Selectively Connected Loads And/or Sources Patents (Class 307/29)
  • Publication number: 20100225167
    Abstract: A power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the power management system. A transfer switch is electrically connected to the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of branch circuits are electrically connected to the transfer switch. The plurality of branch circuits includes a plurality of electrical outlets. The system includes a controller wirelessly coupled to a plurality of portable receptacles, which are coupled between respective electrical outlets and managed devices. The controller manages the receptacles, and consequently the managed devices, during the second power source powering the transfer switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenny J. Stair, Brandon Michael Batzler
  • Publication number: 20100225166
    Abstract: An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Leonard, Robert Hick
  • Publication number: 20100225168
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes: a segment driver having a plurality of segment signal output circuits for driving a plurality of segment lines; a common driver having a plurality of common signal output circuits for driving a plurality of common lines; and a power supply circuit that supplies a first power supply at a first voltage level, a second power supply at a second voltage level, a third power supply at a third voltage level and a fourth power supply at a fourth voltage level to the segment driver and the common driver, wherein each of the plurality of segment signal output circuits sets a voltage level of a segment signal to the third voltage level in a first transition period from a period in which the voltage level of the segment signal is set to the first voltage level to a period in which the voltage level of the segment signal is set to the fourth voltage level, and sets the voltage level of the segment signal to the second voltage level in a second transition period from a period in which
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko TSUCHIYA
  • Publication number: 20100213763
    Abstract: A power demand modification method and system. The method includes detecting and monitoring by a computing system, a frequency signal associated with an input voltage signal used for powering a plurality of power consumption devices at a specified location. The computing system compares the frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value. The computing system determines that the frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal to the predetermined frequency value. The computing system calculates a difference value between the first value and the predetermined frequency value. The computing system compares the difference value to a second value. The computing system enables a connection to an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) and performs a power demand modification process associated with the UPS. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
  • Publication number: 20100207449
    Abstract: Power is automatically allocated among a plurality of network switches, such as a plurality of stackable switches. In one embodiment, one device in the network is designated as a “master” device which controls the power allocation for all of the switches. In another embodiment, a distributed algorithm is used, in which each device uses power allocation decision logic to formulate a mutually agreed-upon power allocation. Power from multiple power-granting devices may be consolidated to provide aggregated power to one or more power-needing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: James Hiscock, Hazem Kabbara
  • Patent number: 7750501
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing over voltages in a power system coupled to an electric machine are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising detecting an operating voltage on a high voltage direct current (HVDC) bus, determining if at least one component of the power system is operational, communicating a signal to a power converter of the power system when the detected operating voltage is greater than a threshold voltage and when the component is not operational, and shorting together a plurality of terminals of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Fengtai Huang
  • Patent number: 7750499
    Abstract: Provided is a device for limiting a current of electric appliance. The current limiting device includes: at least two loads; at least two load driving units connected to the loads to control applying power to the loads; a power detecting unit detecting a power type; a micom controlling the load driving unit according to the power type detected by the power detecting unit to drive the load using a current flowing into the load within an allowable value; and at least one current limiting unit connected to at least one control line connecting the micom and the load driving unit and limiting a current of the load driving unit connected to the control line when the micom malfunctions by using a control signal of the micom and a signal of the power type detected from the power detecting unit as an input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Byung Jo Jeong
  • Publication number: 20100148580
    Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed, including a first plurality of power supply units configured to supply working voltages from a battery to a second plurality of loads, a large-capacitance capacitor configured to charge electric charges from the battery, a third plurality of switching means for connecting the large-capacitance capacitor to the second plurality of loads selectively, control means for switching the third plurality of switching means corresponding to the load presently driven, and discharge means, in a case where the output voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor is higher than the operating voltage of the second load when the capacitor is switched from a first load to a second load, for discharging the charges stored in the capacitor according to the monitoring result by a voltage monitoring means so that the voltage of the capacitor decreases to the operating voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventor: Hirotada TANIUCHI
  • Patent number: 7732943
