Different Voltages Patents (Class 307/4)
  • Patent number: 10630494
    Abstract: An inventive Power over Ethernet (PoE) Powered Device (60) includes an auxiliary processor (62) which negotiates a power level with a PoE Power Sourcing Equipment using a first link layer (650), means for holding the PoE Powered Device in a low power state, and a second link layer (50) which allows the main processor to communicate over the Ethernet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark LaBosco, Marc Dubowski, John Hartnett
  • Patent number: 9748766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling data transfer and power supply to at least one load device (61-64) connected to a two-wire data communication cable (70) in a bus-type structure. Power supply and data transfer are multiplexed via the two-wire data communication cable so that a standard coaxial cable can be used for shared power and data transport, enabling the operation of lighting applications or other applications in retail and office, based on cheap, flexible, preconfigured cables in a bus topology and using known chipsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Harald Josef Günther Radermacher, Matthias Wendt
  • Patent number: 9413353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal voltage margin recovery is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes first and second temperature sensors at first and second locations of the IC, respectively. The IC further includes a power management circuit coupled to receive temperature readings from the first and second temperature sensors. Based on received temperature readings, the power management circuit may determine a voltage offset value. The power management circuit may then reduce the operating voltage of the IC by the voltage offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Erik P Machnicki
  • Patent number: 9041241
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of powering a mobile device using a sink device. The method may include detecting a coupling of the mobile device to the sink device and transmitting an acknowledgement in response to a query, the acknowledgement confirming that the sink device has charging capability. Power may be selectively provided in response to the power request. According to some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a query by a communications transmitter to determine if a sink device has charging capability, and deactivating a driver for a power line and transmitting a power request using the communications transmitter in response to receiving an acknowledgement signal from the sink device. The method may further include selectively providing power received from the sink device to a charging circuit of the mobile device. The mobile device may include an HDMI transmitter for communicating through a transmission line to an HDMI sink device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Analogix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Zhu, Hongwu Chi
  • Patent number: 8987933
    Abstract: A power over one-pair Ethernet approach. A data transformer is coupled to a single conductor pair using one or more direct current (DC) blocking elements that preserve an alternating current path. The data transformer enables a network device to transmit and receive data with a link partner device via the single conductor pair. Power transmission over the single conductor pair is enabled through the coupling of a power over Ethernet module to the single conductor pair using a diode that can be paired with a zener diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: James Yu
  • Patent number: 8952793
    Abstract: A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, and a third electric component. The first electric component includes a first electric power line communication section. The second electric component includes a second electric power line communication section. The third electric component includes a third electric power line communication section. The first and second electric power line communication sections are connected with a first electric power line such that the first and second electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the first electric power line. The second and third electric power line communication sections are connected with a second electric power line such that the second and third electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the second electric power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimaro Inc.
    Inventors: Taihei Nishihara, Takafumi Suzuki, Shun Kou
  • Publication number: 20140292070
    Abstract: According to an example, an adapter is to provide power to a plurality of electronic components from a first power supply. The adapter may include a first connector to connect to the first power supply, a plurality of second connectors to connect to the plurality of electronic components, a plurality of lines connecting the first connector to each of the second connectors, in which each of the plurality of electronic components is to receive power from the first power supply through the plurality of lines, and a controller to detect a fault in the receipt of power from a second power supply in an electronic component of the plurality of electronic components and in which the controller is to request allocation of power from the first power supply to supply power to the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tzye Perng POH, Boo Siang CHOO, Leng Hoo TAN
  • Patent number: 8823202
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic appliance including a hinge portion including a first rotating hinge including a first electrode for transmitting a direct current and a first coil for transmitting/receiving a data signal by using electromagnetic induction, and a second rotating hinge including a second electrode for receiving the direct current by contacting the first electrode and a second coil for transmitting/receiving the data signal to/from the first coil. The hinge portion connects the first rotating hinge and the second rotating hinge in a rotatable manner while maintaining a state where the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other and a center axis of the first coil and a center axis of the second coil are substantially same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiro Sugita
  • Patent number: 8810059
    Abstract: Coupling and interface circuits for powerline modems are disclosed. A powerline modem may be coupled to a low voltage (LV) line or a medium voltage (MV) line using a circuit that is designed to compensate for signal attenuation and loss that is created by the a LV/MV transformer and/or a MV coupler. In one embodiment, separate coupling transformers may be used by the modem for reception and transmission. In other embodiments, a capacitance is switched on the transmission line before the modem transmits to lower the line impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Il Han Kim, Badri N. Varadarajan, Anand G. Dabak
