Plural Substitute Sources Patents (Class 307/65)
  • Publication number: 20080150364
    Abstract: A power supply system for a wireless control device includes a plurality of power generation units for generating electric power, a power output unit coupled to the plurality of power generation units and a system circuit of the wireless control device for outputting electric power generated by the plurality of power generation units to the system circuit, and a microprocessor coupled to the plurality of power generation units for controlling the plurality of power generation units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Chen, Chih-Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20080111424
    Abstract: An improved structure of power storage device comprises at least three power sources and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. The at least three power sources comprise a commercial power service and anyone selected from a fuel generator, a solar power generator, a wind power generator, a battery generator, and a fuel cell generator. The UPS system has a built-in power source selector. The UPS system has an output terminal for coupling with an electric appliance and an input terminal for connection with the at least three power sources via the power source selector. As a result, the UPS system becomes a power supply and the built-in power source selector selects another power source during the commercial power interruption so as to enable the electric appliance to work normally until the commercial power interruption is over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080093929
    Abstract: A reliable power supply solution for a telecommunications site provides a combined primary and backup source of electrical power. One system of the power supply solution includes one or more microturbine generators operable to produce AC electrical power as well as one or more rectifiers operable convert the AC electrical power from the one or more microturbine generators to DC electrical power for supply to a DC bus. A transfer switch is electrically coupled between one or more microturbine generators and the one or more rectifiers, for selecting between the AC electrical power of the microturbine generators and incoming AC electrical power to be supplied to the rectifiers. Additionally, one or more proton exchange membranes are provided in the system for producing DC electrical power. The aforementioned power generation and supply components are coupled with the DC bus for supplying DC electrical power to telecommunications equipment coupled with the DC bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY L.P.
    Inventors: JERRY MEYERS, LARRY L. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 7352578
    Abstract: The present invention is a back-up power supply of alternating current and direct current, with the alternating current being generated by an inverter from the direct current, which is produced by a fuel cell. The inverter is at least partially encompassed by a phase changing material having an elevated melting point such that the phase changing material absorbs heat generated by the inverter as well as in the surrounding air, thereby maintaining the inverter temperature within acceptable limits. As the phase changing material absorbs the heat, its temperature rises and melts. Upon cooling of the system, the phase change material re-solidifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Julie A. Willets, Gerald D. Meyers, Larry L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080073976
    Abstract: There is described a method for increasing an availability and a redundancy of an analog current output as well as an analog current output with increased availability and redundancy. To improve the availability and also the redundancy behavior of an analog current output a first set of current sources is switched to active to generate an output current, one current source respectively of the first set is checked cyclically for serviceability and the other current sources respectively generate the output current in equal parts. Where unserviceability is determined, the corresponding current source is disconnected and removed from the first set. If a malfunction occurs, such as a failure of a current source for example, the output current advantageously does not drop out completely due to the allocation of generation to a number of current sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Dietmar Schwabe
  • Patent number: 7345380
    Abstract: A backup power supply system supplies power from a first ac power source in normal condition. Once the first ac power source is abnormal or fails, the system automatically turns off the first ac power source and turns on a second ac power source with null transfer time. When the first ac power source is normal, a dc/ac power inverter is controlled to supply an approximately null current such that a mechanical switch is allowed to be closed and no circulating current is generated between the first ac power source and the dc/ac power inverter. Since the mechanical switch is continuously closed, and requires no switching operation, the backup power supply system can supply the backup power with a null transfer time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: UIS Abler Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Tsung Feng, Chin-Chang Wu, Hung-Liang Chou, Nan-Ying Shen, Kuo-Fang Huang, Yao-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 7332833
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switching circuit for the master-slave feeding mode of the low voltage power supply. The switching circuit utilizes the active switches as the switching devices, so that it can increase the switching speed, decrease the voltage drop and loss, being suitable to the low voltage circuits, and can judge or determine the master power supply and the back-up power supply, realizing the switching between the master and slave power supplies without interruption. The switching circuit of the invention improves the reliability of the system and has the simple structure and easy operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: JunKui Pan, HongBing Cheng, YuJian Qian, Lan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7286005
