Plural Sources Of Supply Patents (Class 307/18)
  • Patent number: 8135973
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically managing groups 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 supplies. A third circuit is coupled and responsive to the second circuit. The third circuit communicates the states of the plurality of power supplies to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Foundry Networks, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Allen Helfinstine, Chang-Pen Tai
  • Patent number: 8129857
    Abstract: A first signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on a first signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a second signal. A second signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on the second signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a third signal. A first and a second switching power supplies respectively supply power supply voltages to the first and second signal processing circuits. An amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the first signal by the first signal processing circuit, and an amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the second signal by the second signal processing circuit, are dependent on the respective power supply voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Kojima, Toshiyuki Okayasu
  • Patent number: 8106627
    Abstract: A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications, they can form a token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Comverge, Inc.
    Inventor: John Rossi
  • Publication number: 20120019063
    Abstract: A computer apparatus includes a first power supply, a first power distribution board, a second power supply, a second power distribution board, motherboards, and a control module. The first power supply provides a first power. The first power distribution board is coupled to the first power supply to transmit the first power. The second power supply provides a second power. The second power distribution board is coupled to the second power supply to transmit the second power. Each of the motherboards generates a working state. The control module coupled to the first power distribution board, the second power distribution board, and the motherboards determines whether to generate a control signal based on the working states of the motherboards and a working state of the first power supply and/or a working state of the second power supply to enable a power throttling feature to adjust power consumption of the motherboards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Huang-Ching Wang, Yi-Yuan Yeh, Kuan-Hsiang Chao
  • Publication number: 20120019064
    Abstract: An integrated magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) system includes an MR scanner including a magnet that defines an opening in which a subject is positioned, a set of PET detectors disposed about the opening, a plurality of data processing units each electrically connected with a respective one or more of the PET detectors of the set of PET detectors, and a plurality of power supply modules, each power supply module being operable to generate a DC power supply for different groups of one or more of the data processing units. Each power supply module is discrete from the other power supply modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: James Frank Caruba, Darryl Hrdina, Grant Arthur Albert, Paul Finlon
  • Patent number: 8097978
    Abstract: A system for extending backup times using networks of direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is provided. A first DC UPS has a first input and a first output. A second DC UPS has a second input coupled to the first output of the first DC UPS, a second output coupled to at least one electrical load, and a third output coupled to the first input of the first DC UPS. Battery current from the first and second DC UPS is shared with the at least one electrical load in the event of a power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Publication number: 20120007424
    Abstract: A power loop is formed by a plurality of loop segments connectable by switches to form the power loop. The power loop is configured to receive power from a plurality of power sources. The switches connect the power loop to a plurality of components. A method is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Josef Maier
  • Patent number: 8093759
    Abstract: A device (12) supplies energy to a rapid cycling and/or rapidly cycled integrated circuit (13, 52) which includes a circuit load (17) and an internal capacity (15) connected parallel to the circuit load (17). The integrated circuit (13, 52) has a high cycle frequency (f1) especially at least in the MHz range. A supply unit (14) especially designed as a current source is directly connected to the internal capacity (15). The supply unit (14) has an internal resistance, the impedance level of which is so high at the cycle frequency (f1) that a current (ID2) supplying the circuit load (17) originates to a greater degree from the internal capacity (15) than from the supply unit (14). At least one auxiliary load, current sink or load controller is provided as an integral component of the integrated circuit and is connected to the circuit load to smooth load fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e. V., Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Goeran Schubert, Thomas Steinecke, Uwe Keller, Thomas Mager
  • Patent number: 8093749
    Abstract: A system may include a switchover element configurable to source or sink power from or to an electronic device electrically coupled to the switchover element and a controller in communication with the switchover element. The controller may be configured to determine if the electronic device is healthy. When the electronic device is healthy, the controller may configure the switchover element to deliver power from the electronic device to the system and configure the switchover element to provide the power to any unhealthy electronic device electrically coupled to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Hogan Lew, Ankur Singla, Harshad Nakil
  • Publication number: 20110305010
