Transformer (e.g., Split Core Admits Conductor Carrying Unknown Current) Patents (Class 324/127)
  • Publication number: 20130320961
    Abstract: A low-cost and high-precision current sensing device and methods for use and manufacturing. In one embodiment, the current sensing apparatus comprises a Rogowski-type coil which is manufactured in segments so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensing apparatus segments are asymmetric in shape and/or composition (e.g., bobbin shape, size, and/or winding configuration) so as to account for asymmetries in the magnetic field distribution around a bus bar, or to accommodate its shape in a more compact form factor, and/or to improve the immunity to the effects of an external magnetic field. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned current sensing apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: James Douglas Lint, Fuxue Jin, Victor Aldaco, Russell L. Machado
  • Patent number: 8594956
    Abstract: A current transforming harvester (“CTH”) is capable of producing power from a conductor on a preexisting power grid without alteration of the conductor or the preexisting power grid. The CTH includes a current transformer (“CT”) that captures energy via magnetic flux from the conductor. The CT is substantially circular and includes two halves called a “split core,” which allow the CT to easily attach to the conductor without opening the circuit in which the conductor operates. A clamping mechanism of the CTH may secure the CTH to the conductor via a pair of spring-biased clamp pads. The CTH includes circuitry that converts the magnetic flux energy captured by the CT into electrical energy suitable for consumption by an electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: John Fredrick Banting, Bruce W. McBee
  • Publication number: 20130308152
    Abstract: Power supply device and an image forming apparatus having the power supply device are provided. The power supply device includes an input unit to input alternating current (AC) power, a converter to convert the input AC power to direct current (DC) power having a preset level and to output the DC power, and a sensor to be connected to the input unit in parallel and to sense whether the AC power has been input. The sensor includes a transformer to receive the AC power and to output a sensing signal having a level reduced more than a level of the AC power, and a resistor unit connected to the transformer in series so that a current of the AC power input into the transformer is lower than or equal to a preset current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: An-sik JEONG
  • Patent number: 8587291
    Abstract: A diagnosis device and method of a voltage transformer can include a current transformer disposed at one side of an output port for generating a current variation according to an on/off operation of a power switch element; a first current detector configured to detect a forward direction current from the current transformer; a second current detector configured to detect a reverse direction current from the current transformer; a first voltage transformer configured to transform the forward direction current detected from the first current detector to a forward direction voltage; a second voltage transformer configured to transform the reverse direction current detected from the second current detector to a reverse direction voltage; and a diagnosis portion for comparing the forward direction voltage with the reverse direction voltage to determine whether or not an offset is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Kyu Kim, Jaewon Lee, Tae Hwan Chung, Ki Jong Lee, Jong Kyung Lim
  • Patent number: 8575918
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring electrical current by measuring magnetic flux density is presented. A magnetic flux density measuring device for measuring a magnetic field strength generated by a current in a conductor includes a ring, a pair of metal strips with high magnetic permeability and a magnetic field sensor. The ring is generally concentric with the conductor and supports the pair of metal strips. The metal strips are located back-to-back and form a gap between the metal strips. The sensor located in the gap to measure the magnetic field strength in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Frank R. Stockum
  • Publication number: 20130285644
    Abstract: A current and voltage detection printed board includes a board formed with a penetration hole; a first pattern wire formed at a periphery of the penetration hole; a second pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; a plurality of first through holes that penetrate the board between the first and second pattern wires; a third pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; a fourth pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; and a plurality of second through holes that penetrate the board between the third and fourth pattern wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshifumi IBUKI, Hideo ITO, Shuji OMAE
  • Publication number: 20130285645
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Adi Shamir, Dan Wijsboom, David Almagor
  • Publication number: 20130278243
    Abstract: It's disclosed a current monitor and an electric power quality compensation system. The current monitor includes: an internal monitor module configured to output a measurement of current for characterizing a real-time electric power quality of an external power network based on a received detection current, wherein an external detection module is used to detect a current of the external power network and output a first level detection current; and an isolation and transfer module including an input side and an output side electrically isolated from each other, wherein the input side is configured to be connected with the external detection module, and the output side is configured to be connected with the internal monitor module, the isolation and transfer module receives the first level detection current and outputs a second level detection current to the internal monitor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shaohua Chen, Yaping Yang, Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 8564279
