One Source Floats Across Or Compensates For Other Source Patents (Class 307/44)
  • Patent number: 7541692
    Abstract: Peripheral devices that have their own power sources. In one embodiment, a peripheral device comprises a processing device, memory, and a power circuit configured to supply power to a peripheral device component, the power circuit including a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: B. Mark Hirst, Tony Barrett
  • Patent number: 7541776
    Abstract: Improved techniques to manage operation of a portable electronic device having a substantially depleted battery when power is available from an external, power-limited source are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the substantially depleted battery can be initially charged while a power-intensive operation is delayed. Once the battery has adequate charge to assist the external, power-limited source in powering the portable electronic device, the power-intensive operation can be performed. In this manner, power consumption of a portable electronic device can be managed so that reliable operation is achieved without exceeding limits on power being drawn from an external, power-limited source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David John Tupman, Steven Bollinger
  • Publication number: 20090079264
    Abstract: One aspect of the embodiments utilizes a power adapter includes a main USB connector, an assist USB connector, a drive USB connector, and a power supply current combining circuit that combines a current from a power supply terminal of the main USB connector and a current from a power supply terminal of the assist USB connector so as to output a combined current to a power supply terminal of the drive USB connector. The adapter mutually inputs/outputs signals between the signal terminals of the main USB connector and the signal terminals of the drive USB connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Akira Minami
  • Patent number: 7508093
    Abstract: A current supply system includes one or more, or a plurality of current supply modules that each includes an input terminal and an output terminal and that each has a maximum output power. Multiple current supply modules are electrically combined to form a current supply unit having a maximum output power that is greater than the maximum output power of the individual current supply modules, and a control unit is connected to the current supply unit. A data connection connects the control unit to all the current supply modules of the current supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Huettinger Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Wiedemuth, Stefan Schirmaier, Markus Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 7498689
    Abstract: A power supply device for vehicles is disclosed, which device includes a backup unit to the power supply as an auxiliary power supply employing a capacitor unit formed of plural capacitors. The auxiliary power supply includes a power supply section allowing the capacitor unit to power an electronic controller, and a compulsory operating section for operating the power supply section. An operating status of the power supply section is monitored even when a battery operates normally, so that the power supply device for vehicles with higher reliability and improved safety is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Mitani, Toshihiko Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7482709
    Abstract: A system for powering and controlling electrical equipment of an aircraft engine or of its environment, includes at least one DC voltage power supply bus, a set of power supply modules associated with an electrical equipment group, each module including a voltage converter and a selector circuit inserted between the outputs from the modules of the set of modules and the pieces of equipment of the equipment group. The modules and the selector circuit are controlled to activate each piece of equipment of the equipment group by connecting it to at least one of the modules, with an emergency module being put into operation in the event of one of the other modules failing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Serge Berenger
  • Patent number: 7474016
    Abstract: A system and method for responding to abrupt load changes on a power system transfers an initial amount of power from an external power source to the AC power system through a secondary converter module; senses an abrupt load change occurring-on the AC power system; and transfers auxiliary direct current (DC) power to the secondary converter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Kon-King M. Wang, Kent M. Harmon, Glenn R. Kowalske
  • Patent number: 7454012
    Abstract: A system for managing power from a power source for at least one line powered network element in an access network is provided. The system includes a power manager that establishes at least one power criterion for the at least one network element. Further, the system includes a power controller that is responsive to the power manager. The power controller and the power manager communicate to manage operation of the at least one network element based on the at least one power criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter H. Nattkemper, Melvin Richard Phillips, Kenneth L. Walker, III
