Ac And Dc Patents (Class 307/22)
  • Publication number: 20120212050
    Abstract: An electricity supply management device includes a solar cell; a commercial Alternating Current (AC) power source; and a storage battery, in which the storage battery is charged by an electric power from the solar cell, and a power from at least one of the solar cell, the commercial AC power source and the storage battery is supplied to one or more load devices. A power consumption level by the load devices is controlled based on comparison result between a power generation amount by the solar cell and a power consumption amount by the load devices, and a charge level of the storage battery indicative of a ratio of charging to capacity of the storage battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Takehara
  • Publication number: 20120181862
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in an electrical power generation plant. The apparatus includes: at least two adjustable speed drives, each connected, on an alternating current side, to an associated auxiliary motor; at least one reactive power consuming auxiliary device connected to an alternating current bus; a controller; a converter for converting alternating current to direct current or vice versa between the alternating current bus and a direct current bus; and at least one electrical power source arranged to provide power to the direct current bus. Each of the at least two adjustable speed drive is connected, on a direct current side, to the direct current bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Lars Gertmar, Dennis Kron, Juiping Pan, Yao Chen, Richard W. Vesel, Arash A. Babaee
  • Patent number: 8207628
    Abstract: A power converter that gives priority to the high power output and only provides power to the low power output when the total potential output power is equal to or less than the rated power of the power converter. A specific power threshold is established, and when the high power output remains below this threshold for a period of time the low power output is allowed to turn on. If the high power output subsequently exceeds this threshold for a period of time, then an electronic circuit powers down the low power output in order to keep the total output power below the rated power of the power converter. Subsequently, the high power output is checked against the threshold to determine if the low power output can be turned on again. If the high power output is below the threshold, then the low power output is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Igo, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
  • Patent number: 8159086
    Abstract: A method is provided for using a temporary power source to transfer a power bus from a first power source to a second power source. The first power source operates at a first electrical frequency, and the second power source operates at a second electrical frequency that is different from the first electrical frequency. The method includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the first electrical frequency and supplying power to the power bus from the temporary power source. The method also includes disconnecting the first power source from the power bus. The method further includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the second electrical frequency. The method further includes coupling the second power source to the power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventor: David Dimitri Karipides
  • Publication number: 20120074777
    Abstract: An electric power converting apparatus mainly includes a first power supply circuit, a second power supply circuit, a selection circuit, a control circuit, a bi-directional inverter circuit, and a charge/discharge circuit. The control circuit composed of a microcomputer or a microprocessor such as a DSP controls an operation of the electric power converting apparatus. The first power supply circuit or the second power supply circuit supplies a operation voltage for the control circuit. The first power supply circuit generates the operation voltage for the control circuit based on an AC voltage supplied from the electric power supply system. The second power supply circuit generates the operation voltage for the control circuit based on a DC voltage supplied from a DC power supply in an electric vehicle EV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akinobu SUGIYAMA, Hiroshi FUJIOKA, Takanori MATSUNAGA, Kohei MORI, Toshihide SATAKE
  • Patent number: 8022821
    Abstract: A power supply, such as for powering and supplying communication data to devices connected with a low voltage line, is disclosed. For example, a converter device is coupled with an alternating current voltage source. The converter device down-converts an alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage. A switching device is in communication with the converter device. A processor is in communication with the switching device. The processor outputs a signal to the switching device. The switching device generates a square wave signal as a function of the signal from the processor and the direct current voltage. A remote device is controlled by data encoded in the square wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: J. Baxter Brinkman International Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Joseph, David A. Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7999483
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement (1) for driving an electrical load (13) comprises a first and a second terminal (2, 3) for feeding a first and a second control signal (S1, S2), a first output (23), to which an electrical load (13) can be coupled, a current source (9), which is coupled to the first output (23), and a control device (5). The control device is coupled to the first and the second terminal (2, 3) and comprises a programming circuit (6) and a trigger circuit (7), which are each coupled on the output side to a control input of the current source (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Peter Trattler
  • Publication number: 20110133552
