Thermal Or Magnetic Current Sensors Patents (Class 340/643)
  • Patent number: 10189361
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (1) provided with a power-feed unit (14) having charging ports (141and 142) and a battery (11) which is charged by means of electric power supplied from an external power supply, by way of the power-feed unit (14), is provided with: a current sensor (15) which detects a charging current quantity or a discharging current quantity flowing to or from the battery (11); a current quantity display unit (143) which comprises a plurality of display bodies (143a to 143d) arranged on the power-feed unit (14), and which displays the magnitude of a current quantity (i) by varying the lighting state of each indicator (143a to 143d); and a current quantity display control unit (16) which controls the lighting state of each of the display bodies (143a to 143d) in accordance with the current quantity detected by the current sensor (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9904895
    Abstract: A guest monitoring and identification system is shown. The system comprises an RFID carried by a guest and includes therein programmed predetermined data identifying a guest. An activating transmitter transmits a monitoring signal over a designated area to be traversed by a guest having the RFID. A receiver receives from the RFID a transmitted data signal containing the programmed predetermined data identifying the guest. A guest identification and service information processor receives the transmitted data signal. The processor interprets the programmed predetermined data identifying a guest and generates data/information signals providing the name and service profile for an identified guest. A communication device communicates to service staff the name and service profile for an identified guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: OpenTable, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Arthurs, Robert M. Swafford, III
  • Patent number: 8981944
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interaction device (1), comprising a) a first input unit (20) with a first sensitive surface, especially a touch display, and a first sensor unit, b) a second input unit (2-12) with a second sensitive surface and a second sensor unit, c) wherein the second input unit (2-12) is used for protection of the first input unit (20), especially against overheating and/or mechanical damaging. Furthermore, the invention relates to a glass ceramic hob (22), especially induction cooking hob, with an interaction device (1) according to the invention a) wherein preferably the interaction device (1) is arranged in a side and/or edge area of the glass ceramic hob and/or arranged at the lower surface of the glass ceramic hob (22) and/or b) wherein preferably the glass ceramic hob comprises a fan for ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Laurent Jeanneteau, Thibaut Rigolle, Massimo Nostro, Arturo Negretti, Andrea Rossi, Andrea Zangoli
  • Patent number: 8465859
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a magnetic balance sensor and a switching circuit. The magnetic balance sensor includes a feedback coil which is disposed near a magnetic sensor element varying in characteristics due to application of an induction field caused by measurement current and which produces a canceling magnetic field canceling the induction field. The switching circuit switches between magnetic proportional detection and magnetic balance detection. The magnetic proportional detection is configured to output a voltage difference as a sensor output. The magnetic balance detection is configured to output, as a sensor output, a value corresponding to current flowing through the feedback coil when a balanced state in which the induction field and the canceling magnetic field cancel each other out is reached after the feedback coil is energized by the voltage difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Murata, Manabu Tamura, Shinji Mitsuya, Hiroyuki Hebiguchi
  • Patent number: 8237583
    Abstract: A method and system for a display system is provided. The system includes a screen surface that includes a plurality of luminous units, a controller communicatively coupled to the screen surface wherein the controller is configured to address at least one of the plurality of luminous units, and a luminous unit sensor having a field of view including at least a portion of the screen surface wherein the luminous unit sensor configured to receive an image of the luminous units in the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Mitchell, Samuel Robert Mollet
  • Patent number: 8059007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses a conductive member mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A resistance measuring system such as a continuity-tester or an ohmmeter is coupled to the conductive member, the resistance measuring system outputting a first signal when the temperature corresponding to the battery or batteries is within a prescribed temperature range and a second signal when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that falls outside of the prescribed temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Daniel Nicholas Brncic, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Scott Ira Kohn, Dorian West, Jonathan Louis Hall
  • Patent number: 7868776
    Abstract: A system is provided for adjusting settings of a power system device. In one embodiment, the setting adjusted is an identification setting of the power system device. The system generally includes an actuator having a select arrangement of magnets. A magnetic field sensor is provided for sensing the select arrangement of magnets. A microprocessor is coupled to the magnetic field sensor such that upon sensing the select arrangement of magnets by the magnetic field sensor, the microprocessor establishes an identification setting based upon the select arrangement. The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for adjusting settings of power system devices in harsh conditions, such as persistent in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kesler, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Witold R. Teller
  • Patent number: 7714731
    Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature and a second thermal sensor positioned proximate an exit air stream for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures of the thermal sensors. The control circuit may initiate an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. The control circuit might also take other remedial steps prior to initiating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Palaszewski
  • Patent number: 7671738