  • Patent number: 8716893
    Abstract: A VSC converter includes in each valve one first semiconductor device of turn-off type with a voltage blocking capacity rating of a first, high level and connected in parallel therewith a series connection of a plurality of second semiconductor devices of turn-off type with a voltage blocking capacity rating of a second, lower level. A control arrangement of the converter is configured to switch a said valve into a conducting state starting from a forward biased blocking state of the valve by controlling the second semiconductor devices to be turned on and then the first semiconductor devices to be turned on with a delay, and at the end of the conducting state to turn off the first semiconductor device in advance of turning the second semiconductor devices off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Gunnar Asplund
  • Patent number: 8693496
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a communication network comprises a communication cable having a first wire pair and a second wire pair that both extend between a first end and a second end of the communication cable. The network also comprises at least one power source configured to provide a first supply current through the first wire pair and a second supply current through the second wire pair at the first end of the communication cable. The first supply current and the second supply current can be substantially equal. The network also comprises a first diode bridge and a second diode bridge coupled to the second end of the communication cable and configured to combine the first and second supply currents to provide a combined supply current. The network further comprises a powered device configured to receive the combined supply current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jean Picard
  • Patent number: 8680706
    Abstract: A system includes a first communication module to be coupled to a first transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a first amplitude; and a second communication module to be coupled to a second transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, the second transmission medium being coupled to the first transmission medium. Each of the first and second communication modules is configured to use signals that propagate between the first and second transmission media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: James Zyren
  • Patent number: 8674539
    Abstract: Functionality of a powerline communication (PLC) power supply and modem interface can be implemented using a power supply processing unit and a PLC modem unit that can be coupled together using standard, two-wire cabling. The power supply processing unit can generate a DC power signal and a zero cross signal based on an AC powerline signal received via a PLC network. The power supply processing unit can modulate the zero cross signal onto the DC power signal. The power supply processing unit can then generate a composite PLC signal comprising a PLC signal (extracted from the AC powerline signal) and the DC power signal modulated with the zero cross signal. The PLC modem unit can extract the PLC signal, the DC power signal, and the zero cross signal from the composite PLC signal, and then can process the PLC signal based on information associated with the zero cross signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory A. Magin, Celestino A. Corral
  • Patent number: 8653689
    Abstract: An apparatus and method includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel, and supports transmission of AC communication signals. The power bus includes a high current power wire. A current transformer is coupled to the power bus adjacent the solar panel. A capacitor, coupled to the power bus, is connected in parallel with the solar panel, and connected between the solar panel and the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Rozenboim
  • Publication number: 20130313892
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for power management includes a first power supply module for obtaining power according to Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and transmitting the power into a first power supply; a second power supply module providing a second power supply; a power detecting module outputting a first power voltage value corresponding to the first power supply; a power switching module receiving and outputting the first power supply, and outputting the second power supply when a switching signal is received; a mode determination module determining auto switching mode or manual switching mode and thereby generating an auto switching mode signal or manual switching mode signal; a control module transmitting a notification message when the first voltage value fails to meet a predetermined voltage during manual switching mode, and transmitting the switching signal when the first voltage fails to meet the predetermined voltage during auto switching mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ACCTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hsien-Te CHANG
  • Patent number: 8519560
    Abstract: A power line communication device achieving suppression of electric power consumption is provided. Processing performed by a CPU of a PLC adapter includes the steps of sensing that a time to cut off electric power supply has come (S610), generating a message notifying that electric power supply will be cut off (S620), transmitting the message to equipment connected to the PLC adapter (S630), and emitting a command to cut off electric power supply to an RJ45 connector to a power feed circuit (S680) when a confirmation signal with regard to cut-off of electric power supply is received from the equipment (YES in step S640) and when cut-off OK is indicated (YES in step S650).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakazu Ito
  • Patent number: 8374727
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to minimizing the potential damage caused by the failure of a single central Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) responsible for calculating, assigning and storing information about switchyard zones of a high or medium voltage switchyard comprising switchyard elements interconnected by lines, and wherein the switchyard is operated by means of a Substation Automation system including a plurality of Intelligent Electronic Devices. For example, a distributed switchyard zone management is disclosed, comprising a distributed storage of the knowledge about the switchyard zones. Assignments of individual switchyard elements or components, such as switches and connectivity nodes, to the various switchyard zones are stored on several IEDs. If one of these IEDs fails, the services or applications based on switchyard zones thus are not necessarily doomed, as would be the case if the entire knowledge about switchyard zones were stored on one single central IED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Wimmer