    Abstract: A system for providing power from a direct current (DC) source to the power grid. The system includes a first inverter with an input and an output. The input is adapted to connect to the DC source. A first switch disposed between the output and the power grid. A second inverter with a DC terminal and an AC terminal, the AC terminal is adapted to connect in parallel with the output of the first inverter. A battery adapted to connect to the DC terminal of the second inverter. A second switch connected between the DC terminal of the second inverter and the input of the first inverter. The second switch also operatively connects the DC source to the battery. The system may further include a charging circuit adapted to be disposed between the input and the DC terminal and a load adapted to connect to the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Yaron Binder, Guy Sella, Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov
  • Patent number: 7911187
    Abstract: An energy storage system includes a battery charger and energy storage devices. The battery charger is connected to a DC/AC current source. The energy storage devices are coupled between the battery charger and subsystems respectively. Each of the energy storage devices includes a magnetic capacitor (MCAP) and an over current protection device (OCPD). MCAPs are charged by the battery charger and supply the electric power to subsystems connected the energy storage devices. OCPDs detect current from MCAPs to subsystems and protect subsystems from excessive currents of voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Northern Lights Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: James Chyi Lai, Kai Chun Fong
  • Patent number: 7859427
    Abstract: Arrangement and method for electrically isolated transmission of direct-current and alternating-current signals. The signals can be transmitted in both directions via the same and only DC-isolated channel. The arrangement comprises a first transmit-and-receive system (1), a direct-current transmitter (4) in short-circuit mode, an operational amplifier arrangement (5), and a second transmit-and-receive system (2) with a message signal transmitter (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Blanke, Heinz-Wilhelm Meier
  • Publication number: 20100276996
    Abstract: A method is provided for using a temporary power source to transfer a power bus from a first power source to a second power source. The first power source operates at a first electrical frequency, and the second power source operates at a second electrical frequency that is different from the first electrical frequency. The method includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the first electrical frequency and supplying power to the power bus from the temporary power source. The method also includes disconnecting the first power source from the power bus. The method further includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the second electrical frequency. The method further includes coupling the second power source to the power bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: David Dimitri Karipides
  • Publication number: 20100133903
    Abstract: Different types of energy storage systems are described, in particular hydro-pneumatic storage systems. In one, energy is stored by compressing gas in a chamber (44,45,54,55) with a liquid piston and released by gas expansion. A spray head or grid at the top of the chamber (44,45,54,55) supplies liquid as a shower through the gas being compressed or expanding in the cylinder (11,12) to maintain an isothermal condition. In another, energy is stored from an array of solar cells connected to an array of supercapacitors forming an auxiliary storage, and a main energy storage device such as a hydro-pneumatic storage system, for supply to an AC or DC network. The efficiency is improved by connecting the solar cells via the array of supercapacitors to the AC or DC network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Rufer, Daniel Favrat, Philippe Barrade, Sylvain Lemofouet
  • Patent number: 7701082
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating voltage and aerospace electrical power systems are implemented. A multi-functional apparatus for regulating voltage, according to one embodiment, comprises: a DC to DC converter (315), wherein the DC to DC converter (315) is controlled to operate in a first direction to receive a DC voltage from a first bus (329) and to output a first regulated DC voltage adjusted to charge a battery (307), wherein the first bus (329) receives power from a second bus (201), and is controlled to operate in a second direction to receive a battery DC voltage from the battery (307) and to output a second regulated DC voltage to the first bus (329) to power a load (231) independently or in combination with the second bus (201).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Lazarovich, Srinivasa R. Dangeti, Ileana Rusan
  • Publication number: 20100026088
    Abstract: A fuel-efficient auxiliary power generation, conversion, and supply system is configured within the periphery of a vehicular conveyance, and typically including a plurality of batteries, a power generator, an internal combustion engine, and an instrument control assembly including one or more inverter portions and a rectifier portion. A method for charging the batteries within a narrow hysteresis voltage range to reduce charging stress is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Baumann, Bruce Wingen
  • Patent number: 7635965
    Abstract: A portable and integrated backup electric power supplies system, equipped with a battery. It comprises of an alternating current power supply, and a multifunction direct current power supply containing a variable voltage power supply, a dual polarity voltage power supply, a variable NIMH battery charger, a 12-volt lead-acid battery charger, and an automotive jumpstart system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Edward Hinckson
  • Publication number: 20090085400
    Abstract: A fuel-efficient auxiliary power generation, conversion, and supply system is configured within the periphery of a vehicular conveyance, and typically including a plurality of batteries, a power generator, an internal combustion engine, and an instrument control assembly including one or more inverter portions and a rectifier portion. A method for charging the batteries within a narrow hysteresis voltage range to reduce charging stress is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Baumann, Bruce Wingen