    Abstract: Poles having solar power capabilities and, more specifically, poles that include solar modules (hereinafter “solar poles”) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the solar modules are positioned within a solar pole. A solar module can include, for example, a solar cell and at least one planar reflective surface situated near the solar cell. The reflective surfaces reflect and focus light onto the solar cells, thereby increasing the amount of light and energy collected by individual solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin Franklin Leadford, Peter K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110307910
    Abstract: A multi-output power supply device (1) comprises a first power supply (10) for outputting a first output voltage (VDCO1); a second power supply (30) for outputting a second output voltage (VDCO3); and a reset circuit (40) for detecting an abnormality of the first output voltage (VDCO1) and for outputting a first reset signal (XRESET) to forcibly stop the output operation of the second power supply (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Nagasato, Yujiro Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20110298278
    Abstract: A converter apparatus and method for operating the converter apparatus are provided for producing a plurality of output voltages or a plurality of output voltage potentials at corresponding outputs. The converter apparatus includes a plurality of setting units, which are each associated with one of a plurality of input voltage sources, Each of the setting units is configured to vary an input voltage which is produced by the associated input voltage source, and to provide an intermediate voltage. The converter apparatus also includes a plurality of selection elements to which intermediate voltage potentials are each applied. The intermediate voltage potentials are defined by the intermediate voltages. Each selection element is configured to select one of the intermediate voltage potentials for outputting as the respective output voltage potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Christoph H+e,uml A+ee DERLI, Toufann Chaudhuri
  • Publication number: 20110278921
    Abstract: The invention converts the electrical circuitry in a premises for use as an adaptive power bus to which one or more power generating devices may be connected using a standard electrical outlet, without the need for a separate dedicated circuit or any additional electrical wiring and continuing to operate as a traditional power bus, while preventing electrical circuitry from being overloaded. Embodiments of the adaptive power bus provide the advantage of being able to plug power generating devices directly into a standard electrical outlet without the need for a separate dedicated circuit or any additional electrical wiring, while protecting electrical circuitry from being overloaded by disabling power generating or power consumption devices exactly when needed, and re-enabling power generating and power consumption devices when a circuit overload condition is no longer present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Erik Jon Fretheim, Chad Maglaque
  • Patent number: 8046088
    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: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Fujii
  • Publication number: 20110254368
    Abstract: The proposed system has a plurality of generator systems, each generator system having an alternating current generator directly connected to a rectifier. The alternating current generator is rotationally coupled to a prime mover, wherein, upon operation of the prime mover, the alternating current generator produces an alternating current output , is de-synchronized to further ones of the plurality of generator systems and has a variable generator speed. The rectifier directly connected the alternating current generator is adapted to convert the alternating current output of the alternating current generator into a direct current output. A direct current distribution bus is coupled to the direct current outputs from each of the rectifiers. The system further has a plurality of inverters adapted to receive power from the direct current distribution bus, the output of each inverter being adapted to drive an alternating current motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ove Boe
  • Patent number: 8041466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine connected to a utility grid during a utility grid disturbance. The method comprises the steps of controlling active current in dependency of the frequency deviation from a reference frequency, and controlling reactive current in dependency of the voltage deviation from a reference voltage. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and wind park.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Lars Helle, John Godsk Nielsen, Mark James Jensen
  • Patent number: 8039991
    Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a first power plant connected to an AC power feed line between a power network and an electrical load and a first internal combustion engine for driving the first power plant such that exhaust heat of the first engine is supplied to a thermal load, power supply from the first power plant to the power network is interrupted by turning off a switch installed in the feed line, when outage of the power network is detected and a second power plant is operated, such that outputs of the first and second power plants are supplied to the electrical load. With this, it becomes possible to respond to a commercial power network outage for preventing reverse flow of the power output by the cogeneration system into the power network and supplying as much electric power as possible to the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Wakitani, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Hiroyuki Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20110233998
