Condition Responsive Patents (Class 307/39)
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Publication number: 20120292997Abstract: Provided are a network system and a method of controlling the network system supplied with energy from an energy generation component. The network system includes an energy consumption component consuming the energy generated from the energy generation component, and driving a driving component for processing or managing a consumable. The energy consumption component is provided with one or more courses classified according to a determination factor related to the consumable. The determination factor includes a performance factor denoting a processed or managed result of the consumable. One of the courses is recommended as a driving course when the energy consumption component recognizes information about the consumable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Chulwoo Lee, Sangryul Lee, Joongki Min, Kwangsuk Oh, Sanghyuk Hong
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Patent number: 8305737Abstract: Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair, David Massey, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, Calvin Nicholson, Paul Hunt
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Patent number: 8305232Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a detector configured to produce a state signal upon occurrence of a prescribed state that interferes with the ability of a utility meter, with which the utility network interface device is associated, to measure consumption of a commodity and/or report consumption of the commodity. The utility network interface device also includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with the utility meter in accordance with the state signal produced by the detector. The control unit automatically controls a notification unit to output, external to the utility meter, notification of the tampering detected by the control unit, in response to the detection of the tampering.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Brad Gilbert, Raj Vaswani, Jana van Greunen
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Patent number: 8288888Abstract: A method for controlling the distribution of electric power from a wind farm to a plurality of hydrogen producing electrolysers. The method includes estimating available DC power from the wind farm, which is controlled independently from the hydrogen producing electrolysers. A target current set point is determined for each electrolyser based on the estimated available DC power, the number of available electrolysers, and the voltage of each electrolyser. DC current supplied by at least one DC-DC power converter to each electrolyser is controlled to bring the DC current to the target current set point. The method is periodically repeated to compensate for changes in the DC power available from the wind farm.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Next Hydrogen CorporationInventors: Jim Hinatsu, Michael Stemp, William Stewart
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Publication number: 20120242148Abstract: Systems that allow energy allocation for energy storage cooperation are disclosed, with specific methods outlined concerning allocating energy stored by an energy storage device between a utility provider, a customer, and/or a third party. The methods may include allocating a portion of stored energy for a utility provider's benefit which may be gained as a result of a part of the allocated energy being dispatched into a utility network and allocating another portion of energy stored in the energy storage device for the benefit of the customer. Additional embodiments disclose the dispatching of the energy stored, signals used to bring about a dispatch, the nature of the relationship between the utility provider, the customer, and the energy stored, methods for making energy available to a utility provider without a prearranged reservation of the energy, penalties for misallocating energy, apparatus for allocating energy and causing dispatch, and more.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GREEN CHARGE NETWORKSInventor: RICHARD C. GALATI
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Publication number: 20120229831Abstract: A power-supply control device includes a power-supply-state transition control section, body-capable-of-movement detection sections, a time measuring section, a transition-instruction section, and an instruction-provision-time postponement section. The power-supply-state transition control section shifts a state of an operation target section from one state to another state among power-supply states and a non-power-supply state. The body-capable-of-movement detection sections detect a body capable of movement in a region. The time measuring section measures a time over which the operation target section in one of the power-supply states is not used. The transition-instruction section provides, for the power-supply-state transition control section, an instruction for shifting to the non-power-supply state. The instruction-provision-time postponement section postpones an instruction-provision time at which the instruction is provided by the transition-instruction section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji KUROISHI, Masafumi ONO, Motofumi BABA, Kazuhiko NARUSHIMA, Mitsunobu MAMIYA, Masato ISHIYAMA, Keiko SHIRAISHI, Kenta OGATA, Kouichi AZUMA, Hidenori HORIE
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Patent number: 8238080Abstract: Disclosed is a power distribution module that is capable of providing power to rack mounted equipment modules in electronic equipment mounting racks. The power distribution module may comprise a series of individual modules that can be placed at strategic locations through the electronic equipment mounting rack to meet the specific power requirements of the rack mounted equipment modules, which may vary depending upon the type of module. In this manner, the expense of supplying power of a particular amount to a specific location can be reduced. In addition, power distribution modules are disclosed that are prefabricated in different versions to meet the power requirements of the design of the electronic equipment mounting rack.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Netapp, Inc.Inventor: Garth J. McGinn
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Patent number: 8232675Abstract: A method for power load management is provided in the present invention, wherein two different standard values are determined to be a basis for regulating power consumption. When power consumption exceeds a first standard value, a monitoring procedure is started to monitor consumption status. If the power consumption exceeds a second standard value, an unloading procedure is processed to reduce the power consumption of electrical devices under operation. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a system for power load management comprising a control unit coupled to at least one electrical device and a power meter. By means of real-time recording of power consumption in the power meter, the control unit is capable of determining the power consumption status and determining whether it is necessary to unload or reload the at least one electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Tung-Jung Yeh, Sheng-Hsuan Peng, Horng-Shinn Ko, Wen-Te Hung