    Abstract: A method for determining/dimensioning measures for restoring an electrical power system, which experiences or is heading for a voltage instability, to a steady-state condition, wherein there is no immediate risk of instability. An actual voltage/phase angle in the electrical power system is determined. The power unbalance within at least one sub-area in the electrical power system is determined. Suitable power-balancing measures are determined. The extent of the respective measures is determined. The power-balancing measures are carried out. Also, a device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Daniel Karlsson, Sture Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20100127567
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrical supply system including an electrical power point (10) having at least one power outlet (12) that is selectably connected to at least two power providing circuits (28, 30). The power point (10) including a selector means (26) that is operable to provide the power to the at least one power outlet (12) from one of the at least two power providing circuits 28, 30). The system further includes a controller (42) that controls when power is supplied to one of the two circuits (28, 30) based upon pre-determined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Richard BISINELLA
  • Patent number: 7723864
    Abstract: An electrical circuit and method for switching an input voltage onto a load by way of an AC control voltage is provided. A voltage magnitude reduction circuit is configured to be driven by the AC control voltage. A rectifier circuit is operably coupled with the voltage magnitude reduction circuit. Also, a voltage limiter circuit is operably coupled with the rectifier circuit, and an energy storage circuit is operably coupled with the voltage limiter circuit. The voltage magnitude reduction circuit, the rectifier circuit, the energy storage circuit and the voltage limiter circuit cooperatively generate a switch control voltage. An electronic switching unit is then configured to switch the input voltage across the load when the switch control voltage is active. In one embodiment, the input voltage is a DC voltage generated by an AC-to-DC voltage converter circuit configured to convert an AC supply voltage to the DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Alexander Zub, Urs Thomas Moeker, Isaac Davenport, Nathaniel W. Crutcher
  • Publication number: 20100109433
    Abstract: A power allocating apparatus has a plurality of power supply modules coupled to a plurality of loads via a plurality of power lines, respectively. The power allocating apparatus includes a first switch element and a control device. The first switch element has a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal coupled to an output terminal of a power supply module with a relatively high power conversion rate and an output terminal of a power supply module with a second power conversion rate, respectively, and selectively allocates a power generated by the power supply module with the relatively high power conversion rate to a predetermined number of loadings simultaneously according to on or off states of the first switch element. The control device is coupled to the first switch element to control the first switch element to enter an on state or an off state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Chih-Tai Chen, Yi-Chiao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7709978
    Abstract: It is normal practice in automation to network individual components of an installation via bus lines, with this network carrying out a multiplicity of communication and supply tasks during operation. In at least one embodiment, a system interface, as well as an installation which uses this interface, are disclosed with the operational reliability of the installation being improved. In at least one embodiment, a system interface is proposed for connection of a bus line to an actuator assembly in a control system with a K connection for connection of a communication channel and with a K-U connection for connection of a communication voltage supply channel, and an A-U connection for connection of an actuator voltage supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Beyer, Josef Graf, Peter Hauselt
  • Patent number: 7701084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply apparatus, more particularity to a universal power supply apparatus which is applicable to various portable electronics devices made by different manufacturers and having different functions by selecting a tip having a shape suited for the portable electronic devices. The universal power supply apparatus of the present invention comprises a keyway (321) having the information on a mechanical key (411) which can select a voltage suited for the portable electronic devices and combined with a tip (400) and the key (411) and an output converting section (200) being capable of converting ON/OFF information of the keyway (321) into an output. The keyway can covert the mechanical information of key into the electrical information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: Dae-Young Youn, Hyun-June Kim
  • Patent number: 7701085
    Abstract: The grid interconnection device connected to the bank where alternating-current power is transmitted and to the power supply device provided to a customer includes: a detector detecting start of the alternating-current power transmission based on a state of the alternating-current power; a receiver receiving a grid interconnection start instruction for starting grid interconnection between the bank and the power supply device; and a grid interconnection controller controlling the bank and the power supply device to be interconnected or separated, in which the grid interconnection controller starts grid interconnection between the bank and the power supply device upon receipt of the grid interconnection start instruction in a state where the start of the alternating-current power transmission is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Ito, Masahiro Makino
  • Patent number: 7701083
    Abstract: Portable hybrid applications for AC/DC load sharing includes circuitry for simultaneously using at least one of external AC, internal DC power and/or external DC power. The apparatus also includes an input power receptacle for receiving at least one of AC power and external DC power. A power router inside the apparatus routes at least one of AC power, internal DC power, and external DC power to provide power for an application. An apparatus for providing DC to DC conversion includes a tip and a DC to DC whip connected to the tip. A male plug is connected to the second end of the whip. A buck converter within the male plug converts DC power to a DC power level associated with the whip and transmits the converted DC power along the DC to DC whip to the tip. Alternatively, an internal DC source provides internal DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Savage