    Abstract: A supply voltage switching circuit for a computer includes a chipset, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The chipset includes a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET. A 5V system voltage and a 5V standby voltage are respectively inputted to sources of the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET. Gates of the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET are respectively coupled to collectors of the second transistor and the third transistor. A base of the first transistor is coupled to a terminal for receiving a control signal from the computer. The 5V standby voltage is inputted to a collector of the first transistor. Bases of the second transistor and the third transistor are coupled to the collector of the first transistor. A 12V system voltage and the 5V standby voltage are respectively inputted to collectors of the second transistor and the third transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wu Jiang, Yong-Zhao Huang, Yun Li
  • Patent number: 7276813
    Abstract: A power system provides for redundant input power sources. The power system includes a plurality of inputs that are connectable to a plurality of input sources and an OR circuit coupled to the source inputs. The OR circuit ORs the input sources to provide a source voltage. The power control circuit that is responsive to sufficient source voltage and other commands provides a working voltage to mid- and low-rail converters to provide supply voltages for use by a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert William Dobbs, Andrew Michael Cherniski, John M. Swope
  • 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: 7274115
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering an electronic circuit use comparators of supply voltages and voltage regulators to facilitate powering the electronic circuit utilizing more than one supply voltage. In one embodiment, power supplies of step-up power units are controlled using comparators of step-down power units and the step-up power units temporarily provide power to accidentally disabled of step-down power units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Konrad Ludwig Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7265458
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having an input configured to be coupled to a first power source and an output configured to be coupled to a load and a first static switch configured to provide a switchable bypass path from the first power source to the load. The apparatus further includes a second static switch controllable to provide a switchable path between the load and a second power source, and a controller circuit configured to cooperatively control the first and second static switches to transfer the load to the second power source. The controller circuit may be operative to transition the load from a first state wherein the load receives power from the first power source via the first static switch to a second state wherein the load receives power from the second power source while isolated from the first power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Power Quality Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Ray Edelen, Angelo Louis Mandarino
  • Patent number: 7262520
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that allow for individual power sources to be disconnected and reconnected without interrupting the power supply from the other power sources and that allow for these power sources to provide power at substantially the same electrical parameters such as frequency, phase, and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cuong V. Nguyen, Daniel W. Trimble, Robert W. McConnell
  • Patent number: 7259477
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes an AC power input configured to receive AC power from a single-phase AC power source or a multi-phase AC power source, a DC power source, an output circuit including a power output, a controllable switch configured to selectively couple at least one of the AC power input and the DC power source to the output circuit, and a processor coupled and configured to affect operation of the output circuit depending upon which of single-phase and multi-phase operation of the UPS is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Damir Klikic, Mirza A. Beg, Mark R. Melanson, Edward Kotlyar, Jeffrey B. Samstad
  • Patent number: 7237134
    Abstract: A technique is provided for applying secondary or backup power to a networked device in the event of a loss or malfunction of network power. In a control and monitoring network. Various devices may receive both power and data signals from a network cable. In the event of loss of network power, or the reduction in network power, the devices can automatically and without interruptions seek power from the secondary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., David L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7199535
    Abstract: A double-ended inverter system for a vehicle having a load, a first energy source, and a first inverter system coupled to the first energy source and adapted to drive the load. The double-ended inverter system further having a secondary energy source, a second capacitor coupled in parallel to the secondary energy source, and a second inverter system coupled to the secondary energy source and adapted to drive the load. A controller includes an output coupled to the first inverter system and the second inverter system for providing at least one pulse width modulated signal to the first inverter system and the second inverter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Welchko, James M. Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7191351
    Abstract: A network is configured to apply power and data signals to networked devices for operation of the devices. A backup power supply module is coupled to the source of network power and to a secondary power source. The secondary power source may have an adjustable voltage level or a level fixed with relation to the network power voltage level. In the event of a loss or insufficiency of network power, power from the secondary source is automatically applied to the connected device or devices. The device may be programmed for certain failure modes and the secondary power source provides the power needed for operation in the event of loss of network power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., David L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7183669