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electrical receptacle configured to receive a plug having two or more prongs and capable of being connected to an associated load. The electrical receptacle may include a housing and a housing cover mounted on the housing including apertures for receiving at least one of the prongs. In addition, the receptacle may include at least two electrical contacts for engaging the prongs positioned in the housing, a magnetic current sensor defining an opening, wherein the magnetic current sensor opening is operatively coupled to an opening defined by at least one of the apertures. Wherein when one of the prongs is inserted through one of the apertures, the prong extends through the magnetic current sensor and engages at least one of said electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Outsmart Power Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Johnson, Greg Hunter, Matthew D Abelson
  • Publication number: 20130257412
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a low-cost Rogowski coil sensor including a coil wound around a flexible carrier is provided with a reliable parallel-entry closure mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: John Wynne
  • Publication number: 20130234722
    Abstract: A current transformer is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karim Younsi, Manoj Ramprasad Shah, Yingneng Zhou, Charles David Whitefield, II, Prabhakar Neti
  • Publication number: 20130229171
    Abstract: A device for sensing electrical current or voltage in an electrical distribution system using an actively compensated current ratio transformer that includes a first magnetic core having a first permeability and a second magnetic core having a second permeability higher than the first permeability. A primary winding having P turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores, a measurement winding having M turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores so that current in the primary winding induces current in the measurement winding, and a sense winding having S turns is coupled with the second magnetic core. An amplifier coupled to the sense winding receives a voltage developed across the sense winding and produces a compensation current in response to the received voltage. The amplifier has an output coupled to the sense winding to feed the compensation current through the sense winding to reduce the voltage developed across the sense winding voltage to substantially zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin N. Gunn
  • Patent number: 8500073
    Abstract: A clamp with a first clamp halve with a hinge portion and a first opening for a fastener; a second clamp halve, with a hinge portion and a first opening for a fastener; a cable opening; and a hinge device for connecting the two hinge portions. The clamp may also include a first clamp halve with a second opening for a closing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Wayne L. Quesnel
  • Patent number: 8502554
    Abstract: A current transformer assembly for use in an electrical monitoring system is described herein. The current transformer assembly includes a housing including a plurality of shielding members that at least partially define a cavity therein. The housing further includes an inner surface that defines an opening that extends therethough. A first current transformer is positioned within the housing. A second current transformer is positioned within the housing and is spaced a distance from the first current transformer to facilitate reducing electronic noise interference between the first and second current transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Wayne Wilson, John Wesley Grant, Charles David Whitefield, II, Karim Younsi, Prabhakar Neti
  • Publication number: 20130187637
    Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network and utilizes a split-core transformer to harvest energy from the conductors. The monitoring devices can be configured to harvest energy from the AC power grid and apply a DC bias to core halves of the split-core transformer to maintain a positive magnetic force between the core halves. Methods of installing and using the monitoring devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis Saxby, Mark A. Parsons, James McKeffery
  • Publication number: 20130187636
    Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of power line sensing devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, the power line sensors can include a split-core transformer. In some embodiments, a power line sensing device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network. The sensing devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current and electric-field on the conductors. Methods of installing, sealing, and protecting the split-core transformers of the power line sensors are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Kast, David P. Knight, Mark A. Parsons, Dennis Saxby
  • Patent number: 8493053
    Abstract: A system and device for measuring voltage in a conductor having a voltage provides a first electrode surrounding and spaced from the conductor, and a second electrode surrounding and spaced from both the conductor and the first electrode such that there is no contact between the conductor and the electrodes or between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is connected to a first input of a differential amplifier circuit and the second electrode is connected to the other input of the differential amplifier circuit. The output of the differential amplifier circuit provides a voltage signal in proportion to the voltage of the conductor, thus providing a non-contact means for measuring the voltage of a conductor without requiring a connection to ground while simultaneously providing a high level of rejection of external interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: GRID20/20, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric George de Buda
  • Patent number: 8493059