    Abstract: An electric power supplying system is provided that includes at least two systems each including: a bus line which is formed by at least two conductors and on which an information signal representing information is superimposed on electric power; at least one power supply server which is connected to the bus line and which supplies the electric power; and at least one client which is connected to the bus line and which receives the supply of the electric power from the power supply server. The at least two systems are connected to each other by connecting the bus lines using conductors. The conductors include a connector having at least two electrodes that connect with each of the conductors forming the bus line. The connector has a structure in which, when the connector is connected to the bus line, one of the electrodes is connected to the bus line in advance of the other electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Shigeru Tajima
  • Publication number: 20110227411
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for detecting and correcting a suboptimal operation of one or more maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices in a solar photovoltaic power generation (SPVPG) system. MPPT devices may become stuck in a local maximum in a power curve and fail to reach an optimal maximum power point. Described herein are methods and systems for detecting sub-optimal performance of an MPPT device and managing components within the SPVPG system to cause the MPPT device to track a different maximum power point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: TIGO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 8022570
    Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating flight deck devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a flight deck panel illumination system includes at least one illuminated panel having at least one illumination source, and a power supply coupled to the at least one illumination source and to an electrical energy source that is configured to selectively provide a suitable power conversion mode in response to an applied signal. A processor is coupled to the power supply to generate the applied signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Flickinger, Ty A. Larsen, Steven D. Ellersick
  • Publication number: 20110221269
    Abstract: A power generation system for feeding power from generators into an AC grid, the system comprising a plurality of inverters connected to corresponding ones of the generators, and connected to the AC grid is disclosed. The plurality of inverters forms part of a data network, wherein one of the inverters forms a communication unit for receiving feed-in parameters from a grid control system and for controlling the plurality of inverters via the data network such that the power generation system feeds power to the AC grid in accordance with the feed-in parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Stefan BÖRGER, Peter DREWS
  • Publication number: 20110204717
    Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message associated with a detection of reactive power in an energy system and inducing a first quantity of reactive power at a power level specified in the message. The first quantity of reactive power is induced in order to mitigate a second quantity of reactive power that is detected on a specific segment of the energy system. The first quantity of reactive power is induced at a local level on which a source associated with the second quantity of reactive power operates. In more specific embodiments, the message is sent in response to a sensor detecting the second quantity of reactive power, where the first quantity and the second quantity of reactive power are the same. In other embodiments, the method can include receiving a second message to stop mitigating the first quantity of reactive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8004111
    Abstract: A DC-DC switching cell module includes a switch, a rectifier, an output filter coupled to the rectifier, and an input port for receiving an external PWM control signal from a controller. The switching cell module is configured to control the switch in response to the external PWM control signal to generate a DC output voltage from a DC input voltage. The switching cell module is configured for attachment to a circuit board as a discrete component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Potter, Hong Mao
  • Patent number: 8005580
    Abstract: Aircraft power systems, aircraft galley systems, and methods and systems for managing power distribution to aircraft galley systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system can include an aircraft power source and at least first and second galley appliances operably coupled to the aircraft power source. The aircraft system can further include a controller operably coupled to the first and second galley appliances. The controller can be configured to receive a first power request from the first galley appliance and a second power request from the second galley appliance. The controller can be further configured to sort the first and second power requests and distribute power to the first and second galley appliances from the aircraft power source based on the sorting of the first and second power requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. McAvoy
  • Publication number: 20110198922
    Abstract: A smart responsive electrical load (10) is operatively connectable to an electricity supply network (20). The smart responsive electrical load (10) comprises an electrical power-consuming device (30) and a control arrangement (40) for controlling a supply of electrical power from the network (20) to the device (30). The control arrangement (60, 110, 150, 160, 170) is operable to impose a variable time delay (tp) before supplying electrical power to the device (30) after a request for power to be provided to the device (30). The variable time delay (tp) is a function of a state of the network (20), for example its frequency (f) and/or its voltage amplitude (V). Optionally, the device (30) is a battery charger, for example for use with a rechargeable electric vehicle. Beneficially, the smart responsive load (10) is supplied with electrical power from a population of micro-generation devices (500) operable to provide supply network response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Dames, Kimon Roussopoulos, Tim Norris
  • Patent number: 7999410