  • Patent number: 7443052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a DC/DC converter for use in a decentralized power generation system. If a DC/DC converter is physically separated from a power receiving component and connected to such a power receiving component via a DC bus, a short-circuit on the DC bus may endanger the system and service personnel. In order to minimize such a risk, it is proposed that the DC/DC converter comprises a converting component for DC/DC converting a direct current supplied by a power generating unit and for supplying a resulting converted direct current to a DC bus, and that the DC/DC converter comprises in addition a control component arranged to monitor a voltage at the outputs of the DC/DC converter and to cause the converting component to enter a short-circuit protection mode if the monitored voltage lies below a predetermined voltage threshold. The invention relates equally to a corresponding system and to a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Peter Lürkens
  • Patent number: 7443053
    Abstract: A control circuit and control method of electric output modes for a stacked power supply system which has a circuit board to integrate a plurality of power supply devices to output electricity. The circuit board has a control circuit to actuate the power supply devices. The control circuit provides a parallel power supply mode and a backup power supply mode, and is connected to a switch device which provides a first signal source and a second signal source corresponding to the parallel power supply mode and the backup power supply mode to enable users to select an actuation signal output from the control circuit to determine the parallel power supply mode or backup power supply mode of the power supply devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Tsung-Chun Chen
  • Publication number: 20080231116
    Abstract: A technique for operating a device at multiple different power levels dependent upon the amount of power received involves sensing the amount of power received and turning on circuit components or system functionality if power is adequate. A device constructed according to the technique should have the ability to detect at least two different, non-zero, power levels and turn on circuits or system functionality to the extent that sufficient power is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Keenly, Zubin Sarkary, Marko Radojicic, Sudheer Poorna Chandra Matta, Philip Riley
  • Publication number: 20080195255
    Abstract: A utility grid is provided, the utility grid comprising a centralized control means, an intermittent renewable energy source for generating electrical power: at least one further power generation system; and at least one local controller for controlling the total power output of said intermittent renewable energy source and said as least one further power generation system, wherein the centralized control means is connected with the at least one local controller and adapted to request a desired total power output from the local controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Hans Henning Lutze, Andreas Bucker
  • Publication number: 20080179954
    Abstract: A circuit and method for producing an output voltage that replicates an input voltage. A circuit comprises an amplifier stage configured to amplify a difference between an input voltage and a feedback voltage. An output stage is configured to produce an output voltage equal to the input voltage. The output stage configured to be driven by the difference between the input voltage and the feedback voltage. The output stage further comprises a main supply current path configured to provide a first current from a main supply source, the first current providing at least a portion of the output voltage, and a current management circuit configured to provide a second current from an auxiliary supply source, the second current providing any remaining portion of the output voltage not provided by the first current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: ATMEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Victor Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7405495
    Abstract: A DC/DC voltage converter between a high-voltage electrical network and a low-voltage electrical network comprises a plurality of cells connected in parallel. Each cell comprises a chopper DC/DC converter and a single protection transistor connected in a high-voltage portion of the converter thereby enabling any of the cells to be taken out of service independently of the other cells while minimizing power consumption in normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics
    Inventors: Nicolas Guillarme, Bruno Condamin
  • Patent number: 7400065
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system is provided. The electrical power distribution system includes: a first AC power source (1a); a second AC power source (1b); a first DC bus (6a); a first AC to DC rectifier (5a); a second AC to DC rectifier (5b); and an electrical load management control unit (8). The first AC power source (1a) is connected to the first DC bus (6a) via the first AC to DC rectifier (5a). The second AC power source (1b) is connected to the first DC bus (6a) via the second AC to DC rectifier (5b). The electrical load management control unit (8) shifts power extraction between the first and second AC power sources (1a,1b) by changing an AC voltage output of one of the first and second AC power sources (1a, 1b) relative to an AC voltage output of the other of the first and second AC power sources (1a, 1b), thereby changing an DC voltage output to the first DC bus (6a) from one of the first and second AC to DC rectifiers (5a, 5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney G. Michalko
  • Publication number: 20080143425