  • Patent number: 7696640
    Abstract: A power over Ethernet (PoE) power sourcing equipment (PSE) architecture for variable maximum power delivery. PoE PSE subsystems rely on some control to “turn on” a power field effect transistor (FET), which allows current to be transmitted to a powered device (PD). A hybrid approach is provided where an internal FET can be augmented with an external FET to provide an architecture that can be flexibly applied to applications with various space, cost and cooling limitations. The maximum delivered power can also be boosted with the addition of an external FET to the internal FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Hemanth Nekkileru, Sesha Thalpasai Panguluri
  • Publication number: 20100065349
    Abstract: When power storage units (10) and (20) are both in a normal condition, system relays (SMR1) and (SMR2) are maintained in an ON state. A converter (18) performs a voltage conversion operation in accordance with a voltage control mode (boost), and a converter (28) performs a boost operation in accordance with an electric power control mode. If some kind of fault condition occurs in the power storage unit (10) and the system relay (SMR1) is driven to an OFF state, the converters (18) and (28) stop the voltage conversion operation and maintain an electrically conducting state between the power storage units (10) and (20) and a main positive bus (MPL), a main negative bus (MNL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Ichikawa, Eiji Sato
  • Patent number: 7675195
    Abstract: A load control system comprises a plurality of control devices, each coupled to one of a plurality of device communication links. The device communication links are each coupled to a one of a plurality of link power supplies, which provides power for the control devices on the device communication links. The link power supplies are coupled together via a repeater communication link and operate as repeater devices to retransmit digital messages received from the device communication link onto the repeater communication link, and vice versa. The retransmitted digital messages are substantially the same as the received digital messages. No control devices are coupled to the repeater communication link, such that no control devices draw current through the repeater communication link. A maximum of only two or three link power supplies are coupled between any two control devices of the load control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Mierta
  • Patent number: 7663268
    Abstract: Multilevel high power converters, referred to as hexagram converters, which preferably include a combination of six three-phase converter modules, are provided herein. The three-phase converter modules are interconnected and can be configured as any three-phase converter for any given application. One or more inductors can be used in the interconnections between the six modules to suppress potential circulating currents. Numerous applications exist in which the described converters can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Cailfornia
    Inventors: Jun Wen, Keyue Smedley
  • Publication number: 20100026094
    Abstract: There is provided a system that includes a power feed that distributes a direct current (DC) voltage in a building. The DC voltage is In a range of about 300-600 volts DC. The system also includes a motor, and a motor drive. The motor drive receives the DC voltage via the power feed, and from the DC voltage, derives an output that drives the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: VALIDUS DC SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Rudy Kraus, Peter Gross
  • Publication number: 20100019680
    Abstract: A power supply system including a first power supply, a second power supply, a switch board, a relay device, and a control device is provided. The switch board is electrically connected to the first power supply, and the relay device is electrically connected to the switch board. The relay device includes a first solid state relay and a second solid state relay, which are electrically connected to the first power supply and the second power supply respectively. The control device includes a control unit and a first power line communication unit (PLC unit), in which the control unit is electrically connected to the second power supply, and the first PLC unit is electrically connected between the relay device and the second power supply, and the first PLC unit is electrically connected to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GE INVESTMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Kuei Tsai
  • Patent number: 7642620
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor apparatus for solving a trade-off between the area, power consumption, noise and accuracy of correction of a variation correction circuit that corrects variations in resistance and threshold voltage, etc. The present invention comprises a multi-value voltage generation circuit shared by a plurality of reading circuits, a multi-value voltage bus that supplies multi-value voltages to the reading circuits and switches that select a voltage suited to variation correction from multi-value voltages, wherein the multi-value voltages are distributed from the multi-value voltage generation circuit to the plurality of reading circuits, the switches select an optimum voltage for correction in the respective reading circuits to thereby correct variations in the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7633180
    Abstract: A starting method of an electronic apparatus wherein power supplies of a plurality of the electronic apparatuses are started in order, the starting method includes the steps of resetting the electronic apparatuses when each of the electronic apparatuses is started; and canceling the resets of the electronic apparatuses at the substantially same time after a power supply started last among power supplies of the plural electronic apparatuses is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Tamura, Katsuhisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7629784