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Patent number: 8227934Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of digital sensors, a number of analog sensors, a number of displays, and a number of alarms. Each input device includes a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a digital sensor or an analog sensor. The switching circuit includes an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a p-channel MOSFET, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The input circuit includes an operational amplifier and a third resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
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Publication number: 20120179929Abstract: A power supply system includes a power supply unit, a number of electrical loads and a sequence circuit. The power supply unit provides power for the electrical loads through the sequence circuit. When any one of the electrical loads fails the sequence circuit will record the failure, shut down and lock the power supply unit to prevent the power supply unit from powering the electrical loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: KAI-FU CHEN, CHIA-YUN LEE, CHUANG-WEI TSENG
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Patent number: 8219258Abstract: A method of queuing access to a power supply shared by a set of electrical access points. The access points turn on independently from one another and thus have independent power draws. Each access point has a specific power draw when on. The on state and associated power draw of each of access point is identified, and a load duration curve for each access point is normalized (i.e., combined with load duration curve(s)) from the other access points) into a probability distribution function. The probability distribution function is a normalized load duration curve that thus accounts for a varying set of “operating states” that may occur with respect to the set of access points (when viewed collectively). Each operating state has an associated probability of occurrence. As the operating state of the set (of access points) changes, access to the power supply is selectively queued, or de-queued (if previously queued).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: eCurv, Inc.Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
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Publication number: 20120169122Abstract: Disclosed is a direct current power switch device which safely shuts off direct current power supply without generating arc at the time of shutting off the power supply to an electrical load. The direct current power switch device is provided with: an operation input unit (12), which instructs supply and supply stop of direct current power; a switch contact (14) provided on a power feed line, which supplies the direct current power to a lighting controller (30), i.e., an electrical apparatus that controls power supply; a notifying means, which notifies the lighting controller (30) of power shutoff, in the case where the operation input unit (12) instructed supply stop of the direct current power; and a control unit (11) which opens the switch contact (14) when it is detected that power supply has been controlled to reduce the current in the electrical apparatus after the notification is made.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Takahashi, Toshiaki Takahashi, Takafumi Oishi, Hirokazu Otake, Mitsuhiro Matsuda, Teruyoshi Goto, Yuji Takahashi, Noriyuki Kitamura, Isao Yamazaki, Katsusuke Uchino, Shinichi Kumashiro
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Method and system for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source (SSS)
Patent number: 8212392Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include providing power to a first of a plurality of voltage islands, and individually controlling providing of power to each of a remaining portion of the plurality of voltage islands. For example, when an electronic system is first powered on, a low current voltage source may be used to supply power to a primary voltage island. As a higher current voltage source becomes available, power derived from the higher current voltage source may be provided to the primary voltage island and to secondary voltage islands. Power to each of the secondary voltage islands may be, for example, individually controlled via a power MOS transistor. The power MOS transistor may also be configured to allow a faster blocking time than unblocking time.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Ariel Pickholz, Long Nguyen, Shay Mizrachi -
Patent number: 8212396Abstract: An apparatus power restart method in response to the network connection status is provided. The method uses an outlet or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (“UPS”) with multiple sockets, wherein a network port and a power reset switch are included. The outlet or UPS is powered via an external power source. A network connection is established through one or more network devices. The electric power control apparatus incorporating the claimed power restart method includes a network connection detection circuit and an electric power control circuit. By monitoring the network connection, the network devices connected to the electric power control apparatus can be restarted in sequence or simultaneously when the network connection fails. Thereby the network connection can be maintained. Additionally, the electric power control apparatus has a server module whereby the users can access the apparatus via the network connection. This allows the user to configure the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Shih-Chien Chiou
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Patent number: 8212391Abstract: A circuit array controls operation of two loads that operate with a rectified AC voltage. The circuit array includes a semiconductor switch on a circuit path with the two loads and a control unit to generate a switch control signal that controls the semiconductor switch. The control unit includes a phase detection device to detect whether a phase of the AC voltage is positive or negative, and to output a detection signal that is based on whether the phase is positive or negative, and a logic unit to generate the switch control signal based on load control signals and the detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AGInventor: Helmut Theiler
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Patent number: 8207628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Igo, Inc.Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