    Abstract: There are provided monitors which sense a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed by a facility and which sense a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced by at least one energy-producing system. There are provided facilities comprising at least one main panel bus, at least one external power line, at least one energy-producing system, at least one critical load sub-panel bus and at least one monitor which senses a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed by the facility and a magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced by the at least one energy-producing system. There are provided methods of monitoring power (and/or energy) consumed and power (and/or energy) produced in a facility, and devices which display magnitude of power (and/or energy) being consumed and magnitude of power (and/or energy) being produced in a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Heritage Power LLC
    Inventors: Jason Schripsema, Jerome S. Culik, Mark Mrohs, Allen Barnett
  • Patent number: 7180210
    Abstract: A standby generator integration system for efficiently integrating one or more standby generators into an operational power grid. The standby generator integration system includes a control center in communication with a plurality of control units. Each of the control units are in communication with a standby generator, the power grid and a contactor unit. The control unit calculates the hard minimum of the grid voltage and the generator voltage where switching is desired by summing the rectified voltages together. The control unit then initiates the closing of the contactor unit to bring the standby generator online with the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Joel Jorgenson, Joydeep Mitra, Donald Stuehm, Terry Shaner
  • Patent number: 7173821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a computer rack, frame or system having a direct current power supply positioned at the upper portion of the rack. In one variation, the DC power supply is placed in the highest shelf in the computer rack. In another variation, the DC power supply is placed on top of the computer rack. In yet another variation, a dual column computer rack with a back-to-back configuration is implemented with DC power supplies placed in a top shelf of the one of the computer columns. The DC power supply may comprise of one or more direct current power supply modules configured to provide fail over protection. In another aspect of the invention, the power supply modules are placed in a separate rack and provide direct current to support computers in one or more computer racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rackable Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Giovanni Coglitore
  • Patent number: 7154195
    Abstract: A digital signal voting circuit (10) is described for each module in a modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in which a plurality of modules are connected in parallel. The voting circuit (10) includes a first comparator (14) for comparing a decision output signal of the voting circuit, and the cumulative effect of the decision output signals of the voting circuits in parallel modules, with a reference threshold signal (VREF). Comparator (14) generates a first comparison result signal when the decision output signal (D) is greater than the reference threshold signal (VREF). Logic element (12) has two inputs, one of which is fed with a control signal (A1) from the module and a second input which receives an output signal (A2) from the first comparator (14). When the output signal (A3) of logic element (12) is low, it will go high when either one of the input signals (A1 or A2) goes high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Pit-Kin Loh
  • 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: 7148586
    Abstract: A sine wave generation circuit and an uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) using the same, and more particularly, a sine wave generation circuit and a UPS using the same, which can output a sine wave for direct current (DC) power from a battery. In the UPS, a rectifier rectifies commercial alternating current (AC) power from an input terminal and converts the AC power into DC power. A charger charges a battery with the DC power. The battery provides the DC power. A DC-DC converter boosts and/or drops the DC power inputted from the battery by a predetermined level of the AC power. A D-class amplifier receives the DC power from the DC-DC converter and outputs a sine waveform power signal in response to a waveform control signal. A sine waveform controller controls a sine waveform generation operation of the D-class amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: World Top Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Hyang Lee, Yeung-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7148585
    Abstract: A circuit breaker that functions like a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch is used to isolate the commercial power grid from an external power source. When in the “on” position the circuit breaker serves as a main power input circuit breaker allowing power from the commercial power grid to feed into existing wiring. In the “off” position the commercial power grid is disconnected and isolated from the existing wiring. Instead, the switch mechanism is connected to an external power source such as a generator. The generator can be safely operated without risking power backfeed into the commercial power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Milton E. Goss
  • Patent number: 7145266
    Abstract: A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Lynch, Jeffrey K Petter
  • Patent number: 7141893
    Abstract: A power distribution system and method may include a first power domain having a first plurality of power rails, a second power domain having a second plurality of power rails, where the first power domain is electrically independent of the second power domain, and a plurality of modules coupled to the first power domain and the second power domain, where each of the plurality of modules is coupled to a unique set of one of the first plurality of power rails and one of the second plurality of power rails. The system may also include a plurality of mated pairs, where each of the plurality of modules is in only one of the plurality of mated pairs, where each of the plurality of mated pairs is coupled to four separate of the first and second plurality of power rails, and where each of the plurality of mated pairs is coupled to a unique set of the first plurality of power rails and the second plurality of power rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hanahan, Mark S. Lanus, Edward P. Sayre
  • Patent number: 7141894
