Condition Responsive Patents (Class 307/39)
  • Publication number: 20100231043
    Abstract: 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 wattage 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 wattage levels associated with the control device fall below or rises above the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Huan Yu Hu
  • Publication number: 20100231044
    Abstract: A power gating circuit is provided one by one corresponding to each of a plurality of power domains of which power may be on/off-controlled included in a semiconductor device, and these power gating circuits are connected in accordance with inclusion relation of the power domains, and thereby, a power management unit controlling power supply to the plurality of power domains is configured, as a result that the power management unit performing power supply control depending on power control specification may be designed easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiro TATSUMI, Takashi Shikata
  • Publication number: 20100219687
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allows selection of either one of main power supplied from a battery and DC Output (DCO) power supplied from a DC/DC converter included in a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) as the input power of an LDO regulator and supply of the selected power to the LDO regulator. The voltage of the input power of the LDO regulator is as low as possible, thus to reduce power loss caused by the LDO regulator. Also, DCO power supplied from the DC/DC converter included in the PMIC is supplied to the LDO regulator as the input power, and if a load connected to the DC/DC converter is turned off, the DC/DC converter is variably controlled to reduce the voltage of the input power supplied to the LDO regulator to be as low as possible, to thus reduce power loss caused by the LDO regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jang Geun OH
  • Patent number: 7781909
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a control circuit of power supply, a power supply and a control method thereof capable of achieving power saving in an integrated circuit and reducing a delay time of the integrated circuit. The control circuit 50 of a power supply 10 which outputs plural DC voltages VCC, VBGP, VBGN each having a different voltage value includes a voltage changing portion SW1 which detects an output current I1 relating to a first DC voltage VCC which is one of the plural DC voltages and sets at least one DC voltage except the first DC voltage VCC based on the detected output current I1, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Hidekiyo Ozawa, Morihito Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7781908
    Abstract: A power converter that gives priority to the high power output and only provides power to the low power output when the total potential output power is equal to or less than the rated power of the power converter. A specific power threshold is established, and when the high power output remains below this threshold for a period of time the low power output is allowed to turn on. If the high power output subsequently exceeds this threshold for a period of time, then an electronic circuit powers down the low power output in order to keep the total output power below the rated power of the power converter. Subsequently, the high power output is checked against the threshold to determine if the low power output can be turned on again. If the high power output is below the threshold, then the low power output is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: iGo, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
  • Patent number: 7768152
    Abstract: An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: mPATHX, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Menas, Brent A. Miller, Steve Spano
  • Publication number: 20100176658
    Abstract: In a power control apparatus for a power strip, the power strip includes at least one power outlet being able to supply power when the power strip is empowered. Whether auxiliary power outlets are able to supply power is controlled by the control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a USB connector protruding outward the surface of the power strip, and the USB connector is able to be connected to a computer host, so as to make the signal lines of the USB connector able to receive signals from the computer host and to deliver the computer signals to a comparison circuit for being compared with a reference level through a signal isolation circuit and a filter circuit. Once the output signal of the filter circuit is lower than the reference level, the comparison circuit outputs the signal to the amplifier circuit for being amplified to drive the relay, so as to deliver the AC power to each power outlet of the power strip. Therefore the auxiliary power outlets of the power strip are able to supply power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Li-Chun LAI
  • Publication number: 20100174923
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and design structures for providing power-regulated multi-core processing. The method includes determining a configuration of processing cores for optimal power consumption. The configuration of processing cores for optimal power consumption comprises a managing core and zero or more active processing cores wherein the active processing cores are selected from one or more available processing cores operatively coupled to the managing core. The managing core receives processing requests and processes them by dynamically retaining or distributing power to the configuration of processing cores. The managing core presents an appearance of a single core to an electronic system comprising the processing cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
    Inventors: John Richard Houlihan, Dilton Monroe McGowan, II
  • Patent number: 7742284
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module is mounted to the housing of a fused electrical device. The fused electrical device can include at least one power output displaced along the power distribution housing with the at least one power output electrically couplable to at least one power input. The fuse module can be electrically coupled to the at least one power input and electrically couplable to the at least one power outputs. Further, the fuse module can comprise at least one fuse holder that is movable between a first position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electrically couplable to the at least one power output and a second position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder not electrically couplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allow access to the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