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Publication number: 20120153725Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliances includes first and second appliances. The first appliance is configured to report a power consumption via a network. A second appliance is configured to operate dependent on the power consumption reported by the first appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventor: Wojciech Grohman
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Patent number: 8205106Abstract: A 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 load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
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Patent number: 8204632Abstract: A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas C. Abi-Samra
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Patent number: 8201000Abstract: A load management 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 computing apparatuses 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 and analyzes a power demand profile. The computing system enables a load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices based on the difference value and the power demand profile. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
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Patent number: 8190940Abstract: The present invention describes a method for controlling electrical power supply to a personal computer installation, which may have a number of peripheral devices attached, such as printers, monitors etc. The method includes providing a first controlled power outlet adapted for supplying electrical power to a plurality of first devices and then monitoring, by use of software running on a personal computer, usage of at least one input device of the personal computer as well as a processor(s) associated with the computer, as well as the power level and power usage and then when the power usage mode is determined to be such that the first devices are not required to be powered, controlling the first controlled switch to remove power from the first controlled power outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Embertec Pty LtdInventor: Giuseppe Antonio Gelonese
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Patent number: 8183712Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption by electrical appliances, is provided. One implementation involves obtaining power consumption information for a use cycle of a each of multiple appliances; and automatically scheduling a time slot for an operation cycle of a selected appliance as a function of power consumption by appliance cycles scheduled in that time slot, such that an upper limit of power consumption is not exceeded by the collective power consumption for scheduled appliance cycles in the time slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scot MacLellan, Valeria Perticara'
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Publication number: 20120104852Abstract: A converter circuit to be connected to an electrical energy source includes a chopper circuit having an input terminal capable of being connected to said electrical energy source, a first output circuit adapted to being connected via a first switch to an output terminal of the chopper circuit, a second output circuit adapted to being connected via a second switch to the output terminal of the chopper circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted for controlling the duty cycle of the chopper circuit as a function of the variation in voltage of said electrical energy source, and switching between the first and second switches as a function of a range of output voltage settings for the first output circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Guy Waltisperger, Adrien Ramond, Frederic Rothan
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Patent number: 8169106Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an energy management system (EMS) and a method using the same, wherein the EMS comprises, a communication module receiving a channel information of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system via a network; a circuit realization unit obtaining a connection information among constituent elements symbolizing the constituent elements among each node in electrical symbols by sequentially following pre-set nodes of the HVDC system, and forming the HVDC system by connecting the symbolized constituent elements using electrical lines by using the channel information of HVDC system received by the communication module; a system analyzing unit analyzing an operation mode of the HVDC system through the connection information among the constituent elements of the HVDC system obtained by the circuit realization unit; and a controller managing and controlling the HVDC system by giving an energy management command in response to the operation mode analyzed by the system analyzing unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Uk Hwa Lee, Sang Yuen Yuen, Yoon-Sung Cho
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Publication number: 20120074782Abstract: An example system includes a sensor configured to generate a human-in-area signal. The human-in-area signal may indicate that a human is in an area of the sensor. The system may further include a power-saving device in communication with the sensor and configured to receive the human-in-area signal. The power-saving device may provide power to a load based at least in part on a load demand and in accordance with the human-in-area signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Joseph W. Hodges, Richard J. Hodges, Thomas D. Lasky, John A. Sopuch
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Patent number: 8138627Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing network-connected devices in peak power periods. The method establishes a network of connected devices, identifying a first device in the network as an off-peak device, and a second device as a peak device. If a peak power warning signal is detected, the off-peak device is disabled, but not the peak device. Any job destined for the off-peak device from a source device is relayed to the peak device and processed by the peak device. If the job destined for the off-peak device is a job format associated with the off-peak device, relaying the job to the peak device may further include the operation of converting the job to a job format associated with the peak device. In one aspect, a destination change message is sent to the source device, indicating the location of the peak device processing the job.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch
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Patent number: 8135499Abstract: Load shedding by an electric utility, including querying power distribution systems that include a DRG system for present power consumption of the local load of the power distribution system; selecting, in dependence upon the present power consumption of the local load of the power distribution systems and predefined power consumption criteria for each substation, a substation to receive a reduction in power; and reducing power provided to the selected substation.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Julianne F. Haugh
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Patent number: 8129859Abstract: In an extension cord with wireless timing function, there are included a receptacle housing having more than one flush plug receptacles and internally including a current converter, a power switch and a plurality of electronic relays corresponding to the receptacles; a programmable logic controller in the receptacle housing for controlling the ON/OFF state of the receptacles; a wireless transmission module in the receptacle housing for receiving a wireless signal from a remote device; a power cord connected at an end to the power switch; and an operation and control module located on the receptacle housing and connected to the controller. Thus, timed power supply by each of the receptacles can be set and recorded at the remote device. When the power switch is turned to off, the controller automatically resets the receptacles to ON; and when the power switch is turned to on again, the receptacles will remain to “ON”.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hurco Automation, Ltd.Inventor: Jacob Pien
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Publication number: 20120043926Abstract: A power management device for a portable electronic device includes a sensing unit, coupled between a power supply and a system circuit of the portable electronic device, for sensing current outputted from the power supply to the system circuit, to generate a sensing signal, and a control unit, coupled between the sensing unit and a charger module of the portable electronic device, for indicating the charger module to stop charging when the sensing signal indicates that current outputted from the power supply to the system circuit is greater than a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Chien-Liang Chen, Chun-Ta Lee
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Publication number: 20120043813Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power control apparatus includes a calculation unit, a detection unit, a storage unit, a selection unit and an execution unit. The calculation unit calculates a spare power capacity and a total spare power capacity. The detection unit detects whether a required spare capacity is short, based on the required spare capacity and each of the spare power capacity and the total spare power capacity. The storage unit stores power control operation items. The selection unit selects power control operation items if the required spare capacity is short. The execution unit executes application operation of one or more the power control operation items until the required spare capacity becomes available, and executes waiting operation of one or more power control operation items executing the application operation if the required spare capacity is available.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Yusuke Doi, Keiichi Teramoto, Yoshiki Terashima, Yasuyuki Nishibayashi
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Publication number: 20120032510Abstract: In a server management method, a blade server system including a plurality of blade servers is connected to a monitor device in series. The monitor device sends a command to the server system to control the plurality of blade servers. The plurality of blade servers responds to the command. The monitor device receives information from the server system to monitor and control the plurality of blade servers. A server monitor system associated with the server monitor method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: SHU-HSIEN CHOU, KANG-BIN WANG, LI-WEN GUO, BI-HUI TAN
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Patent number: 8110943Abstract: An energy-saving power socket with slave power supply, especially a power socket having plural receptacles, with power supply of part of the receptacles depending upon a working condition of a master receptacle of primary load that the slave receptacles are turned off when an electric appliance which takes electricity from the primary load receptacle stops working, primarily connects an end of an electronic control circuit to a manual switching device, an end of which is connected to the slave receptacles. When the control circuit operates, the slave receptacles will be guided to supply electricity, depending upon the working condition of the master receptacle. In addition, the control circuit does not consume electricity while not working.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: MIG Technology Inc.Inventor: Jian-Lin Zhou
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Patent number: 8106541Abstract: An electrical power strip with multiple outlets capable of being controlled by a wireless remote controller is herein disclosed. The handheld wireless controller is used to control the operation of the power strip via a radio frequency (RF). As such, the power strip is particularly advantageous for use under desks, behind shelves and in otherwise inaccessible locations, as the user can turn the entire power strip on and off without reaching it. Additionally, individual bypass switches are provided for each receptacle to turn it on permanently.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Frank Sarullo
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Patent number: 8084715Abstract: A control panel used in combination with a power unit to control the operation of a sauna. The control panel is equipped with a microprocessor that has software and proper circuitry to allow a user to use buttons to input information into the control panel regarding the time, temperature, and day on which heating within the sauna is to occur. Additionally, the power unit has a microprocessor with a pulse width modulation output that causes individual heating elements to continuously produce varying intensities of heat in order to maintain a consistent desired temperature, and/or intermittently radiate heat creating a wave of heat to be emitted by each individual heating element.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Quad Cities Automatic Pools, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Hall