    Abstract: The system disclosed herein is primarily utilized in the 23–48 volt DC telco, data center and industrial production industry. It will effectively replace today's requirement of purchasing, installing, maintaining and replacing chemical storage batteries. The solution will be capable of deployment partially and in full, inside the building, outside of the building in environmentally enclosed containers or in a mobile version. Additionally, the distribution voltage application will allow for reduction in the size of the power distribution wiring as well as creating an environment that requires less cooling of the critical equipment. This effectively leads to less infrastructure space and equipment, i.e. UPS, air conditioning units, static switch units, generators and chillers, for the same amount of processing, and significantly increases overall system reliability. The system regulates AC power and produces DC power that is considered uninterruptible and that is high quality in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Rudy Kraus
  • Patent number: 7129599
    Abstract: Dual feed power supply system provides high reliability of a dual utility feed, with minimal interruptions in power supplied to critical loads during switching, and compensation for voltage sags occurring on the primary power feed. AC input buses are connected through a transfer switching apparatus to phase lines of a distribution bus. The transfer switching apparatus has a first input terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the first input bus and a second input terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the second input bus, and an output terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the distribution bus. Input switches allow switching from one or the other of the AC input buses to the distribution bus, with a fast transfer switch used to interrupt the supply of power from the input buses to the distribution bus during switching of the input switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Soft Switching Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Deepakraj M. Divan, Robert Schneider, William Kranz
  • Patent number: 7130169
    Abstract: Short circuit protection is provided for an isolation component that has a parasitic diode as an inherent part of its construction. The isolation component may or may not be contained in an integrated circuit. In response to detecting a short circuit condition based on voltages at one or more input terminals of the integrated circuit, or based on current between the terminals, the isolation component is activated to facilitate current flow through the isolation component, such as to reduce total power dissipation in the isolation component during at least part of the short circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin W. Ziemer, Fredrick W. Trafton
  • Patent number: 7119458
    Abstract: An A/C-D/C-F/C power system is provided that includes a portable power unit that can accept electricity from a number of alternative sources including an AC power source, a DC power source, a battery, and a direct oxidation fuel cell. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the fuel cell is used to either recharge a battery, or to power an application device, when the AC source and/or the DC source are unavailable. The A/C-D/C-F/C system of the present invention also includes signal processing and signal conditioning circuitry in a power combiner and conditioner, which condition the voltage signal to deliver power to the application device in a manner that is consistent with device requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: MTI Microfuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith A. Barnes, James T. Bunch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7109606
    Abstract: An electrical energy supply device, in particular for carriage on board an aerodyne, supplying DC current to electrical consumers from at least one electrical network chosen by a selector circuit of the supply device, from a plurality of electrical networks. The supply device includes an adapter per electrical network each of the adapters providing, from the respective electrical network to which the adapter is connected, a preset DC voltage, for supplying the electrical consumers. The choice by the selector circuit, of the electrical network and of its associated adapter supplying the electrical consumers, is dependent on the level of the preset DC voltage of said adapters. Such a device may find particular application to supplying of equipment carried on board aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Bernard Bedouet
  • Patent number: 7105949
    Abstract: An emergent power supply system capable of automatically balancing the input currents of a multiplicity of backup power supply modules therein is addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shyne-Jenq Wang, Jen-Chuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7071580
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply apparatus is equipped with a power supply input section a 2 and a power supply input section b 3 that receive two systems of power supply, respectively; a power supply output section a 4 and a power supply output section b 5 that output the power supply inputted in the power supply input section a 2 and the power supply input section b 3, respectively; and a control section 7 that detects a power failure state of the power supply that is inputted in at least of the power supply input section a 2 and the power supply input section b 3, and outputs a backup power supply from at least one of the power supply output section a 4 and the power supply output section b 5 based on a detection result obtained by the control section 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Hori
  • Patent number: 7071581
    Abstract: Several embodiments of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, which system provides highly reliable output power to a load using a slip-ring induction machine and a flywheel combination, are disclosed as well as methods relating thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the UPS system comprises a back-up power source, e.g., an engine and generator, and a slip-ring, or wound-rotor, induction motor and flywheel combination, which are in parallel to a primary power source, e.g., a utility grid. During normal operation of the UPS, the primary power source supplies alternating current and voltage to the load and the UPS compensates for voltage drop across the isolating inductor. Moreover, the primary power source keeps the slip-ring induction machine and flywheel in an excited state, i.e., the rotor of the slip-ring induction machine, the shaft of which is shared by the flywheel, is excited above normal synchronous speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Satcon Technology Corp.