  • 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: 20100133907
    Abstract: Control method and unit of an electric system for supplying power/electric current to sockets for the passengers of an aircraft; the method comprises the steps of: setting a maximum power/electric current deliverable to the sockets; cyclically detecting the power/electric current absorbed by the sockets; if the power/electric current absorbed by the sockets is higher than the maximum power/electric current, disconnecting one or more sockets from the electric supply until the power/electric current absorbed by the sockets is lower than the maximum power/electric current; if the power/electric current absorbed by the sockets is remarkably lower than the maximum power/electric current, connecting again one or more sockets from the electric supply until the power/electric current absorbed by the sockets is close to the maximum power/electric current; and periodically varying the sockets connected/disconnected to/from the electric supply so that each socket is connected to the electric supply for a first period of
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Franco Galasso
  • 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: 20100109431
    Abstract: The invention is a device and method for eliminating core excitation losses in a distribution transformer when the transformer is not supplying power to loads. The invention consists of sensors, a control circuit, a user interface and a power contactor. The power contactor is connected on the line side of a transformer and is opened or closed automatically based on preprogrammed time or load criteria determined by the control circuit. In one operational mode and when the transformer is disconnected from the line, the control board generates low power pulses at the transformer load connection points in order to “search” for loads. If a load is detected, the transformer is reconnected by way of contactor closure. If the transformer load drops to zero, for a predetermined amount of time, the transformer is again disconnected and the pulsed load search is reestablished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Rick West
  • Publication number: 20100114395
    Abstract: A system for distributing electric power from a wind farm generating medium to high voltage AC electricity to multiple electrolyser modules for producing hydrogen. A system for distributing electric power from a wind farm generating medium voltage DC electricity to multiple electrolyser modules for producing hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Hinatsu, Michael Stemp, Philipp Andres, William Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100102631
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Shih-Chien Chiou
  • Publication number: 20100079000
    Abstract: In order to actualize a power feeding control apparatus and a charging system that are capable of efficiently charging plural storage batteries using a load-capacity controlled power source, the power feeding control apparatus 1 is configured so that a changeover control of the feeding of the alternating-current voltage to each charger will be performed monitoring the magnitude of the alternating current flowing in each of the plural chargers 4 to 6, therewith, the power feeding control apparatus performs the feeding changeover control comprising the steps of: feeding only to a predetermined one particular charger at the early stage of the start of charging, in which stage a large charging current flows into a storage battery; monitoring inflow current of the predetermined one particular charger; and switching power feeding to another charger to start feeding thereto when the inflow current reduces to the charging saturation current (a current still flowing even at the fully charged state).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Yuzo Yamamota, Kiichiro Uno, Hideyuki Higo, Mitsuo Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20100066766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating gamma corrected analogue voltages uses a first ladder resistor arrangement (34) to provides a first set of analogue voltage levels. A second set of voltages (x) is selected by programming a multiplexer arrangement (36) at the output of the first ladder resistor arrangement (34). A second ladder resistor arrangement (32) is used to provide a third set of analogue voltage levels which are at intermediate voltage levels between voltage levels of the second set (x). The output (g) is the buffered voltages of the second and third sets. This arrangement enables the amount of data that needs to be programmed to be reduced to a minimum required to implement the desired differences between the gamma functions. The voltages in the second set do not need to be evenly spaced, and more variability in the shape of the gamma curve can be provided where it is needed to best reflect different characteristics of possible displays to be driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Roberto Mancuso, Friedbert Riedel
  • Patent number: 7675739
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module with a fuse carrier for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one fuse module can be mounted to a power distribution unit for receiving at least one power input and providing power to associated electronic equipment. The power distribution unit can have a housing with at least one fuse access passage and at least one power output displaced along the housing and electrically couplable to the at least one power input. The fuse module can be disposed at least partially within the at least one fuse access passage and be electrically couplable to the at least one power input and at least one power output. The fuse module can have at least one removably attachable fuse carrier that, when attached, electrically couples a fuse housed by the fuse carrier to the at least one power input and the at least one power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
  • Publication number: 20100052422