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes configurations for current shunt sensors and current shunt sensor assemblies having improved electromagnetic cross-talk rejection that can be used in single-phase/split-phase and poly-phase power metering applications. Some embodiments of the current shunt sensors and current shunt sensor assemblies reduce the need for a shielding material around current shunt sensors in single-phase/split-phase and poly-phase power metering applications. Some embodiments of the current shunt sensors achieve improved electromagnetic cross-talk rejection through a substantially symmetrical arrangement of component parts along the primary path of current flow. Some embodiments of the current shunt sensors achieve improved electromagnetic cross-talk rejection by symmetrical configurations that, in operation, induce complementary parasitic currents or voltages that substantially cancel each other out and do not substantially affect primary current flow through the current shunt sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfhard J. Homma, Carlos A. Laiz, Kourosh Boutorabi
  • Patent number: 8493060
    Abstract: An electrical circuit tester including a resistive load and a testing station for detecting the variable load. The testing station includes at least one electrical current transducer capable of detecting the variable load in an adjacent electrical power circuit. The detection of the variable load is communicated to the testing station and a variable load detection function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mark D. Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20130183043
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring current drain and reporting power consumption using current transformer with primary windings made of low ohmic alloy, enabling the use of the secondary coil to power the sensing and reporting circuits eliminating the power wasted by AC-DC power adaptors used for the current sensors. The saving is substantial as the current sensors will not drain a current when the AC outlets are disconnected from a load or when the load is switched off. The apparatus using low ohmic alloy is extended to the structuring of terminals, including power pins, power sockets and combinations to provide a low ohmic sensing elements in AC plugs, outlets, adaptors and extension cables with multi outlets, dissipating the heat from the sensing elements by the plugs and the larger metal heat dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 8487606
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an electrical conductor, at least one of a voltage sensor and a current sensor disposed about the electrical conductor, and a first insulator molded about the electrical conductor. The first insulator includes a plurality of structures structured to maintain concentricity between the electrical conductor and the at least one of the voltage sensor and the current sensor. A second insulator is molded about the first insulator and the at least one of the voltage sensor and the current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Juds, Paul J. Rollmann, Brad R. Leccia, Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke
  • Patent number: 8477057
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for sensing AC voltage. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for sensing AC voltage. The method includes providing a voltage sensing circuit in communication with an AC power source; rectifying an AC signal from the AC power source with rectifier circuitry of the voltage sensing circuit; applying a first voltage to an analog-to-digital (A-to-D) converter circuit, wherein the first voltage is across a second resistive element of a first half cycle voltage divider comprising a first resistive element and the second resistive element and in communication with a positive DC output of the rectifier circuitry; and analyzing the first digital voltage value and the second digital voltage value by a processor to determine a voltage of the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Parag Vishwanath Acharya, Fred H. Boettner
  • Publication number: 20130162242
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting a DC current in a conductor (L1) includes a current transformer (CT) having a ferromagnetic core (10), a primary winding comprising the conductor (L1) and at least one secondary winding (W1). The circuit further includes an oscillator (12) for supplying an oscillating signal across the secondary winding and means for detecting a dc offset in the current flowing in the oscillator circuit. The circuit includes a capacitor (C1) in series with the secondary winding, and the detecting means is arranged to detect a non-zero voltage across the capacitor above a certain level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Shakira Limited
    Inventor: Ydo Goinga
  • Publication number: 20130154616
    Abstract: A Rogowski coil assembly (1) for measurement of high frequency electrical currents includes coil segments (3) disposed in series with retrospective impedance influence reduction coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
  • Patent number: 8461823
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of metering electricity that includes calculating a first accumulated in-phase current indicative of a non-voltage component of energy flow to one or more customer premises during a period of time by a distribution transformer meter (DTM) coupled to a distribution transformer (DT) and calculating second accumulated in-phase current (AIPC) indicative of a non-voltage component of energy flow during a period of time by a feeder current meter coupled to a feeder line. The method further includes transmitting the first AIPC and the second AIPC to a data collecting computing device and comparing the first AIPC with the second AIPC to determine if electricity theft has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Grid2020, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric George de Buda
  • Patent number: 8461824
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a conductive element, at least two magnetic field sensors arranged on the conductive element and adapted to sense a magnetic field generated by a current through the conductor element. The at least two magnetic field sensors are arranged on opposite sides of a line perpendicular to a current flow direction in the conductive element, an insulating layer is arranged between the conductive element and the magnetic field sensors, and a conductor trace is connected to the magnetic field sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Publication number: 20130141079