    Inventors: David B. Eisenhaure, James L. Kirtley, Jr., Laban Edward Lesster
  • 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: 7061141
    Abstract: A method for parallel non-redundancy operation of uninterruptible power supply apparatuses having a bypass circuit without using an additional common circuit. In the method of operating in parallel uninterruptible power supply apparatuses, each apparatus has two operational modes, a bypass feeding mode and an inverter feeding mode. An off-instruction for an AC switch that is turned on in the bypass feeding mode of one of the uninterruptible power supply apparatuses is produced in the respective uninterruptible power supply apparatuses when operated in the inverter feeding mode. The off-instruction is produced based on detection of coincidence of a bypass feeding signal which is active during the bypass feeding mode and a ready signal which becomes active when the inverter feeding mode is ready.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuushin Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7060379
    Abstract: A power system, comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a bus and a bridging power source, wherein the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell, and the bridging power source is in electrical communication with the bus; and a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus. A method for operating a power system, comprising: monitoring a primary power source; if the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, directing power from a bridging power source to a bus and initiating a secondary power source, and the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell; and unless the secondary power source exhibits the selected characteristics, powering the bus with the secondary power source and ceasing the directing power from the bridging power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Michael Cardin, Lawrence Moulthrop, Mark Lillis, John Zagaja
  • Patent number: 7045914
    Abstract: A system for automatically providing continuous power supply via standby uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs) includes: a plurality of primary UPSs (10) for providing power supply to electrically powered devices (3) connecting with the primary UPSs; a plurality of standby UPSs (20) connected to the electrically powered devices for providing power supply when there are malfunctions on the primary UPSs; a switch device (6) connected to the standby UPSs for switching over operational states of the standby UPSs; and a monitoring device (4) connected to the primary UPSs, the standby UPSs, the electrically powered devices and the switch device for collecting information from and giving instructions to the primary UPSs, the standby UPSs and the electrically powered devices. The monitoring device includes a programmable monitoring module (40) for collecting information, a shutdown controlling module (42) for giving shutdown instructions, and a switch controlling module (44) for controlling the switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., LTD
    Inventors: Chia Yuan Liu, Hong-Chieh Kao
  • Patent number: 7042117
    Abstract: A power supply circuit for various actuators includes control lines associated with the actuators that receive power from a single voltage increasing circuit. The power supply circuit supplies power to the control lines by splitting or dividing power from a voltage increasing circuit, which is configured to increase an on-board power source voltage. Power is supplied to loads by driving circuits. The loads are individually driven by activating switches. An auxiliary control line is connected to one of the control lines so that auxiliary voltage is able to be supplied or applied. A voltage-holding circuit is provided in connection with the other control line to eliminate influence associated with the activation of one control line with respect to the other control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo (SEI) Brake Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7030771
    Abstract: A system and method for providing hot-swap status indication in a computer system having redundant power supplies. In one embodiment a system comprises an electrical subsystem that is powered by a first power supply and second power supply. The system further comprises a hot-swap indicator configured to provide a first user indication to indicate whether the first power supply is hot-swappable depending on whether the first power supply is operating at greater than a predetermined power capacity usage, such as fifty percent. The system may also include a second hot-swap indicator for the second power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Kinnard, Rhod J. Jones
  • Patent number: 7005760
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system for governing the providing of power from first, second and third power sources to a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first ATS device having first and second input ports and a first output port, a second ATS device having third and fourth input ports and a second output port, and at least one communication link coupling the first and second ATS devices. The second output port of the second ATS device is coupled to the second input port of the first ATS device. Additionally, a first signal is provided from the first ATS device to the second ATS device by way of the communication link when power should be supplied from the second ATS device to the first ATS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, George C. Henegar, Anthony J. Hackbarth
  • Patent number: 6960843
    Abstract: A system for operating in parallel plural non-break power units, each unit including an inverter inserted between an input power source and a parallel bus and an AC switch inserted between the bypass power source and the parallel bus and having an inverter power supply mode via the inverter and a bypass source power supply mode via the AC switch when the inverter stops. Each unit includes a switch driver for generating an AC switch driving signal in response to an inverter power supply signal based on the output signal of a sequence control circuit. Inverter mode signal output terminals are mutually connected. The switch driver generates the relevant AC switch driving signal on the basis of an inverter supply signal synthesized on a per-unit basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuushin Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6914349