    Abstract: A print circuit board (PCB) includes a voltage regulator module (VRM), a plurality of loads, and a sense location for augmenting the voltage margin of the loads. The VRM is configured for charging the loads. Each load has a weight. The voltage value of the sense location equals to a summation of a corresponding weight value of a corresponding load multiplied by a corresponding voltage value of the load, for each of the plurality of loads on the PCB. An optimization method for the sense location on the PCB is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DUEN-YI HO, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Publication number: 20100026096
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: TUNG-JUNG YEH, SHENG-HSUAN PENG, HORNG-SHINN KO, WEN-TE HUNG
  • Publication number: 20100007210
    Abstract: A power distribution system including a first power distribution unit connected to a power supply and a second power distribution unit connected to the first power distribution unit, the second power distribution unit being configured to split power provided from the first power distribution unit into a constant power source and a selectively active power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: David Van Akin
  • Patent number: 7647125
    Abstract: A time-based controller provides control for a controlled system including a plant having an integration response. The time-based controller includes a comparator that detects a polarity change in a comparison of a sensed signal from the plant and a reference signal while a control signal is in a first state, time calculation logic that, responsive to detection of the change in the comparison, determines a time at which to change a state of a control signal supplied to the plant, and a modulator that, at the determined time, changes the state of the control signal supplied to the plant from the first state to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20090322151
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch
  • Publication number: 20090315400
    Abstract: A method of automatically reducing power consumption in a load control system having a central controller and a plurality of load control devices controlling the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads, the method comprising the steps of configuring a load shedding tier defining a load shed parameter for each of the electrical loads; the controller determining the total amount of power presently being consumed by all of the plurality of electrical loads; the controller comparing the total amount of power to a threshold amount of power; the controller automatically transmitting a digital message to the plurality of load control devices if the total amount of power exceeds a threshold amount of power; and the load control devices controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical loads in accordance with the load shed parameters of the load shedding tier in response to the digital message transmitted by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: William Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Glen Andrew Kruse
  • Publication number: 20090309419
    Abstract: A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Noritoshi YAMASAKI, Keiji SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20090307505
    Abstract: A power distribution apparatus to control the supply of electrical power to a suite of master and peripheral devices, the apparatus comprising a master electrical outlet and at least one slave electrical outlet, both connectable to a common power supply. The apparatus including a sampling means adapted to sample power drawn from the master electrical outlet, and a controller adapted to calculate an updating average of a plurality of sampled power levels and operable to isolate the slave electrical outlet from the power supply in response to a prescribed change in the calculated average power drawn from the master electrical outlet relative to an automatically calculated switching threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Peter S. Robertson, Ian R. Browne
  • Patent number: 7629712
    Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit is provided for efficiently converting the voltage of a DC power source into a lower voltage in accordance with load currents of voltage converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Nakashima, Satoshi Kazama, Hideyuki Motoyama, Shinichi Yoshimoto, Koichi Yokota, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090295226
    Abstract: A system is described including a master power saving device configured for connection with a master load. The master power saving device is configured to determine when the master load is in an operating condition and a non-operating condition, and the master power saving device provides non-continuous power to the master load when the master load is in a non-operating condition. A slave power saving device is configured for connection with a slave load. The slave power saving device is configured to receive a signal from the master power saving device to turn off said slave load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Hammerhead International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Hodges, J. Anthony Sopuch, Richard J. Hodges, Thomas D. Lasky
  • Patent number: 7626145
    Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
  • Publication number: 20090289501
    Abstract: A system includes one or more constant “on” outlets, one or more controlled outlets, a two-part power supply, and accompanying circuitry. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Garb
  • Publication number: 20090267415
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuo Suekane, Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20090267416
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for eliminating power failures, especially due to glitches, in a device is provided. The arrangement may include electrical components configured to be supplied with power, a power source for supplying the components, a capacitive element configured to provide a flash element with operational power. The arrangement may include a device for sensing power supplied from the power source, and means for redirecting power from the capacitive element to the electrical components when a power from the power source reduces to a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Andreas Wilson
  • 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: 7605351