  • Patent number: 7502233
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion which receives the DC power supplied from airplanes, vehicles and vessels as well as normal AC power, and converts the power to DC power and supplies it to portable electronic products. The power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion includes an AC input 10, a DC input 20, a switch 30 for selecting AC input power or DC input power, a DC output 40, and a circuit used for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion 100 which converts the power input from the AC input or the DC input to DC power having predetermined values of current and voltage, and a secondary side of a transformer (TL) for AC/DC conversion inside the circuit for conversion serves as an inductor for performing DC/DC conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Smart Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim, Dae-Young Youn, Sang-Min Kim
  • Patent number: 7489051
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using a power protector, such as an uninterruptible power supply (power protector) or a power line conditioner. An input of the power protector can be coupled to an output of one or more of circuit breakers using electrical buss bars for unique modularity and easy installation and replacement. Further, an input of a second set of circuit breakers can be coupled to an output of the power protector to backfeed the power through the second set of circuit breakers and out through the buss bar to one or more electrical loads. Additional power protectors can be used for capacity and/or redundancy. A stacked buss bar system can be used that consolidates the system into a compact assembly heretofore unknown in the industry. In at least some embodiments, the system can be compatible with standard panelboards having circuit breakers disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Fuchik, James K. Martin, Russell E. Shetler, Jr., William A. Barcus, Peter A. Panfil
  • Patent number: 7420294
    Abstract: A power switching module provides power to a line amplifier in a broadband telecommunications network. The switch includes a first input port for connection to a first power source, a second input port for connection to a second power source, an input/output port for connection to a cable connecting the line amplifier with a remote amplifier, and an output port for connection to the line amplifier. A controller controls selection of the power source and provides power to the line amplifier from one the input ports and can provide power to, or receive power from, a power supply associated with the remote amplifier via the input/output port. A switch allows selection of a primary mode of operation or a secondary mode of operation. Another switch allows selection of a first operating voltage range or a second voltage operating range. A monitoring circuit communicates status information about the switching module to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: MAYA Industries Limited
    Inventors: George F. Taylor, Ofer Raviv
  • Patent number: 7417336
    Abstract: Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for controlling an AC signal, which is supplied to a load and selectively supplied to a utility grid. In response to a fault in the utility grid, the method includes decoupling the AC signal from the utility grid, and determining whether a voltage associated with the AC signal is within a desired band. The method also includes adjusting the voltage associated with the AC signal when the AC signal is outside the desired band, and comparing a magnitude of a current associated with the AC signal with a desired current value to thereby obtain a comparison result. In response to the comparison result, the current associated with the AC signal is adjusted when the voltage associated with the AC signal is within the desired band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080164757
    Abstract: An electrical component (100) includes: (a) an electrical charge storage component (110) comprising one or more first power connectors (211); (b) a first power component (130) capable of outputting alternating current to a first electrical device and comprising one or more second power connectors (412); and (c) a second power component (150) capable of outputting direct current to a second electrical device and comprising one or more third power connectors (612).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard James Elgie, Barry Sween, Vijendra Nalwad, Greg Dawson
  • Publication number: 20080157594
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicular electric power generation system comprising a variable speed internal combustion engine, a first variable speed electric power generator driven by the engine, a second variable speed electric power generator driven by the engine, a first inverter to receive electric power from the first generator a provide a first controlled electric output, a second inverter to receive electric power from the second generator and provide a second controlled electric output, and a controller coupled to the engine. The controller is responsive to variation in electrical loading of the first inverter and the second inverter and a degree of electrical load imbalance between the first inverter and second inverter to provide one or more engine control signals. The engine is responsive to the one more engine control signals to change rotational operating speed to adjust for the variation in electrical loading and the degree of electrical load imbalance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Peterson, Sergey Kunin
  • Publication number: 20080129115