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Publication number: 20110304208Abstract: A power saving apparatus and power saving method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes a power controller and a power outlet, wherein the power controller has a first signal transmission interface, said first signal transmission signal interface is used to detect the operation mode of a host machine by a second signal transmission interface of said host machine, and outputs a controlling signal according to the operation mode of said host machine. The power socket communicates with the power controller and switches the power-on or off according to the control signal. When the host machine is operated in non-working mode, the power socket will turn off the power supplied to the peripheral electrical devices of the host machines, so as to save the power consumption of the peripheral electrical devices of the host machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: YU-LUNG LEE, CHUN CHUAN CHEN
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Patent number: 8072097Abstract: Output voltages of regulators are supplied to each load device and input to a representing-value decision logic circuit that is operated by a dedicated resident power supply. The representing-value decision logic circuit selects an output voltage that appears the most irregular of all output voltages from the regulators, and then sends a selection result to a selector. The selector selects only the output voltage from a regulator that outputs the output voltage that appears the most irregular and is selected by the representing-value decision logic circuit and then outputs the output voltage to a smoothing circuit. The direct current that has been smoothed by the smoothing circuit is quantized by an AD converter and then received by a system monitoring processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Yoshinari Ogura
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Publication number: 20110291411Abstract: A power distribution system is disclosed. The power distribution system may have a generator, a first load interruption device associated with the generator, and a load powered by the generator. The power distribution system may also have a second load interruption device associated with the load, and a generator controller. The generator controller may be configured to control the generator, determine existence of a fault condition associated with electric service between the generator and the load, and selectively activate the second load interruption device based on the determination. The generator controller may be further configured to determine if activation of the second load interruption device isolated the fault condition, and selectively activate the first load interruption device when activation of the second load interruption device fails to isolate the fault condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Keith Ronald FOLKEN
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Publication number: 20110278928Abstract: This document describes various techniques for powering a computer data center using a wind-powered generator. The computer data center may include network connected servers that are electrically connected to, and powered by, the wind-powered generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Douglas C. Burger, Eric C. Peterson, Sompong Paul Olarig, Mark E. Shaw, David Kim, Christian L. Belady
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Patent number: 8058746Abstract: This converter for electrical power recovery (1) for supplying power to a load (6) includes an in-house power generation device (5) for supplying power in cooperation with input terminal power at a power input terminal (2). Moreover, it includes a thermal storage unit (12) which, when surplus power is generated in a state in which a target value for input terminal power is set to zero, thermally stores this power. Furthermore, a control unit (9) is included which, when surplus power is generated, decides whether or not breakage of a wire of a CT (7) has occurred by raising the target value for the input terminal power from zero to a predetermined value, and by deciding whether or not the power input terminal current is somewhat elevated from zero.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Sansha Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Suekane, Satoshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8053925Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and controlling voltage modulation on a power grid, in order to maintain closed-loop control of the grid. The power grid has a plurality of connections including used and unused connections. A detector is configured to detect a modulation voltage on the power grid. A controller is configured to receive signals from the detector, and to control connections to the power grid. The controller disables power to unused connections in accordance with the modulation voltage exceeding a first threshold and disables power to used connections in accordance with the modulation voltage exceeding a second threshold; used connections are disabled one at a time at a first time interval each for a period given by a second time interval. The controller also restores power to the connections in accordance with the detected modulation voltage being less than a third threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.Inventor: Jeffrey A. Jouper
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Publication number: 20110266869Abstract: A system and method for measuring, monitoring and controlling electrical power directed through one or more electricity directing devices is provided. The one or more electricity directing devices includes electrical sockets supplying power to one or more devices. The system includes a potential transformer configured to receive AC voltage directed through a socket and further configured to relay the voltage to a processing device. The system further includes a current sensor configured to sense current drawn from the socket and further configured to relay the current to the processing device. A microcontroller is adapted to receive analog or digital values of voltage and current corresponding to AC voltage and AC current. The microcontroller then measures values of voltage and current, calculate electrical power consumed and generate a control signal. The control signal activates a switching device operationally connected to the socket and switches power flow through the socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: Siva Prasad Katru, Kumar Padmanabh, Sanjoy Paul
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Publication number: 20110266870Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a power distribution apparatus being connected to a power source. The invention having a control, or master, power outlet to be connected to a control device, at least one automatically switched, or slave, power outlet to be connected to at least one automatically switched device, a computing component for determining when a power level associated with the control device fall below or rises above a threshold in response to the control device being turned on and off, and for interrupting a power supply on a time delay basis to the at least one automatically switched power outlet when the computing component determines the power levels associated with the control device fall below or rises above the threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: Huan Yu Hu