    Abstract: A voltage supply arrangement is proposed, which provides a voltage from a first power range in a first operating mode and from a second power range in a second operating mode, to a first electrical load. The voltage supply arrangement includes a voltage converter which is coupled on the input side to a voltage input of the voltage supply arrangement and on the output side to a first connection of a first switch, which is connected at a second connection to a voltage output of the voltage supply arrangement for connection of a first electrical load. The voltage supply arrangement further includes a second switch, which is coupled at a first connection to the voltage input and at a second connection to the voltage output, and a drive circuit, which is configured to set the first and the second switch to the first or the second operating mode in response to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Jan-Erik Müller
  • Patent number: 7626365
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for charging a battery (110). The method includes the steps of receiving (212) an input power supply signal (300), monitoring (216) the input power supply signal to determine when the input power supply signal reaches first and second predetermined thresholds (314, 316) and in response to the monitoring step, selectively controlling (217) a charging switch (122) that controls the flow of the input power supply signal to the battery. The controlling step can include activating (220) the charging switch when the input power supply signal reaches the first predetermined threshold and deactivating (226) the switch when the input power supply signal reaches the second predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Patino, Marco Pulido, Russell L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7626283
    Abstract: An alternative power source provides alternating current (AC) through a proper connector into a first outlet of a pre-existing electrical distribution system which is normally powered by an alternating current electrical power supply through main breakers and a breaker box. At least one of the breakers which controls power from the normal AC electrical power supply on the electrical distribution system is opened prior to connecting the alternative power supply. The alternative power supply provides electricity through the proper connector into the first outlet, or node, to provide alternating current to a selected portion of the electrical distribution system, and possibly to both halves of the pre-existing electrical distribution system if the proper connector is connected to a 240 volt outlet, or if two proper connectors are utilized and connected to first and second outlets with the first and second outlets on each of the two phase (power) wires of the pre-existing electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Baucum, Jr., William E. Baucum, III
  • Patent number: 7612466
    Abstract: Our system improves the efficiency and functionality of a grid-interactive or grid-tied power system that utilizes one or more local power sources and one or more local energy storage devices. The purpose is the coordination, optimization and efficient control, regulation, and transfer of electrical energy among several energy storage devices, power generators, the utility grid, and connected local electrical loads. The coordinated control and utilization of local storage and generation combined with coordinated integration with the utility grid results in an overall system that can be more flexible, economical, and efficient than any of the individual components can be, when operated separately. It uses dynamic adjustment, feedback, and other control modules/methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: VPT Energy Systems
    Inventor: Glenn Richard Skutt
  • Patent number: 7608942
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (103) having a plurality of integrated circuit portions (111, 113, and 115) where each of the plurality of integrated circuit portions receives a corresponding voltage of a plurality of voltages. Selection circuitry (127 and 123) selects a selected voltage of the plurality of voltages and provides an indication of the selected voltage to adjust the supply voltage to the integrated circuit. in one embodiment, the indication may correspond to an analog signal proportional to the selected voltage such as e.g. at the selected voltage or at a voltage less than or greater than the selected voltage. A power supply system (105), coupled to the integrated circuit, may be used to receive the indication of the selected voltage and adjust the supply voltage based on the indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Y. Chun, Cornelis H. Voorwinden
  • Patent number: 7605492
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided that can operate with energy storage units of varying voltages and temperatures, that can correct voltage and temperature deviations, and that can continue to provide power when an energy storage unit is inoperable. A power supply system is also provided that can recondition an energy storage unit during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Elder, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7602081
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system (10) operable to provide power and control through a rotating interface. The system (10) generally includes a control unit (12) and a distributor unit (14). The control unit (12) is operable to generate a power signal having a plurality of power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is operable to rotatably couple with the control unit (12), receive the power signal from the control unit (12), identify power transitions within the power signal, and generate a plurality of output signals corresponding to the identified power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is also at least substantially powered by the power signal to enable generation of the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ice Corporation
    Inventors: Arlie D. Stonestreet, II, Harold G. Kraus, Darin E. Genereux
  • Patent number: 7595567
    Abstract: An under frequency protection thermostat-type device includes a thermostat-type housing, a transformer, a line under frequency (LUF) detection and measurement module, a microcontroller, and a load switch. The transformer is adapted to be electrically connected to a primary voltage source having a predefined frequency level and disposed within the housing. The LUF detection and measurement module is electrically connected to the transformer and adapted to detect a line under frequency condition from a signal received from the transformer. The microcontroller is connected to the LUF detection and measurement module and is adapted to send a command to disengage and engage an electrical load as a function of a measured frequency of the voltage source over a predefined period of time. The measured frequency is compared to a predefined frequency threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cannon Technologies/Cooper Power