  • Patent number: 8330585
    Abstract: A power supply for supplying electric power comprises a power circuit which supplies L channels of electric power (L: positive integer), a control circuit board which outputs multiple types of control signals including a digital control signal and a PWM signal, a digital-to-analog converter having M channels (M: positive integer less than L) each of which converts the digital control signal into an analog control signal, and N demodulation circuits (N=L?M) each of which generates an analog control signal by demodulating the PWM signal. The control circuit board is electrically connected to the power circuit via the M channels of the digital-to-analog converter and the N demodulation circuits. N is a positive integer not more than M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahito Hamaya
  • Patent number: 8300666
    Abstract: Communications over a wired data telecommunications network between and among power sourcing equipment (PSE), powered devices (PDs), and the like, take place over the wired medium by modulating an inline power signal. Any suitable communications protocol may be used and any suitable modulation scheme can be used. Examples of information to be communicated include: changing power requirements or capabilities (higher or lower) and acknowledgements thereof (permitting finer power class gradation than available under existing standards); sensor data; wireless data converted to wired data; status signaling, and the like. Such communications may be used for a number of purposes including supporting redundant provision of services over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Karam, Frederick R. Schindler, Wael William Diab
  • Patent number: 8258649
    Abstract: A system includes a first communication module to be coupled to a first transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a first amplitude; and a second communication module to be coupled to a second transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, the second transmission medium being coupled to the first transmission medium. Each of the first and second communication modules is configured to use signals that propagate between the first and second transmission media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
    Inventor: James Zyren
  • Patent number: 8232667
    Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Claude Abraham, Marv Hamdan
  • Patent number: 8232668
    Abstract: A method for detecting a synchronization point of an alternating power in comparing the alternating waveform with a threshold voltage is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting a rising point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level lower than the threshold voltage to a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage; detecting a falling point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage to a level lower than the threshold voltage; measuring a first interval from the rising point to the falling point subsequent to the rising point; measuring a second interval from the falling point to the rising point subsequent to the falling point; and determining the synchronization point based on a difference between the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8212381
    Abstract: System and method for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules (1). An electric supply voltage and an additive data signal are transmitted via a cable (3). The aircraft cabin modules (1) have a connection plug (2) for plugging onto the cable (3) and an isolating circuit (5), which isolates the transmitted supply voltage from the data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Riedel, Sven-Olaf Berkhahn, Hans-Achim Bauer
  • Patent number: 8212378
    Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a maritime well system includes a sea-surface control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sea-bed control unit coupled to the sea-surface control unit by a sub-sea cable configured to carry a direct current (DC) voltage output from the sea-surface control unit at least 30 kilometers to the sea-bed control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sub-sea tree coupled to the sea-bed control unit via a connecting line configured to carry a converted voltage output from the sea-bed control unit to the sub-sea tree. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the sub-sea cable is designed to carry a predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as DC power and is at least 10 times smaller than a cross-sectional area needed for carrying the predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as alternating current (AC) power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow
  • Patent number: 8212375
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that provides reliable battery status reporting and, optionally, remote monitoring and configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit. In particular, the UPS unit provides power to the ONT via a power line and transmits data to the ONT via the power line. Generally, the described invention supports one-way or two-way communication of status, alarm, and configuration signals using a single power line. Specifically, such signals may be transmitted over the power line by inserting a carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of approximately 1 MHz, onto the power line. In this manner, the invention may provide a simple battery status monitoring system while also reducing the cost of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Calix, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Paulsen, Mark R. Biegert, Clifford Vrla, Gary L. Steinkogler
  • Patent number: 8212376
    Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for powering a powerline network apparatus, such as a HOMEPLUG™ transceiver. A data signal sensor is positioned to sense a data signal that is to be operated upon by the powerline network apparatus. When a data signal is sensed, an indication is formed, and the indication is used to control the switch positioning of a switch that interconnects a power supply with the powerline network apparatus. When the indication of sensing of the data signal is formed, the switch is closed, and the power supply is connected to the powerline-network apparatus operative power is provided to power the powerline network apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Griffin, Dwayne Campbell