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Publication number: 20110264933Abstract: A method and apparatus for power management in a handheld device having various power domains, including an attachable/detachable peripheral device. The power source has an available power amount. The method comprises receiving an indication of a power management event at the handheld device related to operation of a power domain, identifying a predetermined power signature associated with operation of the power domain, determining whether the available power amount is sufficient to operate the power domain in accordance with the predetermined power signature, reducing a power state of another functional upon determining that the available power is insufficient, and allocating the reduced power amount to the first power domain of the handheld device for operation according to the predetermined power signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: Lawrence David Forsythe
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Patent number: 8044533Abstract: A solar module includes a solar generator for converting incident radiation into electrical power and a solar inverter for feeding the power generated by the solar generator into a power supply system or a load. A variable bias load is connected in parallel with the solar generator and a control device, which drives the variable bias load, detects a presently available power of the solar generator as well as a present no-load loss of the solar inverter, compares the detected power of the solar generator and the detected no-load loss of the solar inverter and enables the power of the solar generator to be fed into the power supply system or the load by the solar inverter only when the detected power of the solar generator exceeds the detected no-load loss of the solar inverter. A method of controlling operation of a solar module is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventor: Christoph Schill
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Publication number: 20110254370Abstract: A wireless annunciator for an electrical generator displays data regarding operation of the electrical generator to provide feedback to a remote observer regarding performance of the electrical generator in meeting the demands placed thereon. The wireless annunciator wirelessly receives transmissions from one or more wireless modules and displays information based on the data contained in the transmissions. The wireless modules may be associated with sensors, for example, that measure various performance parameters of the electrical generator, such as current draw, fuel level, fuel pressure, and the like. A load management controller can communicate with one or more load-side modules, either wirelessly or across wired links, to control operation of one or more loads to avoid overloading of the electrical generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Greg Wischstadt, Steven Wilcox, David Vicari, Jake Thomas
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Publication number: 20110254371Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus and methods for controlling power distribution to a plurality of devices including a primary device and at least one secondary device, the primary device having at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, with the second mode of operation being a lower power mode of operation than the first mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Marlon Galsim, Jinsong Lee, Ray Shen, Xuetao Liu
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Patent number: 8035063Abstract: A power control system for an electric cooktop. The power level is set by a knob connected to a potentiometer. Potentiometer information is digitally communicated by a controller over a serial communication bus to a power unit. The power unit communicates power level display information back to the controller over the same serial communication bus. The display information is displayed as numbers on a digital display by the controller. The power unit controls a heating element of the cooktop according to the potentiometer information. A second potentiometer can be added to control a second heating element by operating as a slave to the first controller. Further, multiple heating elements can be controlled by a single potentiometer by dividing the angular rotation into multiple segments or ranges.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc,.Inventors: Sanjay Shukla, James E. Pryor
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Publication number: 20110241425Abstract: A PoE powered device and method of operation are provided. The device includes a first port unit configured to negotiate receipt of a level of PoE power from a power sourcing equipment. The power is received on a first pair of taps on a first communication port. A detection unit is configured to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load and to detect a presence of a second optional power load. A control circuit is configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of taps on the first communication port and a second powered device port unit in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load, and further configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of taps and a third pair of taps on a pass-through communication port in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first load and detecting the second load.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: ANDREW LLCInventors: Roger Allan Hunter, JR., Thomas Kummetz, Chris Ranson
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Patent number: 8030796Abstract: A barrier operator comprises a current limit portion and a barrier operator portion. The current limit portion is coupled to a mains supply and the barrier operator position is coupled to the mains supply and the current limit portion. The barrier operator portion actuates a movable barrier. The current limit portion regulates electrical current to at least one additional device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Robert J. Olmsted, Robert Daniel-Wayman
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Publication number: 20110231689Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for load shedding during an emergency power off event. In one embodiment, power is supplied from a main power source to a plurality of electrical loads within a device enclosure. Power loss is detected from the main power source. Upon detecting the power loss, at least one of the electrical loads is disconnected from a supplemental power source such that power to at least one remaining load connected to the supplemental power source is sustained by the supplementary power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert G. Atkins, Edward N. Cohen, Philip M. Corcoran, William J. Petrowsky, Edward J. Seminaro