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a substrate and a method for manfuacturing the same, and a probe card employing the substrate as a space transformer, the substrate including: a substrate body; a key forming groove formed in one surface of the substrate body; and an alignment key formed on the key forming groove. According to the present invention, the recognition rate of the alignment key formed on the substrate can be increased, resulting in improved accuracy in a micro electro mecanical system (MEMS) process for forming micro probes on the substrate, thereby improving productivity and reliability of the substrate and the probe card incluing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Gyu Man HWANG, Ji Hwan Shin
  • Patent number: 8456782
    Abstract: A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline, but non concentric, implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in standard industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises a split core design that is integrated into an upper and lower plate which slide together and are retained by a secondary coil bobbin. Typically, the two parts of the split core can be manufactured into net shapes by utilizing a powder metal or metal injection molding process. Moreover, the split core design disclosed herein can reduce costs and time associated with manufacturing and assembly of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Annis, Hans Weichert, Sandro Liberto, Beat Villiger
  • Patent number: 8450995
    Abstract: A power consumption monitor, system, and method for monitoring power consumed by equipment, appliances, devices, buildings, and campuses is accomplished by passive sensors (12, 40) that detect power transmitted by individual conductors (C), and which include a current to voltage transformer with a passive, open-circuit electromagnetic force concentrator (22) positioned near the conductor (C). The sensor (22) generates an amplitude signal proportional to the power passing through the conductor (C). Programmable radios on a chip (32, 62, 72) and systems on a chip (34, 64, 74) are used to transmit the amplitude signal to a monitor (50) that displays the power being consumed along with actual and estimated cost and historical information. Software programs are implemented across the sensors (12, 40) and monitors (50) and a remote computer (80) to enable real-time monitoring power consumption with a resolution that spans from entire campuses down to single devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Powerkuff, LLC
    Inventor: Charles G. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8432155
    Abstract: A signal status diagnosing device of an external control unit, including an insulation transformer having a primary side, a secondary side and an intermediate tap at a midpoint of the primary winding, the secondary side is connected the external control unit. The device further includes a signal generating unit for generating a periodically vibrating voltage which is connected to the primary side of the insulation transformer, a switch circuit which is connected to the intermediate tap of the primary winding of the insulation transformer, the switch circuit has a switch and a resistance being connected to the intermediate tap in parallel with each other, and a current measuring unit connected to the switch circuit and configured to measure a first current which flows in the switch or the resistance to diagnose signal status of the external control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Emoto
  • Patent number: 8427135
    Abstract: A directional speed sensor comprises first and second Hall-effect modules. The first Hall-effect module outputs a first current pulse for a first predetermined period when a tooth of a toothed wheel that rotates with a shaft of the vehicle passes the first Hall-effect module in a first rotation direction and outputs the first current pulse for a second predetermined period when the tooth passes the first Hall-effect module in a second rotational direction. The second Hall-effect module is electrically connected in parallel with the first Hall-effect module, is angularly offset from the first Hall-effect module with respect to a center of the shaft, outputs a second current pulse for the first predetermined period when the tooth of the toothed wheel passes the second-Hall-effect module in the first direction, and outputs the second pulse for the second predetermined period when the tooth passes the second Hall-effect module in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Heidi L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8427134
    Abstract: A current detection printed board includes: a board having a penetration hole that penetrates the board; and at least one wire that is formed in a coiled shape having both ends by penetrating the board along the periphery of the penetration hole and alternately connecting a front surface layer and a rear surface layer of the board, wherein, when a conductor, in which an AC current flows, is disposed to pass through the inside of the penetration hole, a current flowing in the wire is output through electromagnetic induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Daihen Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Ibuki, Shuji Omae, Hideo Ito
  • Patent number: 8421443
    Abstract: A meter for measuring electric power consumed by a plurality of branch circuits includes interchangeable current transformers including respective transformer memories for storage of transformer characterization data and enables self-discovery of a phase shift induced by respective current transformers and the phase of current conducted by each branch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bitsch, Martin Cook, Matthew Rupert
  • Patent number: 8421442
    Abstract: A current transformer is provided. The current transformer comprises an inner magnetic core having a central opening, an outer sense core circumscribing the inner magnetic core, at least one pair of conductors extending through the central opening and positioned symmetrically with respect to a center point of the inner magnetic core, and one or more coils disposed on the inner magnetic core, the outer sense core, or both, in a magnetically balanced configuration relative to a magnetic neutral axis of the inner magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karim Younsi, Prabhakar Neti, Manoj Ramprasad Shah, Yingneng Zhou, Charles David Whitefield, II