  • Patent number: 8204472
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Haken Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 8076792
    Abstract: A power line communication apparatus includes power lines disposed independently and individually, for connecting various loads to a battery by way of fuses, respectively, an inductor disposed at an end portion of each of the above-mentioned power lines on a side connected to the above-mentioned battery, and an information unit for transmitting information by way of each of the above-mentioned power lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Shima, Minoru Ozaki, Mitsuo Shimotani, Takeshi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 8022821
    Abstract: A power supply, such as for powering and supplying communication data to devices connected with a low voltage line, is disclosed. For example, a converter device is coupled with an alternating current voltage source. The converter device down-converts an alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage. A switching device is in communication with the converter device. A processor is in communication with the switching device. The processor outputs a signal to the switching device. The switching device generates a square wave signal as a function of the signal from the processor and the direct current voltage. A remote device is controlled by data encoded in the square wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: J. Baxter Brinkman International Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Joseph, David A. Saathoff
  • Patent number: 8013467
    Abstract: A method and network device increases the power of the signal transmitted by the device on a wired communications network, such as a powerline communications (PLC) network, without exceeding the maximum allowable common-mode (CM) current specified by regulatory bodies. The device is first tested for regulatory body compliance on a standard network. The output voltage of the device is adjusted until the maximum allowable CM current is detected, and this voltage level and CM current are recorded and stored in non-volatile memory of the device. The device is then connected to the actual network and the output voltage set to the previously recorded value. At this voltage level, the CM current in the actual network is measured and recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Song-Lin Young
  • Patent number: 8004112
    Abstract: A communication apparatus has a electrical outlet that is electrically connected to a power connector so as to supply power externally; a connection detector that detects connection of an external plug to the electrical outlet; and a controller that uses a receiver and a transmitter so as to perform setting with a device connected to the electrical outlet, when external connection is detected at the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Koga, Nobutaka Kodama, Yasushi Yokomitsu, Mutsuhiko Ooishi
  • Patent number: 7977810
    Abstract: A signal coupling apparatus for power line communications includes an impedance matching transformer and a transmission mode control circuit for high data rate power line communications on a three-phase four-wire distribution line. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power line communications, to minimize signal loss, and to construct an optimal high voltage distribution path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Electro Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung Soo Choi, Jae Jo Lee, Kwan-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7970374
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Haken Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7899436
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Hakan Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7839011
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for signal transmission with isolation in medical devices. Data signals, such as patient measurement data and medical instrumentation control signals are converted to dynamic signals which are transmitted on power lines through an isolation module, such as a transformer. The dynamic signals are then converted to data signals having a voltage based on the frequency of the dynamic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Detlef W. Koertge, Hongxuan Zhang, Bryon Pelzek
  • Patent number: 7725096
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Gigle Semiconductor SL
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Hakan Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7719130
    Abstract: In a DC power transmission and distribution line, a power cable line for making it possible to easily supply power to various electric power machines used for operation of the line is provided. A power cable line includes a power cable (1g, 1r, 1p, 1m, 1n) for executing DC transmission and distribution, an AC superposing section 2 for superposing an AC component on the power cable, and a branch power supply section 3 for taking out power induced by the superposed AC component from the cable. The AC component is superposed on the power cable by the AC superposing section 2 and AC power together with DC power is transmitted to the power cable. The superposed AC component is taken out by the branch power supply section 3 provided in a midway point of the cable and is supplied to various electric power machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirose, Ryosuke Hata
  • Patent number: 7667344
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals to an underground medium-voltage power line includes a medium-voltage power line, a ground conductor, one or more ferrites, and a low-voltage communications line. The medium-voltage power line includes a center phase conductor and a concentric neutral conductor. The ground conductor couples the concentric neutral conductor to a ground connection. The one or more ferrites substantially surround at least a portion of the ground conductor. The low-voltage communications line includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the concentric neutral conductor. And the second conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent R. Zitting, Thomas R. Parker, III, William D. Hudson
  • Patent number: 7652390