    Abstract: A fuel-efficient auxiliary power generation, conversion, and supply system configured within the periphery of a vehicular conveyance, and typically including a plurality of batteries, a power generator, an internal combustion engine, and an instrument control assembly including an inverter portion and a rectifier portion. The system generally comprises a portion of an electrical circuit substantially independent from a primary operative electrical circuit of the vehicular conveyance, and the combustion engine operates independently from a primary operative engine of the vehicular conveyance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Baumann, Bruce Wingen
  • Patent number: 7294940
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for providing DC battery backup power to Power over Ethernet, (PoE) Mid Span or End Point Power Sourcing Equipment, (PSE), such that in the event of the loss of utility power the PSE device is able to continue to provide power for some time while battery capacity remains. The apparatus includes an AC to DC converter that receives an AC power input and outputs DC power to the power over Ethernet circuitry and a DC battery pack that provides backup DC power to the power over Ethernet circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: System Engineering International
    Inventors: Martin Grolnic, William J. Kautter
  • Patent number: 7250694
    Abstract: In a power-saving control module for an electrical appliance that includes a DC power supply and a remote control receiver, a switch component serves to make or break electrical connection between an AC power source and the DC power supply, a diode provides a path for supply of a DC power output from the DC power supply to the remote control receiver when connection between the DC power supply and the AC power source is made, and a rechargeable power source provides DC power to the remote control receiver when connection between the DC power supply and the AC power source is broken. A driver is controlled by the remote control receiver so as to cause the switch component to make or break the electrical connection between the AC power source and the DC power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Top Victory Electronics (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7230819
    Abstract: A mobile power system for producing power at a desired location includes a first power generating device of a first type coupled to a transportable housing, and a second power generating device of a second type coupled to the transportable housing. The first type of power generating device is different than the second type of power generating device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mobile power system may provide easy access to different types of power outputs. Further, the housing may have the approximate size of a standard freight container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: SkyBuilt Power, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Muchow, George F. Bockelmann, Michael C. Hull, Charles J. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 7212921
    Abstract: A system for providing connectivity to co-located instruments includes a processor for receiving and processing GPS data and IMU data, a GPS receiver antenna operable to supply the GPS data to the processor, and an IMU, co-located with the GPS receiver antenna, operable to provide the IMU data to the processor. A single cable is provided between the processor and co-located equipment and, by using filtering mechanisms, the single cable is operable to simultaneously supply DC power to the IMU and to transmit the GPS data and the IMU data to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh K. Jeerage, Charles T. Bye, Wayne A. Soehren
  • Patent number: 7190091
    Abstract: A selectable source input power supply is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power supply is provided comprising an input stage including an input connector to couple the power supply to either of an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and an actuatable input switch to determine which of the AC input voltage and the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, to couple the input stage to an alternating current path in response to a determination that the AC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, and to couple the input stage to a direct current path in response to a determination that the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7151326
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical system and method for providing power to a truck's cab while the truck's engine is turned off. An already available primary power supply of the truck and a secondary power supply generally located on a trailer being hauled by the truck, are used to charge auxiliary power storage units. The secondary power supply is further used to maintain charge of the auxiliary power storage units while the truck's engine is off. The system may provide power to electrical devices within the truck as DC, or as AC by means of an inverter. The system may further include thermostatic controls to protect the secondary power supply when high-voltage electrical devices such as space heaters are being used. Separate operating circuits are employed that include switching means to enable an operator to, or to automatically, control operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Idle Free Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert Howard Jordan
  • Patent number: 7145265
    Abstract: A hybrid power system has two voltage sources, a variable DC power source, and a second power source, connected through selection components to a common node. The variable DC power source may be a solar power source and the second source may be an AC grid. The selection components, e.g. blocking diodes, SCRs, or relays, allow one or both of the sources to be connected to the node depending on the voltages produced by the sources. A variable speed drive and load may be connected to the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: World Water & Powew Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C Mc Nulty, Anand Rangarajan
  • Publication number: 20040232775