  • Patent number: 8421444
    Abstract: A device for sensing electrical current or voltage in an electrical distribution system using an actively compensated current ratio transformer that includes a first magnetic core having a first permeability and a second magnetic core having a second permeability higher than the first permeability. A primary winding having P turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores, a measurement winding having M turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores so that current in the primary winding induces current in the measurement winding, and a sense winding having S turns is coupled with the second magnetic core. An amplifier coupled to the sense winding receives a voltage developed across the sense winding and produces a compensation current in response to the received voltage. The amplifier has an output coupled to the sense winding to feed the compensation current through the sense winding to reduce the voltage developed across the sense winding voltage to substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin N. Gunn
  • Patent number: 8415948
    Abstract: A current sensor includes an annular magnetic core that includes a closed magnetic path including a void in a portion thereof, and a magnetic body for focusing flux of a magnetic field generated around a conductor that carries a measured current, and a magnetic detecting portion for detecting flux of a magnetic field generated in the void of the magnetic core. The magnetic core includes a plurality of pairs of stepped portions on a pair of opposing end surfaces that form the void, the stepped portions descending along a direction separating from the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Kouichi Itoigawa
  • Publication number: 20130082690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement arrangement for connection to an energy and power meter and for connection to a Rogowski coil for detecting of alternating currents of a conductor being metered. The measurement arrangement has an integrator circuit to create a voltage signal proportional to the detected alternating current and a voltage/current converter to create an output current that is proportional to the voltage signal created by the integrator circuit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a measurement system that has an above-described measurement arrangement and a Rogowski coil for detecting of alternating currents of a conductor being metered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co., KG
  • Publication number: 20130076342
    Abstract: An electrical service equipment provides electrical service to a building or other similar venue. The equipment includes a cabinet with two portions structured to hold a meter pan and a switch, respectively. The switch is preferably an HCP switch. The portion holding the meter pan includes a subassembly including two horizontal plates and a plurality of buses passing through the plate and adapted to provide connection to the current and voltage transformers of the meter pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Don CASTER
  • Patent number: 8405401
    Abstract: A device for diagnosing operation status of an external control unit includes an insulation transformer, a signal generating unit, a first switch circuit constituting the external control unit connected to the secondary side of the insulation transformer, a second switch circuit connected to the intermediate tap of the primary winding of the insulation transformer, and a second switch circuit including a switch and a resistance, a detection circuit for detecting operation status of the external control unit, and a current measuring unit connected to the second switch circuit. The detection circuit includes a diode and a resistance and is connected to the secondary side of the insulation transformer. The current measuring unit measures a current flowing through the switch and/or the resistance and uses the measured current to diagnose the operation status of the external control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Emoto
  • Patent number: 8405381
    Abstract: A power sensor is disclosed for a current carrying conductor. In at least one embodiment, the sensor includes at least one ferromagnetic core, a secondary winding, and at least one of connecting elements for a load or a load. The secondary winding is designed as an injection molded part on an insulating layer that is injection molded onto the ferromagnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8400139
    Abstract: Some embodiments herein relate to a sensor package. The sensor package includes a printed circuit board with a laminar current conductor arranged on a first main surface of the printed circuit board. The sensor package also includes a sensor chip adapted to measure a current flowing through the laminar current conductor, wherein the sensor chip comprises a magnetic field sensor. The sensor chip is electrically insulated from the current conductor by the printed circuit board, and is arranged on a second main surface of the printed circuit board opposite to the first main surface. The sensor chip is hermetically sealed between the mold material and the printed circuit board, or is arranged in the printed circuit board and hermetically sealed by the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 8395373
    Abstract: A method, device and computer program product for determining at least one property of a current (Ip) running through the primary winding of a transformer operating in saturation using an unreliable detected current (Is) running through the secondary winding of the transformer. According to the invention a first reliable extreme point (EP1) of a cycle of the current in the secondary winding is detected and compared with an absolute time reference. Based on the comparison a first property of the current running through the primary winding in the form of the phase angle is then determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Magnus Akke, Björn Westman, Henrik Ashuvud
  • Patent number: 8395372