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a DC/DC converter that can stabilize power supply potential in use. It is another object to provide a semiconductor device in which circuit operation is stabilized. In addition to a power supply that supplies potential to be reference potential of boosting in a DC/DC converter, a power supply for charging a capacitor in the DC/DC converter is provided. Accordingly, loads to the power supply that supplies the reference potential of boosting can be reduced. Further, as power for charging the capacitor in the DC/DC converter, power supplied from not an antenna but a secondary battery is used. More specifically, a secondary battery is used as a power supply that supplies power to a buffer circuit or an inverter circuit. Thus, power supplied from the antenna can be stabilized. In other words, operation of a logic circuit and an analog circuit can be stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masafumi Ito
  • Publication number: 20080143185
    Abstract: A supplementary power supply is provided. The supplementary power supply comprises a first connector, a second connector, a power source, and a path. The first connector is operable to couple to a host device. The second connector is operable to couple to a peripheral device. The power source is operable to provide electrical power to the peripheral device via the second connector. The path is operable to allow data to pass between the host device and the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Roger H. Ingles
  • Publication number: 20080122292
    Abstract: The main cable and the drive cable each incorporates a positive power line, a negative power line, a positive signal line and a negative signal line. The main cable is connected to the USB ort of the host apparatus with the connector, and the drive cable is connected to the USB ort of the USB drive device with the connector. In the connector module, the diode is inserted into the positive power line of the auxiliary cable, and the cathode side thereof is connected to the positive power line side of the mutually connected main cable and drive cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Akira Minami
  • Patent number: 7362601
    Abstract: A power supply device includes two input ports, two output ports, a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a switch device, and a controller. The switch device includes a switching element connected in series with the primary winding, and a capacitor. The controller switches the switching element to energize the transformer and charge the capacitor. When an AC power failure such as instantaneous interruption occurs, energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to flow through the primary winding. Accordingly, the transformer is energized to maintain generating an output power from the power supply device for a certain time period. The capacitor is provided on a primary side of the transformer, generally higher voltage side, in the power supply device, so that a smaller capacitance of the capacitor can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7362005
    Abstract: An isolated dual power source system for isolating a first power source of a vehicle, connected to an engine starter, from a second power source of the vehicle which has an electrical circuit for distributing electrical power among the consumers, includes first and second switches for selectively connecting the first and second power sources to the electrical circuit, respectively. The system may include a controller that independently and operatively connects to the first and second switches to control operation thereof for selective and respective isolation from the electrical circuit. A third switch connecting the second power source to the starter may be used to selectively provide power thereto and bypass the first power source to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Red Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Leblanc
  • Patent number: 7340051
    Abstract: A method of ramping up a power supply that supplies power on a communication medium. The method includes supplying power on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a first set point, determining if an overload condition exists, and, if the overload condition does not exist, signaling a first alarm. If the overload condition exists, power is supplied on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a second set point. It is determined if the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point. If the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point, a second alarm is signaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Richard Phillips, Charles Weston Lomax, Jr., Christopher Tad Ammann
  • Patent number: 7301247
    Abstract: A power supply device incorporated in a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine including: a first power supply system for driving a vehicle load that converts an output of a generation coil provided in a generator driven by an internal combustion engine into a DC output to supply the DC output to an electrical load or electrical loads in the vehicle; and a second power supply system for driving an external load that converts an output of another generation coil provided in the generator into a DC output, then converts the DC output into an AC output at a commercial frequency with an inverter, and supplies the AC output to an external load, wherein the inverter is operated as a DC-DC converter to supply assisting power from the inverter through a switch to the first power supply system, when the output of the first power supply system is insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Kishibata, Masanori Nakagawa, Tooru Notsu