    Abstract: A lighting system having one or more voltage conditioners which are connected to a power line, each conditioner providing multiple output ports into which various types of luminaries may be connected. The voltage conditioner comprises an AC-DC converter and is constructed such that the power line connection is filtered to reduce electromagnetic emanations and provides a DC voltage at one or more pairs of terminals from which no more than a manifestly limited amount of power can be drawn, thereby reducing the fire initiation hazard of the lighting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
  • Patent number: 6037571
    Abstract: The invention is a dual power source high heat electrical grill whose primary application is as an outdoor or indoor grill which uses the combination of AC and DC powered elements in a hybrid configuration to produce as much heat as conventional outdoor gas grills and more than could otherwise be produced by a conventional electric grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Christopher
  • Patent number: 5878584
    Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with a solar generator is disclosed. The solar generator is capable of converting the DC power generated by a solar cell into the AC power whose voltage and frequency correspond to that of the commercial power source. The electrical power generated by the solar cell and the electrical power consumed by the air conditioner are monitored and may be displayed. The DC power generated by the solar cell is used directly by the air conditioner or used indirectly as the commercial power source by merging the converted AC power to the commercial power source. Further, the converted AC power may be selectively merged to the commercial power source depending on the various states of the air conditioner, and the air conditioning operations may be regulated depending on the electrical power generated by the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeharu Sasaki, Keigo Onizuka, Hisashi Tokizaki, Masaki Madenokoji, Kenichi Koga
  • Patent number: 5608275
    Abstract: A fault tolerant isolation system providing fault tolerant electrical isolation between different components receiving power from separate power sources regardless of which of the power sources fails. One power source provides operating voltage to an isolation device, which is a transceiver, buffer, quick switch, etc. The other power source activates a transistor switch coupled to the output enable input of the isolation device, and a current limit device is provided between the output enable and power inputs of the isolation device. In this manner, failure of either power source disables the isolation device and therefore provides fault tolerant isolation between the devices on either side. In the preferred embodiment, the isolation device acts as a high impedance open switch if its power is removed thereby isolating the devices on either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Dell USA L.P.
    Inventor: Farzad Khosrowpour
  • Patent number: 5541458
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved laser printer power supply that maintains 24-, 12-, and 5 volt DC power to run exhaust fans for a brief period after the power switch is turned off. These fans remove undesirable ozone from the photo-conducting print drum so as to extend the life of the photo-conductor. The circuits utilize a timer circuit and an optically isolated photo-diac to turn a power triac on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: B. Mark Hirst
  • Patent number: 5514915
    Abstract: A shunt connected energy stabilizing system with isolation switching for providing stored energy to loads or to a utility or industrial electrical distribution system or source of electrical power. An energy backup and recovery system stores energy in a superconducting magnet and releases the energy to a real power/reactive power (VARs) generator which in turn delivers energy to either the loads or to both the loads and the source of electrical power. During periods of voltage sag or power outage, an isolation switch provide a means for isolating the loads from the source of power so that energy can be supplied to the loads only to provide "ride-thru". In effect, the isolation of the load sheds this load from the power system, thereby boosting the rest of the electrical distribution to a level so that other loads on the power system are not disturbed by the voltage sags. By supplying energy to the loads only, small superconducting magnets can be used thereby providing economic and size advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Superconductivity, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang H. Kim, Paul F. Koeppe, Carel C. DeWinkel
  • Patent number: 5437040
    Abstract: A digital electronics system, such as a computer, includes circuits which provides signals proportional to the instantaneous voltage and current on the power bus to a microprocessor. The microprocessor uses these signals, the capacitance of the system filter capacitors, and the desired time for the system voltage to remain above a minimum voltage, to calculate an instantaneous voltage threshold. When the power bus voltage falls below this threshold voltage, the microprocessor provides a signal warning of impending power failure. The product of the voltage and current, i.e. the instantaneous system power, is displayed on an alphanumeric LED on the front panel of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Codar Technology
    Inventors: William C. Campbell, Barry O. Blair
  • Patent number: 5376828
    Abstract: A shunt connected energy stabilizing system with isolation switching for providing stored energy to loads or to a utility or industrial electrical distribution system or source of electrical power. An energy backup and recovery system stores energy in a superconducting magnet and releases the energy to a real power/reactive power (VARs) generator which in turn delivers energy to either the loads or to both the loads and the source of electrical power. During periods of voltage sag or power outage, an isolation switch provides a way for isolating the loads from the source of power so that energy can be supplied to the loads only to provide "ride-thru". In effect, the isolation of the load sheds this load from the power system, thereby boosting the rest of the electrical distribution to a level so that other loads on the power system are not disturbed by the voltage sags. By supplying energy to the loads only, small superconducting magnets can be used thereby providing economic and size advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Superconductivity, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang H. Kim, Paul F. Koeppe, Carel C. DeWinkel