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive hose assembly has a redundant control circuit fixedly mounted thereon which comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly wherein the sensed temperature level will be used to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits is initially electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors is likewise electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bourget, Dieter B. Heerdt
  • Patent number: 7606639
    Abstract: A method and system for curtailing energy consumption of an appliance, such as an air conditioning compressor or heat pump, is provided. A control unit stores information relating to the load, which may include a connected load value, such as a power consumption value or efficiency rating. The control unit then monitors the appliance to determine when the appliance is calling for energy. Upon receiving an energy reduction value from a remote source, the control unit then calculates a permitted run time from the energy reduction value and the connected load value. The control unit, through a switch, then permits the appliance to be operable only for the permitted run time so as to reduce power consumption by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Comverge, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell M. Miyaji
  • Publication number: 20090236909
    Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distribute power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail tot the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Aldag, Michael Wassermann, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7589299
    Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Fisher, Chris Ray Blackson
  • Publication number: 20090218886
    Abstract: An actuating device containing an electric current relay operative to connect an electric current source with an electric current consumer; an electric current detector operative to measure electric current via an electric conductor connecting said electric current source and said electric current consumer to form current measurement; and a current controller connected with said electric current relay and with said electric current detector, said current controller being operative to control said relay, to receive said current measurement, and to detect a predefined event associated with a state of said current relay and said current measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Zion Halfon
  • Patent number: 7582985
    Abstract: An electric energy saving system characterized in that it consists on detecting the time span when there is an overload in the demand of energy of a region; providing a controller in certain number of devices and equipment connected to the energy distribution system of a region according to the overload registered at said region; programming the controllers to shutoff said devices or equipment for several short time periods, and in a staggered form, during said time span wherein there is an overload of the demand in the region, in such a way that a group of devices will be shut-off for one period, the expiration of which will indicate another group to do the same thing, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: José Tomás Ortega Murguia
  • Patent number: 7582849
    Abstract: A thermal head driving method of driving thermal heads is disclosed. The method includes a step of dividing the thermal heads into plural groups, providing for each of the groups a common potential terminal, a step of using a drive circuit to drive the thermal heads of one or more of the groups, and a step of applying an operating voltage to the common potential terminal of said one or more groups driven by the drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Sumio Watanabe, Fumio Sakurai, Yukihiro Mori, Norio Endo, Shuko Yamaji, Tomoyuki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7582986
    Abstract: Provided is a compensated inverse-time undervoltage load shedding system and method for use in an electrical power system. The compensated inverse-time undervoltage load shedding system includes a compensation element for determining a compensated value and an inverse-time undervoltage element operatively coupled to the compensation element and enabled based on the compensated value. When enabled, the inverse-time undervoltage element calculates a load shedding time delay value based on the compensated value, and determines a load shedding signal based on the load shedding time delay value. An associated load of the electrical power system is shed based on the load shedding signal. The compensation element may determine the compensated value using a voltage magnitude, a rate-of-change of power system voltage over time, a weighted rate-of-change of power system voltage over time, a current magnitude, a weighted current magnitude, and an impedance phasor value, to name a few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph W Folkers, Jeffrey B Roberts, Edmund O Schweitzer, III, Armando Guzman-Casillas, Gabriel Benmouyal
  • Publication number: 20090216387
    Abstract: Methods and systems to control loads coupled to an electric energy or power grid within corresponding ranges of load values in response to one or more factors, such as to manage variability in production of renewable energy. Loads may be controlled in response to an indication of balance between available power and loads and/or in response to new loads and/or grid disconnections, and may be controlled repeatedly over time to adjust a sum load in response to changes in one or more of balance between available power and loads, new loads, and grid disconnections. A load may be repeatedly adjusted over time to provide an electrical power requirement within a time frame while accommodating at least a portion of variations in the balance between available electric power and load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Open Secure Energy Control Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley Klein
  • Patent number: 7580775
    Abstract: A method for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads and a method for managing the group of energy consuming loads. The method includes generating sets of load state data from the loads, making enablement state decisions for one or more loads independently of the other loads using the sets of load state data, and implementing the enablement state decisions. An apparatus for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads, including a transmitter for transmitting a set of load state data generated from the load, a receiver for receiving sets of load state data from other loads, a processor for processing the sets of load state data to make an enablement state decision for the load, and a controller for implementing the enablement state decision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: REGEN Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Kulyk, Mark Kerbel