    Abstract: Systems and methods of universal uninterruptible power supply (UPS) input circuitry are provided. The input circuitry of the present invention enables a UPS system to simply connect and operate in conjunction with any suitable backup power system. In particular, once a user indicates what backup system is attached to the input circuitry, a software unit automatically configures the input circuitry to operate with the coupled backup system. Once configured, the software unit may control portions of the input circuitry such that power is continuously provided to a load. For example, once a user indicates that a flywheel based backup system is attached, the software unit may instruct the input circuitry to maintain a predetermined flywheel speed (e.g., RPM) to ensure that the system is in constant ready state to deliver backup power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramamoorthy Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 6896336
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wheel and tire for simulating the appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a low-profile tire. The wheel has an inboard side and an outboard side. The outboard side includes a wide outer flange which extends around the outer circumference of the wheel. The outer flange and/or the outboard face of the wheel is preferably detachable from the remainder of the wheel. The inboard side may include a wide inboard flange which is preferably detachable. The flanges preferably cover a substantial portion of the wall of the outer tire within which the wheel is mounted. A design, preferably comprised of, for example, a plurality of protrusions, indentations, and slits, extends across at least a portion of the outboard face of the wheel, including the outboard face of the extended outer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Frank J. Hodges, Sergiu Anca
  • Patent number: 6882063
    Abstract: A DC to DC Converter includes an electrical circuit that allows batteries and other electrical energy storage devices to be charged from or to discharge to a variable voltage DC bus. This electrical circuit also enables seamless integration with other energy storage devices and/or DC power sources, such as fuel cells, to provide DC power for a Power Management System. A Power Management System preferably provides both full power source management and power conditioning. The Power Management System is able to manage power flow to and from multiple, isolated power sources and energy storage devices to deliver high quality alternating current (“AC”) power to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: International Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Droppo, Lawrence A. Schienbein, Brent Earle Harris, Donald J. Hammerstrom
  • Publication number: 20040227406
    Abstract: This invention is a system for replacing all of the individual AC/DC power converters of the individual electronic units in the computer room or a separate part of it, by a centralized AC/DC power converter. These converters will have redundancy, back up, controls and systems to monitor and warm of failure or predicted failure. This would be both more effective and less expensive as we would not have to provide any of the AC/DC converters at the individual unit level. Thus you will have better, reliability, redundancy, and fault detection and control at a reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Frank W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6791209
    Abstract: A device is presented having at least one power supply. The power supply is connected to a power supply fan. A first power source terminal is connected to the at least one power supply. A second power source terminal is connected to the at least one power supply. The power supply fan is powered from a source external to the at least one power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tomm V. Aldridge, Casey R. Winkel
  • Patent number: 6768225
    Abstract: A multiple power sources control system has several power input sides can switch a power source to other power sources of power input sides as original power source of one of power input sides has an abnormal phenomenon (such as no power supply, too low or high voltage and abnormal frequency, etc.) such that loads can keep obtaining supplied power. In addition, power of loads has better protection because of multiple input power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: DigiPower Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Herlin Chang, Min-Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 6747372
    Abstract: An energy generation network according to the present disclosure includes energy generating elements organized in a tree structure of superior and inferior system levels, with control systems and a communication network. In a currently preferred embodiment, energy generating elements are turbogenerators as described above. Communications and processing are distributed throughout the systems and sub-systems of energy generating elements. Inferior sub-systems and systems of sub-systems appears as a single unit to the superior system or sub-system level. Thus, the energy generating elements appears as a seamless single energy generating unit. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Capstone Trubine Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Gilbreth, Brian J. Budzyn, Cassie Weissert
  • Publication number: 20040036360
    Abstract: A plurality of electrical storage devices such as batteries capable of alternately storing and discharging electricity are connected to the power grid within existing rights of way. The electrical storage devices are batteries that may be alternately charged during periods of low power consumption and discharged during periods of high power consumption. In this manner, the power generating facilities can be operated at constant, or near constant generation, thereby optimizing the efficiency and productivity of the power generation. Significant amounts of power can then be stored within these batteries throughout the grid, thereby allowing the grid to meet peak loads by discharging the stored power during periods of high demand. Additionally, the placement of these batteries within existing rights of way allow the existing grid to be retrofitted to deliver more power without the need for costly and time consuming negotiations for new rights of way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: P. Roger McCombs