  • Patent number: 5283474
    Abstract: A circuit of a detection switch for generating an output signal for driving a load device in accordance with the detection result by a detector is composed with a reduced number of components externally attached to an IC substrate which mounts integrally main circuit units such as a power source circuit unit, a detection circuit unit and an output circuit unit. The output circuit unit comprises a comparator which compares a judgment signal from the detection circuit unit with a reference signal when the load device is driven by DC power, or compares the voltage of an external DC power source with a predetermined voltage when the device driven by AC power, and an output driver which generates a driving signal for the load device in response to the output signal from the comparator. The detection circuit unit produces the judgment signal only when either the output circuit unit or the power source circuit unit is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: IDEC Izumi Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Oi, Makoto Kawaguchi, Takashi Satoi
  • Patent number: 4841215
    Abstract: A D.C. solenoid control circuit for use in mechanisms driven by an A.C. motor. A rectifier converts A.C. current to D.C. current and provides an A.C. current flow path and a D.C. current flow path. Only the motor is connected in the A.C. current flow path to an output electrical power source. The D.C. solenoid is connected through the rectifier in the D.C. current flow path. The D.C. solenoid winding drives an actuator within the solenoid the activate the separate mechanism. In-rush current drawn by the motor upon start-up is converted to a high current level by the rectifier and input to the winding of the solenoid causing its immediate energization and, upon de-activation, its fast release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Lift Tech International Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Verbos
  • Patent number: 4608498
    Abstract: A load control circuit having an input terminal adapted to receive any one of a number of different input voltage signals including signals of at least first and second type. These signals may be, respectively, DC and AC input signals. Control circuits are provided for operation of the load from the input voltage signal. This control circuit includes at least first part responsive only to said input voltage signal being of first type for coupling said signal of first type to the load, and a second part responsive only to the input voltage signal being of second type for coupling the signal of second type to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Brunswick Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Falzarano, Carl Hewson
  • Patent number: 4599519
    Abstract: A superconducting magnetic energy storage coil connected in parallel between converters of two or more ac power systems provides load leveling and stability improvement to any or all of the ac systems. Control is provided to direct the charging and independently the discharging of the superconducting coil to at least a selected one of the ac power systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Heinrich J. Boenig
  • Patent number: 4122512
    Abstract: Energy derived from an alternating current power system is stored in a superconducting magnet or inductor. The transfer of the energy is reversible so that the energy stored in the superconducting magnet can be returned to the alternating current power system. Generally, the energy is stored when surplus energy is available, due to low demand. The energy stored in the superconducting magnet may be returned to the power system when demand is high. High efficiency in the storage and return of the energy is achieved. A reversible converter is provided between the alternating current system and the superconducting magnet so that the magnet is supplied with direct current when energy is being stored. The converter may be adjusted so as to convert directcurrent into alternating current when it is desired to return the stored energy to the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Harold A. Peterson, Roger W. Boom
  • Patent number: 4070586
    Abstract: Electrical energization and control circuit particularly for use in permanently installed vacuum cleaning systems having a centrally located A.C. powered vacuum turbine and a remote flexible cleaning unit equipped with low voltage A.C. or D.C. agitator motors. Energization of the A.C. turbine motor circuit is controlled by a current sensor in the one of the two wires leading to the remote low voltage agitator motor so that a selector switch in the handle of the cleaning unit may, in one position, energize the low voltage agitator motor or, in a second position, bypass the agitator motor through a resistance to initiate a current flow that is sensed by the current sensor to activate the A.C. motor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Beamco, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Breslin
  • Patent number: 3939358
    Abstract: Two individual lamp loads are mounted on, are support by, and are electrically terminated within one plural lamp load housing assembly which has a single pair of electrical input terminals. An apparatus within said housing, which senses applied A-C electrical energy characteristic and applied D-C electrical energy characteristic, is electrically terminated between said two lamp loads and said single pair of input terminals providing means for individual and selective energization of said two lamp loads, with either applied D-C electrical energy being further supplied to first lamp load only of said two lamp loads or applied A-C electrical energy being further supplied to second lamp load only of said two lamp loads, said selection being a function of applied electrical energy characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Inventor: James A. Saveker