    Inventors: Joel R. Cannon, William R. Ockert, Robert Cox, Kevin Allmaras
  • Patent number: 7592715
    Abstract: A system comprises a first power supply, a second power supply, and a load coupled to the first and second power supplies via separate power connectors. The load receives separate operating power from each of the first and second power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Hong
  • Publication number: 20090200866
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a circuit apparatus including: plural modules having functions which can be substituted for each other; a function allocation section configured to set a one-on-one corresponding relationship between a plurality of predetermined functions and the plural modules in response to a control signal inputted thereto and allocate the functions coordinated in accordance with the one-on-one relationship individually to the modules; and first power inputting sections configured to input power supplies to be supplied to the modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi ONODERA
  • Patent number: 7557461
    Abstract: The power supply device of the present invention supplies power highly reliably by suppressing an increase in costs even when a multiplicity of load groups are present. When operating normally, each of the normal power supply units supplies power via a normal path to each of the load groups. One redundant power supply unit is provided for a plurality of normal power supply units. When any of the normal power supply units fail, the redundant power supply unit continues to supply power to the load group via the redundant path. A diode for connecting the redundant path to the normal path is provided in each normal power supply unit and the redundant paths that are routed through the respective normal power supply units are connected so as to intersect one another between the normal power supply units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Kawakubo, Tetsuya Inoue, Masahiro Sone, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7545055
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for transmitting over non-adjacent multiple conducting pairs and aggregating powers from the conducting pairs to power remote electronic devices at an end station include, at a line termination (LT), a plurality of power transmitting circuits configured to transmit power over the multiple conducting pairs, and a microcontroller coupled to the plurality of power transmitting circuits and configured to receive a current sense signal from a power receiving circuit at the remote electronic device, and further include, at a network termination (NT), one or more current limiters coupled to multiple conducting pairs and operable to limit the power from the conducting pairs based on power demand information of the end station, and a load controller coupled to the one or more current limiters and configured to selectively activate the one or more current limiters based on a determination by the microcontroller that the end station is allowed to receive a full power demand, the determination being
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh Barrass
  • Patent number: 7541690
    Abstract: A signal transmission method for transmitting a signal between a regulated power supply unit that operates and controls a high intensity discharge lamp and a setting unit that gives various kinds of commands to the regulated power supply unit is provided. The method includes providing the regulated power supply unit with a first communication controller; providing the setting unit with a second communication controller; providing a pair of signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Hitoshi Akiho, Yoshimasa Kitta
  • Publication number: 20090072621
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided, which includes a power supply subrack (PSS) and a power cable distributor (PCD). The PSS includes one or more power modules and a third connector (51), and the PCD is adapted to introduce one or more electrical signals from power input cables. The third connector (51) in the PSS is connected to the PCD and adapted to feed the introduced electrical signals to the power modules. Furthermore, a power cable distributor, a power supply subrack adapted to work with the PCD and an integrated equipment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: HANGZHOU H3C TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying He, Ping Yang, Zhiyong Wang, Wenxiang Zhou, Baohong Li
  • Patent number: 7504744
    Abstract: System and methodology for providing classification of a load in a power supply system for providing power over a communication link. The power supply system has a classification engine for probing the load to determine a characteristic of the load. The classification engine supplies the load with multiple classification signals to determine multiple response signals presented by the load in response to the respective classification signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Clayton Reynolds Stanford
  • Patent number: 7504746
    Abstract: A differential driving circuit is provided that reduces ripple current. The differential driving circuit is operable to supply a linear current in a low current mode and a PWM current in a high current mode. Depending on the direction of current flow through the load, heating and cooling is provided for loads such as a thermal electric cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: 02Micro International Limited
    Inventors: Foot Shen Wong, Haijun “Halley” Chen, Mingpan Li
  • Patent number: 7495194