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that provides reliable battery status reporting and, optionally, remote monitoring and configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit. In particular, the UPS unit provides power to the ONT via a power line and transmits data to the ONT via the power line. Generally, the described invention supports one-way or two-way communication of status, alarm, and configuration signals using a single power line. Specifically, such signals may be transmitted over the power line by inserting a carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of approximately 1 MHz, onto the power line. In this manner, the invention may provide a simple battery status monitoring system while also reducing the cost of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Calix Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Vrla, Mark Thomas Paulsen, Mark Richard Biegert, Gary Lee Steinkogler
  • Publication number: 20090236907
    Abstract: A method for causing, in a power distribution network, an oscillation allowing data to be transmitted, includes connecting at least one capacitive load in series with a modulation circuit between two wires of the network. The amplitude modulation circuit includes at least one Zener diode and at least one switch. A short make pulse is applied to the switch such that it is conductive and short-circuits the Zener diode by modulating the amplitude of the network voltage. The duration of the make pulse is such that the amplitude modulation of the network voltage causes a response of the network in the form of a high-frequency oscillation of the network voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: WATTECO
    Inventors: Paul Bertrand, Michel Gaeta, Franck Hieramente
  • Patent number: 7576447
    Abstract: A control and supply system for electrical devices comprises at least one voltage supply and control device above sea level, a subsea cable connecting the voltage supply and control device with the electrical devices, and a control and actuating device which is associated essentially in situ with the electrical devices. The control and supply system allows supplies over larger distances, uses fewer devices, obtains higher efficiency and makes better use of the system. In order to achieve this, the voltage supply and control device comprises at least one AC/DC converter for producing a direct voltage in order to feed the subsea cable. The control and actuating device is associated with at least one DC/DC or DC/AC converter for converting the DC voltage transmitted by the sub-sea cable into a DC voltage or an AC voltage. The voltage generated thereby can be transmitted to the electrical device via a connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow
  • Patent number: 7474014
    Abstract: A data transmission method superimposes a spread code onto data in order to synthesize a first signal. The method changes the switching frequency of a switching power supply based on the first signal, transmitting the second signal to a plurality of semiconductor apparatuses (satellite apparatuses) via an output line of the switching power supply. The method changes the DC output voltage level of the second signal on the output line of the switching power supply wherein a satellite apparatus may use the second signal for controlling and instructing the satellite apparatuses to make the satellite apparatus shift, for example, from the stopped state or the sand-by mode to the normal operation mode so that the satellite apparatus may receive the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhiko Nishio
  • Patent number: 7332828
    Abstract: A system of one embodiment is disclosed that includes a load, a power supply, and a mechanism. The load is operable in a default mode and an alternate mode. The load has better performance in the default mode than in the alternate mode, and consumes less peak power in the alternate mode than in the default mode. The power supply is connectable to an external power source to provide voltage to at least the load. The mechanism causes the load to operate in the alternate mode upon detecting the voltage provided by the power supply dropping below a predetermined threshold level than a predetermined threshold number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Radley
  • Patent number: 6950764
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6941233
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20040195916
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described that provide a three-state control signal across a single electrical conductor. A three-position switch provides an output signal that selects between the first reference voltage, a second reference voltage and an intermediate voltage. The output from the switch is transmitted to a voltage divider circuit that produces a predetermined result when the switch output corresponds to the intermediate state. The output of the voltage divider is then provided to an analog-to-digital converter to decode the state of the switch. The three-state control signal may be used, for example, to place a vehicle component such as a windshield temperature controller or rear-window defogger into a desired one of three operating states. Similarly, the three-state concepts may be widely applied in many automotive, industrial, consumer electronics and other settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 6668232
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6601002
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20030107269
    Abstract: Circuits provide power to network-based devices, such as IP telephones, using spare conductors within existing LAN cables. The circuits, which may comprise diode bridges, are designed to provide power using existing and planned industry guidelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: John J. Jetzt
  • Patent number: 5798573
    Abstract: A power supply circuit for a control circuit of a motor having an armature, includes a first power supply branch having a series combination of a first resistor, a first diode and a Zener diode connected between a supply of power and a reference potential, with a first junction between the first diode and the Zener diode constituting an output of the first power supply branch which supplies a fixed first current; and a power supply second branch having a series combination of a second resistor, a second diode and a capacitive element connected between the armature of the motor and the reference potential, such that a variable second current in correspondence with current provided by the armature of the motor is provided at a second junction between the second diode and the capacitive circuit, and combined with the first current thereof for supply to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: KB Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Abraham Saganovsky