  • Patent number: 7276815
    Abstract: A method of managing power resources for an electrical system of a vehicle may include identifying enabled power sources from among a plurality of power sources in electrical communication with the electrical system and calculating a threshold power value for the enabled power sources. A total power load placed on the electrical system by one or more power consumers may be measured. If the total power load exceeds the threshold power value, then a determination may be made as to whether one or more additional power sources is available from among the plurality of power sources. At least one of the one or more additional power sources may be enabled, if available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo C. Algrain, Kris W. Johnson, Sivaprasad Akasam, Brian D. Hoff
  • Patent number: 7259473
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter has a plurality of diverse type DC-DC converter channels whose outputs are combined to provide a composite DC power output to a load. One of the channels is a high efficiency power path that supplies the average current demand of the load. A second channel comprises a fast transient response power path which handles transient response demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventor: Shea Lynn Petricek
  • Patent number: 7239045
    Abstract: A control system for a power distribution system includes electrical operators each of which has an open input, a close input and an operator member adapted to cooperate with a corresponding circuit breaker operating mechanism. Each operator member responds to the corresponding open input to actuate the operating mechanism and open the corresponding circuit breaker, and responds to the corresponding close input to actuate the operating mechanism and close the corresponding circuit breaker. A control circuit includes an input for a normal power source, an input for an emergency power source, open outputs electrically connected to the open inputs of the corresponding electrical operators, and close outputs electrically connected to the close inputs of the corresponding electrical operator. The control circuit delays one or more of the close outputs or inhibits one or more of the close outputs after a transfer switch output switches to the emergency source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, James R. Hanna
  • Patent number: 7230351
    Abstract: A voltage source is formed by a series connection of a first energy accumulator (accumulator B1) and a second energy accumulator (capacitor C1). The voltage (UC1) of the second energy accumulator (C1) is adjusted in such a way that the sum of the voltages via the first energy accumulator (UB1) and the second energy accumulator (UC1) are the same as that of a pre-determined desired voltage (UVsoll).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Folker Renken
  • Patent number: 7227278
    Abstract: A multiple bi-directional input/output power control system includes a network of functional blocks housed in a single enclosure, providing DC power to one or more DC loads, and providing control and internal pathways, sharing one or more AC and/or DC power inputs. The system feeds back AC power from the DC power source into an AC input connection, and the fed-back AC power is shared by other AC loads. The system operates at least one alternative source of DC in a dynamic manner, allowing maximization of power generating capability at respective specific operating conditions of the moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Realmuto, Benjamin Hartman
  • Patent number: 7224084
    Abstract: When an AC adaptor is removed and a power supply to a power node NP of a ROM writing apparatus is stopped, an analog switch which is controlled by a voltage at the power node NP is turned off. Thus, even if a power voltage VTG of a user board side is applied, a data signal DAT which is outputted from the user board is shut off by the analog switch and does not reach the power node NP via a diode. Therefore, a control terminal of a 3-state buffer is certainly set to “L”. There is not a risk such that a pass current flows in the 3-state buffer and a breakdown by heat is caused. When a power source is shut off, a breakdown of an interface circuit due to a wraparound of a power voltage from another apparatus is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Minowa
  • Patent number: 7170196
    Abstract: An electrical power feed for a submarine system and a method of supplying electrical power to the submarine system in which a plurality of power converters are used for feeding electrical power into the submarine system. A plurality of control circuits are each connected to at least one of the power converters and control the level of power output by the respective power converter(s) to which it is connected. Each power converter is connected to only one control circuit and at least some of the power converters operate independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Tony Farrar, Simon Timothy Perry
  • Patent number: 7170194
    Abstract: A system for supplying additional power to a module having an internal power supply, the system comprising: a module having an associated power supply, the power supply not being designed to accommodate power sharing; at least one load associated with the module, the load receiving power from the power supply; a variable current limited power source connected to the module supplying additional power to the at least one load; and a controller; whereby the variable current limited power supply is responsive to an output of the controller to vary the current limit of the variable current limited power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: PowerDsine, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dror Korcharz, Yair Darshan, Ilan Atias, David Pincu