    Abstract: The power conversion system allows for multiple segregated and ground independent power sources to provide redundant power to modules within an electronics equipment cabinet with increased reliability and reduced sensitivity to common fault propagation. The power conversion system provides power conditioning modules having independent supply rails that supply power to each module within an electronics equipment cabinet. FET and diode solid-state control and driver logic enable each individual supply rail. Efficient power distribution is facilitated by primary and hot-backup operation of one or more power conditioning modules. Power conversion is facilitated by one or more input supply power feeds and one or more converter stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLC
    Inventors: David B. Hartung, Brian G. Krug
  • Patent number: 7999409
    Abstract: A power conditioner includes a main converter to transform a voltage outputted from a power source into a first transformed voltage and output the first transformed voltage to supply power to a power using point; and an auxiliary converter to transform the first transformed voltage outputted from the main converter into a second transformed voltage and output the second transformed voltage to supply power to balance-of-plant (BOP) elements including driving devices of the power source. The main converter includes a first winding to transform the voltage outputted from the power source into the first transformed voltage and output the first transformed voltage to supply power to the power using point; and a second winding to transform the voltage outputted from the power source into a third transformed voltage and output the third transformed voltage to supply power directly to the BOP elements, thereby bypassing the auxiliary converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Duk-jin Oh, See-young Choi
  • Publication number: 20110156479
    Abstract: The solar powered direct current (DC) load system is a reliable, versatile and user friendly system; it uses solar energy and rechargeable battery powering at least one type of DC load which are: a type of motor operation such as water pump and/or a type of at least one LED; the system comprises a battery discharge control circuit and a battery output circuit for DC load (FIG. 1), at least one rechargeable battery source (42-F1) which is protected by a preset voltage that limits the lowest discharge level, the circuits in the FIG. 1 are able to combine the circuits in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which enable operations of the day time and night time DC load to synchronize the day and night cycles; FIG. 4 is a combination system which incorporates circuits in the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to create a water pumping system combined an illumination system which can turn on and off automatically; FIG. 4a with a switch and additional LEDs in addition to the FIG. 4; FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Min Carroll
  • Publication number: 20110148193
    Abstract: A lighting control system includes an enhanced occupancy sensor and/or an enhanced power pack, allowing for more sophisticated and/or accurate lighting control and energy management capability. In one example, the power pack and/or occupancy sensor is networkable, providing the capability to link and coordinate multiple power pack/occupancy sensor combinations, thereby providing zone-wide control and energy management features, such as, coordinated lighting of several areas, the ability to force lights on in a life-safety situation, and the ability to control other equipment in a monitored area (e.g., an air conditioning and/or heating system) responsive to detected occupancy in the area. The networkable power pack includes installation and wiring to an occupancy sensor that is substantially identical to a conventional power pack and therefore may be implemented as a “drop-in” component in a legacy lighting control system, without requiring changes to the occupancy sensors or wiring of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Reid, William Stottlemyer
  • Patent number: 7952232
    Abstract: Commands are generated for controlling a state of charge of an energy storage device coupled between an energy source and an auxiliary load. Commands are also generated for providing from the energy storage device to the auxiliary load and for using power from the energy storage device for controlling a DC link voltage, energy source torque, grid side power flow, or combinations thereof. Commands may also be generated to provide frequency compatible power to auxiliary loads of the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rajni Kant Burra, Robert William Delmerico, Ralph Teichmann, Abhitap Jain, Mark Shu
  • Patent number: 7953993
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state. A voltage regulator may be coupled to a processor to provide an operating voltage to the processor. During a transition to a zero voltage power management state for the processor, the operational voltage applied to the processor by the voltage regulator may be reduced to approximately zero while an external voltage is continuously applied to a portion of the processor to save state variables of the processor during the zero voltage management power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Allarey, Sanjeev Jahagirdar
  • Publication number: 20110121647
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a solar power system including an array of photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic array may include a first module electrically coupled to an AC load and a second module electrically coupled to a DC load. The array may be reconfigured such that individual panels may be transferred from the first module to the second module, and vice versa. The arrays may generate power that is selectively distributed to direct current and alternating current power loads. The system further includes a power management device effective to maximize the power generation of the second module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris J. Ragavanis
  • Publication number: 20110109266
    Abstract: A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: COMVERGE, Inc.
