying control signal for controlling operation of the power supplying circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Fujii
  • Patent number: 6917123
    Abstract: A power-up control circuit controls the initial application of power to a system having multiple loads and multiple voltage supply levels. The control circuit causes the power to each load to rise equally, and limits the voltage levels to all loads to the lowest voltage being controlled by the control circuit. As each load reaches its target voltage, its voltage no longer limits the control circuit. The voltages to the remaining loads continue to rise, and loads whose target voltages are reached continue to drop out of the control circuit, until each load is receiving its target voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Rowe
  • Patent number: 6900556
    Abstract: A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility, such as during periods of low demand or low cost, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption or high electrical energy cost. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand. In another embodiment, one or more capacitors may be located in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a train of a light rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: American Electric Power Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Provanzana, John M. Schneider, Ali Nourai, Warren W. Walborn, Brendan J. Ware
  • Patent number: 6876102
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of detecting a diode fault among diodes coupled to a plurality of redundant power feeds. A diode short fault may be detected by measuring a first voltage across a first one of the diodes, measuring a second voltage between two nodes including a terminal of the first diode and detecting the diode short based upon the first and second voltages. A diode open fault may be detected by decoupling a first one of the diodes from a power feed and measuring the voltage across the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Kuriappan P. Alappat
  • Patent number: 6856045
    Abstract: A power distribution assembly (PDA) includes a plurality of power modules that are installed within a chassis that is mounted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The power modules are used to control aircraft systems such as braking, navigation, or temperature control systems. The PDA includes first and second microprocessors that have separate serial busses that are in communication with each of the power modules. A first power supply powers the first microprocessor and each of the power modules and a second power supply powers the second microprocessor and each of the power modules independently from the first power supply. Additionally the first and second microprocessors communicate with each other via both serial busses to determine which microprocessor is in active control and which microprocessor is on standby in addition to monitoring the health of the other microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. Beneditz, Russell G. Stoneback, Marc A. Bouton, Kenneth Spear, John A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6856047
    Abstract: A power source apparatus with a saving in wiring, large noise immunity and an additional function is achieved by connecting AC input bus lines (Vin+), (Vin?), DC output bus lines (Vo+), (Vo?) and a current balance signal bus line (CB) for connecting first, second, third power source units 1, 2, 3 through connectors to form a module power source and connecting an additional function unit 4 for adding a predetermined additional function to the module power source using the bus lines to this module power source through a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Murabayashi, Takashi Horie, Masashi Isozumi, Yasuhiro Tsubota, Tsunetoshi Ooba, Hideki Kobori, Takatoshi Ootomo, Katsuya Marumo, Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6833634
    Abstract: A disk enclosure includes a first group of one or more power sources that powers a first group of elements in a first power domain and a second group of power sources that powers a second group of elements in a second domain. The disk enclosure also includes a first voltage circuit and a second voltage circuit that are each powered by the first group of power sources and the second group of power sources. The first voltage circuit powers a third group of elements while the second voltage circuit powers a fourth group of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: 3PARdata, Inc.
    Inventor: William Joshua Price
  • Publication number: 20040252428
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for intrinsically safe, redundant current-voltage supply for electric loads in an explosion-proof area. In a device according to the invention there are at least two supply circuits for making available the current/voltage supply and a protective device for intrinsically safe current and voltage limitation of the power supplied by the supply circuits to the load in the explosion-proof area. According to the invention, the device is characterized in that the supply circuits are connected in parallel to one another and that the protective device has at least one resistive current limiting device for intrinsic safety in parallel-active supply circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Martin Junker
  • Publication number: 20040227406
    Abstract: This invention is a system for replacing all of the individual AC/DC power converters of the individual electronic units in the computer room or a separate part of it, by a centralized AC/DC power converter. These converters will have redundancy, back up, controls and systems to monitor and warm of failure or predicted failure. This would be both more effective and less expensive as we would not have to provide any of the AC/DC converters at the individual unit level. Thus you will have better, reliability, redundancy, and fault detection and control at a reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Frank W. Johnson