  • Patent number: 7151326
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical system and method for providing power to a truck's cab while the truck's engine is turned off. An already available primary power supply of the truck and a secondary power supply generally located on a trailer being hauled by the truck, are used to charge auxiliary power storage units. The secondary power supply is further used to maintain charge of the auxiliary power storage units while the truck's engine is off. The system may provide power to electrical devices within the truck as DC, or as AC by means of an inverter. The system may further include thermostatic controls to protect the secondary power supply when high-voltage electrical devices such as space heaters are being used. Separate operating circuits are employed that include switching means to enable an operator to, or to automatically, control operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Idle Free Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert Howard Jordan
  • Patent number: 7145265
    Abstract: A hybrid power system has two voltage sources, a variable DC power source, and a second power source, connected through selection components to a common node. The variable DC power source may be a solar power source and the second source may be an AC grid. The selection components, e.g. blocking diodes, SCRs, or relays, allow one or both of the sources to be connected to the node depending on the voltages produced by the sources. A variable speed drive and load may be connected to the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: World Water & Powew Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C Mc Nulty, Anand Rangarajan
  • Patent number: 7141892
    Abstract: A power supply method and apparatus of a line interactive UPS utilizes a bi-directional AC/AC power converter in association with the AC delta control concept. When the line voltage coupled to the AC/AC power convert exceeds high/low statuses, the UPS is operated in a line voltage conversion mode, wherein the AC/AC power converter supplies a voltage to compensated the line voltage based on the stability of the line voltage, and then the compensated stable voltage is further provided to the load so as to perform the voltage boost (step-up) and/or voltage buck (step-down).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Phoenixtec Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guo-Feng Dai, Norman Day
  • Patent number: 7113375
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for monitoring and/or for regulating supply voltages. The circuit enables at least two supply voltages (U12) or (U22) that are produced by means of two feed-ins (Q1, Q2) and that are provided for consumer circuits (V1, V2) to be monitored and limited simultaneously. To this end, the circuit configuration comprises a corresponding voltage monitoring electronics unit which detects the supply voltages (U12, U22) and compares them with associated tolerance values (?U12, ?U22). The voltage monitoring electronics unit also provides a control signal (y) which signals whether the first supply voltage (U12) is lower than the associated tolerance value (?U12). The control signal (y) is used to control a shunt electronics unit through which a shunt current (IS) passes temporarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Strütt, Edwin Steinebrunner
  • Patent number: 7112897
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a first capacitor component, a second capacitor component, and a switch component. The first capacitor component, the second capacitor component, and the switch component cooperate to maintain an input voltage to a target circuit at or above a cut-off voltage of the target circuit until a power circuit is able to maintain the input voltage of the target circuit at or above the cut-off voltage of the target circuit. The switch component serves to control a flow of current from the first capacitor component to the second capacitor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice LeRoy Strong, III
  • Patent number: 7096727
    Abstract: A tire assembly with integrated power generation features includes one or more piezoelectric devices and power conditioning modules. Piezoelectric devices may include a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix, a piezoceramic wafer provided on a substrate and substantially surrounded by a protective casing, or a piezoceramic unimorph structure adhered with a thermoplastic polyimide to respective top and bottom conductive layers. Each piezoelectric device may include multiple piezoelectric elements connected in series and/or parallel arrangements, configured with respective poling directions in opposing or in-phase arrangements and/or configured in d33 or d31 displacement modes. Piezoelectric devices are preferably mounted within a tire or wheel assembly such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface and is subsequently stored in one or more energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: John David Adamson, George Phillips O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7068515
    Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus, methods, and systems having a multi-chip module with stacked redundant power. An exemplary apparatus has a module having plural processors. A first power system is coupled, in a vertically stacked configuration, to the module for providing power to the module. A second power system provides power to the module and is coupled, in a vertically stacked configuration, to the first power system. Each power system serves as a duplicate for preventing failure of the module upon failure of one of the power systems. A thermal dissipation device is disposed between both the first and second power systems and the first power system and module such that the thermal dissipation device dissipates heat, via heat exchange, away from the processors, the first power system, and the second power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shaun L. Harris, Steven A. Belson, Eric C. Peterson, Gary W. Williams, Christian L. Belady
  • Patent number: 7064955
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an electronic assembly having a first printed circuit board (PCB) and a second PCB. The second PCB has at least one processor coupled to and disposed above the first PCB. A thermal dissipation device is disposed above the second PCB, dissipates heat away from the processor, and provides an airflow path. First and second power systems are coupled to the second PCB and in a pathway of the airflow path. The first and second power systems are redundant such that upon failure of the first power system, the second power system can provide power for both power systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shaun L. Harris, Steven A. Belson, Eric C. Peterson, Gary W. Williams, Christian L. Belady, Jeffrey P. Christenson
  • Patent number: 7064458
    Abstract: A method and system for transferring a load from a first AC voltage source to a second AC voltage source. A temporary voltage source is connected to the load and to the first voltage source via a resistor. The first voltage source is disconnected from the load. The second voltage source is connected to the load. Finally, the temporary voltage source is disconnected from the load. The temporary voltage source may be independent of the first and second voltage sources, or may obtain voltage from the first or second voltage sources. The connecting and disconnecting is done by mechanical switches, by thyristors, or by mechanical switches and thyristors in parallel or in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Target Hi-Tech Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Lupu Wittner
  • Patent number: 7023109
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply unit essentially includes: a DC power supply source 3, a parallel converter 4, and a series converter 6 that are individually connected in parallel to both ends of an electrolytic capacitor Cdc having a pair of capacitors C1 and C2. An input terminal Pin1 is connected to an intermediate point of the electrolytic capacitor Cdc. A power supply line 1n interlinking an input terminal Pin1 and an output terminal Pout2 is connected to multiple switching elements of the parallel converter 4 via a reactor Lin. Likewise, multiple switching elements of the series converter 6 are individually connected to an output terminal Pout1 via another reactor Lout. Multiple capacitors C individually constituting the above-described reactors L and filters are connected in parallel between the input terminals and output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Amano
  • Patent number: 7003612
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a PC switching device which can be applied to various kinds of PC's, some of which have an electric power control method different from the others. When a plurality of PC's 621–624, the power of which are controlled by power control keys installed on keyboards are operated by single KB 63 without a power control key, power control switches PC-PSW 1–4 installed on the PC switching device 61 can control the power of the corresponding PC. When switches PC-PSW 1–4 are pressed again, main CPU 610 outputs a key-code to PC's 621–624 through sub-PC's 611–614, and can control the power of PC's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
    Inventors: Kiyomitsu Takizawa, Fujio Seki, Hideo Yumoto
  • Patent number: 7000122
    Abstract: A managing system manages a plurality of VRMs associated with a plurality of microprocessors and connected in parallel together between first and second voltage references, the VRMs having output terminals connected together and arranged to communicate over a common bus. The managing system includes an error amplifier being input an output voltage signal from the VRM plurality, a reference voltage, and a droop voltage produced through an equivalent droop resistor receiving an output current signal from the VRM plurality and being connected to the common bus. The error amplifier effects a comparison of the input signals to generate a control voltage signal to the VRM plurality. Advantageously, the managing system comprises a controller connected to the equivalent droop resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Zafarana, Claudia Castelli
  • Patent number: 6956304
    Abstract: Integrated circuit, which is supplied externally by a supply voltage, having at least one useful circuit and a power supply for the at least one useful circuit which comprises a plurality of power supply units, in which case the power supply comprises a control unit for comparing the supply voltage with a predetermined desired value and for switching one or a plurality of the switchable power supply units on or off in a manner dependent on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Martin Brox
  • Patent number: 6853098