    Inventor: John Rossi
  • Publication number: 20110101775
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a power input and at least one power supply unit that generates a DC voltage for operating an electronic device including a power input circuit inserted between the power input and the at least one power supply unit that selectively disconnects or rectifies an AC voltage provided via the power input for the at least one power supply unit, wherein the power input circuit has at least one first semiconductor switching element that switches a first electrical load path with a current limiting element from the power input to the at least one power supply unit, and at least one second semiconductor switching element that switches a second electrical load path from the power input to the at least one power supply unit, and a power input filter, wherein the power input filter includes a first filter circuit arranged between the power input and the power input circuit and a second filter circuit arranged between the power input circuit and the at least one power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Busch
  • Publication number: 20110095601
    Abstract: A switch module includes at least one switch exhibiting at least two states of operation, provided for connecting at least two conductor segments of an electrical power supply network, the electrical power supply network including one or more power sources and one or more electrical loads. One control unit is provided per switch and is operatively coupled to the switch for controlling the states of operation of the switch. Each control unit includes a selection unit for selecting a state of operation of the switch coupled to the respective control unit. A method for operating such switch modules and an electric power supply network are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: VOLVO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eilert Johansson
  • Patent number: 7932639
    Abstract: Methods and mechanisms to simultaneously regulate two or more supply voltages provided to an integrated circuit by a voltage regulator. In an embodiment of the invention, a voltage regulation message exchanged between the integrated circuit and the voltage regulator includes an identifier indicating two or more supply voltages selected from a plurality of supply voltages provided to the integrated circuit by the voltage regulator, where the voltage regulation message relates to the indicated two or more supply voltages. In another embodiment, the voltage regulation message indicates a desired supply voltage level to which the indicated two or more supply voltages are to transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Piao Ma, Alon Naveh, Gil Schwarzband, Annabelle Pratt, Jorge Pedro Rodriguez, Joseph T. Dibene, II, Sean M. Welch, Kosta Luria, Edward R. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20110068624
    Abstract: A system includes a solar power subsystem that receives power from one or more solar power arrays. A storage control subsystem is coupled to the solar power subsystem to charge a battery from the power received by the solar power subsystem. A grid power control subsystem having an AC to DC converter receives power from a power grid and provides DC voltage to the storage control subsystem. A balance of system control system controls the amount of power received from the power grid as a function of a load, battery charge and received power by the solar power subsystem. The solar array and battery may be sized to provide sufficient power under normal operating conditions, with power being drawn from the grid during abnormal operation conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Noribachi LLC
    Inventors: Rhonda Dibachi, Farzad Dibachi
  • Publication number: 20110066781
    Abstract: A method for assigning addresses to injectors of an internal combustion machine, wherein, prior to the starting procedure, an electronic motor control device selects a first injector by activating the first injector by a first control line from the electronic motor control device. The electronic motor control device is arranged on a data bus to which the electronic motor control device and all injectors are connected. A first address value is placed on the motor control device and the first injector assumes the first address value as the address assigned to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH
    Inventors: Albrecht Debelak, Andreas Schneider, Aron Toth
  • Publication number: 20110057511
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device 1 for saving electric energy providing at least one override operating mode. With the invention it is possible to handle in a particularly optimized way the power supply of appliances such as for example video recorders, decoders, appliances comprising a rechargeable battery, computers, appliances entering the category of large or small electric domestic appliances. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a configurable device, a system comprising such a device and a configuration method particularly suitable for allowing configuration by the general public of devices comprising at least one microprocessor and a non-volatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20110057512
    Abstract: A mobile power system comprises a plurality of energy sources, wherein at least one energy source is a solar powered generating device and at least one energy source is a wind powered generating device; a plurality of electronic and telecommunications components configured to receive the power generated by the plurality of energy sources and/or convert the power generated to direct current power; a plurality of batteries configured to store the direct current power; and one or more transportable housings configured to hold the plurality of energy sources, the plurality of electronic and telecommunications, and the plurality of batteries during transport of the housing, and wherein the at least one solar powered energy device and the at least one wind powered generating device are disposed remotely from the housing when the mobile power system is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SUNDIAL POWER PODS, LLC
    Inventors: Eldon Prax, Stan Waldrop
  • Patent number: 7898105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for wirelessly powering an item. A source is configured to send wireless power. A target is configured to receive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. A component is connected to and configured to receive the useable power from the target. When the component receives the usable power, the component activates. Also disclosed is an assembly including a system for wirelessly powering a component and a structure for supporting the system and an item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Powercast Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny, David Jeffrey Graham
  • Patent number: 7898106
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch is provided. The DC UPS includes first and second inputs. First and second rectifiers are coupled to the first and second inputs. A common node is coupled to the first and second rectifiers. At least one DC output is coupled to the common node. The at least one DC output is adapted for connection to at least one electrical load. The first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service, and the second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service. The DC UPS continues to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 7893346