  • Publication number: 20090206665
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power distribution to subsystems includes a power input that is to be connected to a power source and a primary power output to be connected to a primary device, along with at least one secondary power output, which is to be connected to at least one secondary device. A sensing device is included for sensing when a current level falls below a first predetermined threshold, in response to the primary device being turned off, deactivated or “on standby,” as well as for sensing when the current level rises above a second predetermined threshold in response to the primary device being turned “on” or activated. An executing device is connected with the sensing device and is operative for interrupting a power supply to, at least, one secondary device when the sensing device senses that the current level has fallen below the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Barton, Russell Barton
  • Publication number: 20090195072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power controller for at least one piece of external equipment, the power controller being connected to the external equipment. The power controller includes a main unit (203) for transmitting an external equipment status checking request signal, required to detect an abnormality of the external equipment, to the external equipment at preset regular intervals or at a preset time point, determining that an abnormality has occurred in the external equipment when an abnormality is present in an external equipment status checking signal received from the external equipment in response to the external equipment status checking request signal, or when no external equipment status checking signal is received, and consequently transmitting a power reset request signal to an expansion unit (201). The expansion unit (201) resets power of the external equipment in response to the received power reset request signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: NEXG Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-hak Lee
  • Patent number: 7566846
    Abstract: A multi-zone blanket includes a body including first heat zones juxtaposed side-by-side and symmetrically aligned within a body cavity. A first primary heating element passes through each of the first heat zones. A first external controller has an AC/DC transformer electrically coupled thereto. The first controller is electrically coupled and removably attached to the first primary heating element. The transformer is removably coupled to an external power supply source which provides a high voltage input to the transformer. The transformer converts the high voltage input to a low voltage input. The first controller includes a mechanism for providing output control signals to the first heat zones such that each first heat zone can simultaneously and independently generate a selected quantity of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Cynthia Sorensen, Brian Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7557463
    Abstract: When an interruption of an AC power supply occurs, an interruption detection circuit detects the interruption to output a detection signal (“H” level). In response to input of the detection signal, a coupling unit electrically couples power supply nodes. Accordingly, based on electric charge stored by capacitors, a low voltage can be supplied for a predetermined period of time. Using the electrolytic capacitors already provided in the circuitry, supply of the voltage can be continued for a predetermined period of time and thus the occupied area can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7550871
    Abstract: In a power adapter having multiple power outputs, a first information handling system (IHS) is coupled to a first power output included by the multiple power outputs. A second IHS is coupled to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs. A controller is coupled to each IHS and each power output. In response to the first IHS being decoupled from the first power output, an amount of power that is supplied to the second power output is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Erin L. Price, Robert Allen
  • Publication number: 20090152942
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is used to provide dynamic electrical power management which may minimize the potential for overload conditions and may ensure that system performance limits are maintained. The method may dynamically limit the primary load system power draw in response to the net power draw of all other electrical power users on the aircraft which may ensure that the total power levels remain below critical limits. The method may also provide predictive controls to handle rapid load transients. Additionally, if vital functions are not being met, the method may shed other selected aircraft electrical loads which may ensure that adequate power is provided to the primary load system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin D. WAITE, Jeffrey J. WHITE, Warren A. ATKEY
  • Publication number: 20090144571
    Abstract: An integrated circuit apparatus may include: a plurality of power domains to which power voltage is separately supplied; a plurality of circuit macros belonging to a plurality of the power domains respectively; a plurality of power switches to conduct or to substantially block power coming from a power circuit and going to the plurality power domains, respectively; and a power-controlling unit including a controller to control the plurality of power switches, a power domain register to store power domain data which corresponds to a plurality of external interrupt signals that are indicative of power domains that are to be activated; and an interrupt handler to respond to the external interrupt signals by delivering the power domain data corresponding to the external interrupt signals to the controller, the controller being operable to turn on/off the power switches corresponding to the power domain data, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU MICROELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Masahiro Tatsumi