    Abstract: A communication device is provided which transmits and responds to differential currents. Thereby allowing communication between devices that may be floating with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Patricia Jackson, Roger Charles Peppiette, Colin Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20040262996
    Abstract: The current invention consist of a Phase conversion device with built-in demand reduction/power boosting device where Single phase AC is converted to DC and connected to a DC storage device, which again is connected to a DC to three phase AC converter and where a single phase AC is feed into a current limiting device and then into a single phase to three phase AC converter. A DC storage device with a DC to single phase AC converter is connected between the current limiting device and the AC to AC phase converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Ib Ingemann Olsen, Nicholas Blaise Pasquale
  • Patent number: 6803677
    Abstract: A system may be provided to perform multiple power conversion operations. The system may include a transformer interconnected between a high voltage DC bus and a low voltage DC bus, and an AC load connected to the transformer through an AC power supply line. The system may be configured to simultaneously provide power from the low voltage DC bus to the high voltage DC bus and the AC load, through the transformer. Further, the system may also be configured to simultaneously provide power from the high voltage DC bus to the low voltage DC bus and the AC load, through the transformer. And, the system may be configured to simultaneously provide power from a shore power source to the AC load, and, to the low voltage DC bus and high voltage DC bus through the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo C. Algrain, James P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6781336
    Abstract: A servomechanism having an actuator configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and a controller configured for electrical connection to a power source. A power cable electrically connects the actuator and the controller. The power cable is configured to transmit electrical current from the controller to the actuator. At least one transducer is coupled to the actuator. The transducer is electrically connected to the power cable and is configured to transmit data over the power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: GE FANUC Automation North America, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Henry
  • Publication number: 20040160128
    Abstract: A power factor corrected boost converter circuit comprising a rectifier connectable to an ac input and having a rectified dc output provided across a dc bus, an inductor having first and second terminals connected in one leg of the dc bus, a first terminal of the inductor coupled to the output of said rectifier, an integrated circuit comprising a control circuit for controlling a switch, the integrated circuit comprising a housing enclosing the control circuit, the integrated circuit having a power terminal, a ground terminal, a first control input terminal coupled to an output of the converter circuit, and a second control input terminal coupled to a sensor for sensing current in the dc bus and further having an output terminal connected to the switch, a boost rectifier diode having a first terminal, the first terminal of the diode coupled to the second terminal of the inductor, the diode having a second terminal, and a storage capacitor connected to the second terminal of the diode, wherein the control circ
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Athari
  • Patent number: 6765312
    Abstract: A dual battery system includes a starter battery and a battery of the vehicle electric system, a starter and electric consumers that are divided up into start-relevant consumers and consumers of the vehicle electric system. At least one starter switch is interposed between the starter and the starter battery. A first, electronically fully locking switch element is interposed between the starter battery and the start-relevant consumers and a second electrically fully locking switch element is interposed between the battery of the vehicle electric system and the start-relevant consumers. An element is interposed between the starter battery and the battery of the vehicle electric system that prevents the flow of current from the starter battery to the battery of the vehicle electric system and the consumers of the vehicle electric system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Urlass, Klaus Revermann, Marco Baumgarth
  • Patent number: RE39710
    Abstract: A power system (8) is provided for economically supplying uninterrupted electrical power to one or more critical loads (14). One or more fuel cell power plants (18) provide one substantially continuous source of power, and a utility grid (10) provides another source of power. The fuel cell power plants (18) are adapted to be, and are, normally substantially continuously connected and providing power to, the critical load(s) (14). A rapidly-acting static switch (19) selectively connects and disconnects and reconnects the grid power supply (10) to the critical load(s) (14) and with the fuel cell power plant(s) (18) for abnormal and normal grid operation, respectively. A switch controller (49, 45) controls the state of the static switch (19) to connect the grid power source (10) with the critical load(s) (14) and the rapidly (less than 4 ms) make the disconnections and the reconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Gibbons Young, Herbert C. Healy, Francis A. Fragola, Jr., Ricky M. Ross