    Abstract: An integrated voltaic energy system incorporates a bio-friendly DC power generator with a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to feed a main service panel and a utility grid. A plurality of inverters are connected one each, to a respective output of one of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays. The outputs of each of the inverters are connected to a main service panel and a utility grid. A further inverter is connected to the DC power generator and in parallel with the other inverters. The DC power generator is also connected to each of the PV solar panel inverters through a switch operated at a specific time manually or automatically. When switched the DC power generator feeds all of the inverters. A resistor/capacitor structure is connected between the DC power generator and each inverter. A self-powered timer may control the output level of the DC power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jack Nachamkin, Gary T. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 7877622
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for selecting a redundant power supply mode for powering a computer system are disclosed that include detecting, by a voltage monitoring module, an input voltage level of a power supply; determining, by the voltage monitoring module, whether the input voltage level of the power supply is greater than a predetermined threshold value; if the input voltage level of the power supply is greater than the predetermined threshold value, configuring, by the voltage monitoring module, the power supply for an N+N redundant power supply mode having N primary power supplies and N redundant power supplies; and if the input voltage level of the power supply is not greater than the predetermined threshold value, configuring, by the voltage monitoring module, the power supply for an N+M redundant power supply mode having N primary power supplies and M redundant power supplies, where N is greater than M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Nickolas J. Gruendler
  • Patent number: 7863771
    Abstract: A technique for operating a device at multiple different power levels dependent upon the amount of power received involves sensing the amount of power received and turning on circuit components if power is adequate. A device constructed according to the technique should have the ability to detect at least two different, non-zero, power levels and turn on circuits to the extent that sufficient power is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Trapeze Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Keenly, Zubin Sarkary, Marko Radojicic, Sudheer Poorna Chandra Matta, Philip Riley
  • Patent number: 7859130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying power to equipment disposed in a space, with varying requirements for the power supply, comprising a main distributor which can be connected to a mains electricity supply and which is provided with a fuse, and at least one sub-distributor which is connected to the main distributor by means of a breakable connection, which sub-distributor is provided with equipment sockets for the connection of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Craneo Holding B.V.
    Inventor: John Diertens
  • Publication number: 20100314937
    Abstract: A reconfigurable multi-cell power converter and method wherein a set of cells are connected between an input bus and a load in an input series output parallel configuration or in an input parallel output series configuration. Each cell includes a primary side reconfigurable between series and parallel operation and a secondary side also reconfigurable between series and parallel operation. Switching circuitry is configured to reconfigure the primary side of each cell between series and parallel operation and vice versa and also to reconfigure the secondary side of each cell between series and parallel operation and vice versa. A controller is configured to actuate the switching circuitry depending a voltage on the input bus and/or cell condition to reconfigure all the cell primary sides and/or secondary sides while maintaining a desired input series output parallel or input parallel output series connection for the set of cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Boris S. Jacobson, Evgeny N. Holmansky
  • Publication number: 20100314936
    Abstract: A distributed energy resource (DER) switching system and method for connecting a DER to an electrical power system (EPS) protector, wherein the DER has a reactance-to-resistance ratio higher than the reactance-to-resistance ratio of the EPS protector. The DER switching system includes an input for receiving power from the DER, and an output for providing power from the DER to the EPS protector. The DER switching system is designed to effectively lower the higher reactance-to-resistance ratio of the DER during an over-current fault so that, during the fault, the effective reactance-to-resistance ratio at the output of the DER switching system is lower than the reactance-to-resistance ratio of the EPS protector. The method includes effectively lowering the reactance-to-resistance ratio of the DER by varying the operating state of a switching device in a controlled manner during the fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: NORTHERN POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric L. Benedict, Vinod John
  • Patent number: 7851941
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a multiple output capacitive buck/boost converter are disclosed and may include charging one or more input capacitors via an input voltage. One or more output voltages may be generated on a chip by switching the charged input capacitors to output capacitors via a switch array on the chip. The switch array may be controlled via a state machine. A constant current and/or voltage may be generated for the one or more output voltages via one or more current and/or voltage comparators. A variable resistance may be coupled in series with one or more switches in the switch array. The one or more input capacitors may be discrete capacitors external to the chip and/or integrated within the chip. One or more of the output voltages may be greater than the input voltage, or may be less than the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: John Walley
  • Patent number: 7847532
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of DC-DC switching cells each configured to generate an output voltage in response to receiving a PWM control signal from the controller. The controller includes a plurality of output ports for outputting a plurality of PWM control signals, and at least one input port for receiving a plurality of output voltages from the plurality of switching cells. The controller is configured to sample the plurality of output voltages one at a time via a multiplexer and to regulate the output voltages in response to the sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Potter, Hong Mao