    Abstract: A method of measuring a current of a current carrying cable teaches the first step of providing an optical sensor assembly comprising a base unit, and an optical current sensor mounted on the base unit for transmitting a beam of polarized electromagnetic radiation to an optical fiber. A light detector is also provided having a first channel that operably connecting the light detector to an analog to digital converter through a programmable gain amplifier, a second channel that operably connects the light detector directly to the analog to digital converter, and a processor operably connected to the analog to digital converter. The optical sensor assembly is mounted adjacent the current carrying cable, and the fiber optic is operably connected to a light detector. A plurality of factors are then evaluated from rotation information from the light detector, by using the first and second channels for analog to digital conversion operably connected with the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Optisense Network, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Yossi Harlev, Rhad Veazey, Leonard Johnson, Theodore Konetski
  • Patent number: 8390270
    Abstract: The coupling device with electrical isolation comprises at least one input signal, an output of an output signal representative of said input signal, and signal transfer means with electrical isolation receiving the input signal and supplying said output signal. The transfer means comprise at least one signal transformer having at least one primary winding to receive a primary signal representative of said input signal, switching means to switch the input signal and supply the latter to said primary winding, and electrically isolated control means of the switching means comprising a control input receiving control signals during switching periods. The electrical switchgear unit comprises one such coupling device connected to measuring resistors and to a processing unit processing electrical protection functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Yvan Cadoux, Didier Leonard, Bruno Reymond
  • Patent number: 8378662
    Abstract: The present invention is a current sensor architecture using a planar coils in close proximity to a current conductor to detect the rate of change of current in the conductor (and hence, by using an integrator, to recover the AC current). The current sensor is optimised to reject uniform external magnetic fields, gradient external magnetic fields, and fields from one or more conductor assemblies in fixed locations in close proximity to the current sensor, such as might be found in a polyphase electric meter with multiple current sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Emmanuel Milton Storkey
  • Patent number: 8378663
    Abstract: The current measurement device with electrical isolation comprises an input signal connected to an electrical shunt, an output of an output signal, and signal transfer means with electrical isolation receiving the input signal and supplying said output signal. The transfer means comprise at least one signal transformer having at least one primary winding to receive a primary signal representative of said input signal, switching means to switch the input signal and supply the latter to said primary winding, and electrically isolated control means of the switching means comprising a control input receiving control signals during switching periods. A trip unit and an electrical circuit breaker comprises one such current measurement device and a processing unit processing electrical protection functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Insustries SAS
    Inventors: Yvan Cadoux, Didier Leonard, Bruno Reymond
  • Publication number: 20130027022
    Abstract: A system for measuring current includes a current monitoring system comprises a current sensor configured to sense a first current passing through a conductor and a voltage conversion device coupled to the current sensor and configured to receive a second current from the current sensor and convert the second current into a first voltage. A first scaling circuit is coupled to the voltage conversion device and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage proportional to the first current based on a first scaling factor, and a second scaling is circuit coupled to the voltage conversion device and configured to convert the first voltage to a third voltage proportional to the first current based on a second scaling factor, wherein the second scaling factor is different from the first scaling factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: James H. Woelfel, Kaijam M. Woodley
  • Publication number: 20130027024
    Abstract: A current sensor comprising a primary conductor for conducting a current that is to be measured, at least two magnetic field probes for measuring magnetic fields, and a magnetic core, which has a closed ring structure having three or more corners that encloses the primary conductor, wherein each magnetic field probe is arranged on the magnetic core or in recesses in the magnetic core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Friedrich Lenhard, Sebastian Kudimow
  • Patent number: 8358122
    Abstract: An electrical current sensor (2) comprising a magnetic core (6) with an air gap (14), a magnetic field detector (8) positioned at least partially in the air gap, and a conductive mounting element (10). The mounting element comprises at least first and second fixing extensions (56) extending between opposed outer faces of the magnetic circuit, and a bridge portion (34) interconnecting the fixing extensions and spanning across the air gap. The bridge portion comprises an electrical terminal (42) in electrical contact with a grounding pad (24) of the magnetic field detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Liaisons Electroniques-Mecaniques Lem SA
    Inventor: Arnaud Labbe
  • Patent number: RE44256
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and measuring the electrical, thermal and mechanical operating parameters of high voltage power conductors. A toroidal shaped housing, which can be mounted onto an energized conductor, contains all of the necessary electrical instruments to monitor the parameters associated with the conductor. Moreover, the housing includes the processing capability to analyze disturbance and fault events based on these parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Underground Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Fish, John Engelhardt, Paul Alex, Duncan Breese