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a plurality of heating means that heat a heated object, a temperature measuring means that measures temperatures of some of the plurality of heating means, a heated object information storing means that stores, in a coordinate manner, heated object identification names, target heating temperatures at the heating means, and sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the heating means, a heating information storage means that defines a relationship between temperatures during heating of the heating means up to the target heating temperatures and heating intensities at the temperatures, a heated object identification name obtaining means that obtains one of the heated object identification names, a heated object information reading-out means that reads out one of the target heating temperatures and one of the sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the plurality of heating means, corresponding to the heated object identification name from the heated object information st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7479712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration for several consumers of electric energy, with these consumers having either the same electric power or different electric powers. Since, as a rule, not all consumers need to be supplied simultaneously with electric energy, for example if, due to maintenance work, some are not in operation, a modular energy supply system is provided, which is comprised of several interconnectable modules. This makes it possible for each consumer to be supplied from small units with the power it requires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Holger Richert, Wolfgang Morbe
  • Publication number: 20090015064
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a selective independent overload and group overload protection circuit of a power supply. In the power supply, each of a plurality of loads that require a larger power output has an independent overload protection circuit, and the load is connected to a group overload protection circuit, such that a user can select to turn on the independent overload protection circuit or a group overload protection circuit that allows a larger power output and facilitates the user to select an appropriate power output according to the capacity requirement of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SILVER-STONE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7449796
    Abstract: A power over Ethernet controller supporting a plurality of powering modes, the power over Ethernet controller comprising: a pair of power sourcing equipments; and a control circuit; the control circuit being operative to control each of the pair of power sourcing equipment units in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode comprising operating the pair of power sourcing equipments as a single power sourcing equipment operable to power a single powered device over communication cabling, and the second mode comprising operating each of the power sourcing equipments of the pair independently so as to each be operable to power an associated powered device over communication cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Microsemi Corp. - Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Elkayam, Eli Ohana, Dror Korcharz
  • Publication number: 20080258558
    Abstract: A loadcenter for supplying power to a critical load is capable of isolating a distribution panel distributing power to the critical load from another distribution panel distributing power to a non-critical load to enable the isolated distribution panels being supplied with power from separate generator power sources in response to power supplied by a utility power source to both distribution panels becoming unacceptable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Jonathan A. Wehrli
  • Patent number: 7439635
    Abstract: Regarding output suppression control of a plurality of dispersed power sources linked to a high-voltage-to-low-voltage transformer of a commercial power system, the partiality of the output suppression of a plurality of dispersed power sources is eliminated and, cost increase of the dispersed power sources is prevented. If a voltage at a power receiving point of a dispersed power source 1a exceeds the upper limit of a proper value, then a power conditioner 4 suppresses an output to a power receiving point to store a surplus power into a storage battery 8 and transmit an output suppression start signal to a management unit 9. The management unit 9 transmits an output suppression command signal to the other dispersed power sources 1b through 1e of which the voltage at the power receiving point is not exceeding the upper limit of the proper value to make the other dispersed power sources 1b through 1e to suppress their outputs and store surplus power into storage batteries 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nakata, Mitsuo Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20080211303
    Abstract: An interface circuit between a first device capable of being supplied with a first power and a second device capable of being supplied with a second power independent of the first power includes a first reference voltage generation unit configured to generate a first reference voltage from the first power, a second reference voltage generation unit configured to generate a second reference voltage from the second power, and a switching unit configured to switch to input respective different ones of the first and the second reference voltages to the first and the second devices. In this configuration, the memory controller can be separately powered off while electric power is being supplied to the memory which is connected to the memory controller via a bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Ikegawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7412304
    Abstract: There is provided a power system for an area containing a set of power consumers which can be applied to a collective housing consisting of a single or more buildings and can prevent power supply stop of a supply line having a higher priority. The system includes: means for cutting off each of the power supply lines in a single power consumer section from a remote management section by remote operation; means for setting the power consumption limit amount within the maximum power that can be supplied to the single power consumption section via the Internet; and means for setting the power supply priority for the power supply lines in advance and outputting an instruction to cut off power in the power supply line having the lowest power supply priority by the remote out-off means when the remote measurement value of the total power consumption amount exceeds the set value of the power consumption limit amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: IP Power Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Uenou