    Abstract: A driving control device of a motor includes a temperature sensing circuit, a comparing circuit, a rotation speed control circuit and a driving circuit. The temperature sensing circuit detects an environmental temperature for generating a sensing signal. The comparing circuit is electrically connected to the temperature sensing circuit, and compares the sensing signal with a reference voltage signal for outputting a comparing signal. The rotation speed control circuit is electrically connected to the comparing circuit and has a first threshold voltage and a second threshold voltage, both of which are compared with the comparing signal for outputting a rotation speed control signal. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the rotation speed control circuit, and generates a driving signal to drive the motor in accordance with the rotation speed control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Huang Wu, Yen-Hung Wu, Yi-Chieh Cho, Yueh-Lung Huang, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7656307
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter aims to provide a vehicle lighting device and an LED light source therefore. Accurate temperature detection of an LED chip and associated phosphor can be monitored in real time. The LED light source can include at least one LED chip mounted on a base and a phosphor layer disposed adjacent the LED chip. A mixed particulate phosphor for generating fluorescence through light emitted from the above LED chip can also be provided. The LED light source can be configured to output mixed color light containing the light from the LED chip and the fluorescence from the phosphor. The LED light source can also include a temperature detecting element located on the base and LED chip to detect the temperature on the periphery of the LED chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yatsuda, Hisao Hirata
  • Patent number: 7623042
    Abstract: Wireless control of lighting fixtures via a wireless radio network using a radio-controlled relay device located between a lighting fixture or a ballast of a fluorescent fixture and its power supply. The radio-controlled device receives signals from remote controllers or via a computer interface. The wireless device is also configured to monitor the power consumption of a lighting fixture (or ballast) and send that information to the network. In the wireless control network, light level sensors and motion sensors also send information to the network to allow lights to respond to daylight levels or occupancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Charles A. Huizenga
  • Patent number: 7570173
    Abstract: Device for dissipation of gases created in the event of a quench of a superconducting magnet has a quench tube and a front sealing element closing the quench tube on the magnet side. The quench tube is sealed by a rear sealing element, and at least one sensor is associated with the tube segment closed by the sealing elements. The measurement values of the sensor represent a measure for the impermeability of the tube segment. The sensor communicates with an alarm emitter via which an alarm signal can be output upon detection of a leakage of the tube segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Bittner
  • Patent number: 7468664
    Abstract: A tamper detecting enclosure arrangement for enclosures containing an interior space in which a protected item is positioned having a magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell positioned in or near the protected item in the enclosure having a two state offset magnetoresistance versus externally applied magnetic field. A magnet is positioned at a selected separation distance from the magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell to thereby provide a magnetic field about the magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell if said enclosure has not been opened in such a manner as to result in substantially increasing said separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Daughton, James G. Deak
  • Publication number: 20080218343
    Abstract: A system for determining presence or absence of individual items making up a set of items normally maintained together as a set in a common location, such as a set of golf clubs normally maintained together in a golf bag, utilizes a magnet secured to each respective item. A magnetic field sensor monitors total magnetic field in the common location as an indicator of missing items. Alternately, a sensor can keep track of items removed from and added to the common location as an indicator of missing items. If one or more items are missing, an alarm, such as an audible and/or visual alarm, can be provided in a desired manner, such as when keeping track of gold clubs in a golf bag, when the golf bag is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Lee, Leon R. Ashcraft, Thomas J. Howa
  • Patent number: 7259685
    Abstract: A helicopter of the type having an electrical system, a landing light, a master switch and a power supply of between about 18-32 V for operating the electrical system when the master switch is in an on position also includes a landing light fault detector. The landing light fault detector includes a light switch for turning the landing lights on and off and circuit means for detecting a fault in the landing light and for providing a signal indicative of a fault whether or not the light switch is in an on or off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Safe Flight Corporation
    Inventors: Randall A. Greene, Paul Levine
  • Patent number: 7116234
    Abstract: A prompt, accurate and highly practical drowsiness detecting device and a waking device operatively connected with the same are provided. Drowsiness of a vehicle driver or the like is detected to wake him/her up to prevent the drowsiness from causing an accident. A waveform of blinking is detected by a stress-impedance effect sensor head (1) positioned on a temple bow of a glasses frame in the vicinity of his/her temple, and the drowsiness is determined by a microcomputer (2). Waking him/her up is accomplished by a milligauss AC magnetic field generator (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventor: Kaneo Mohri
  • Patent number: 6985084
    Abstract: An electrically operated equipment with a sealed enclosure containing circuitry with an exterior visual indicator to show a state of operation of the equipment. The visual indicator is illuminated by a magnetic flux sensor also exterior to the equipment, the sensor inducing an electrical current from a sensed magnetic flux passing through a permeable wall of the enclosure. The magnetic flux is provided by a magnetic field generator within the enclosure. The generator is connected to the equipment to generate the field when the circuitry is operating correctly whereby the indicator shows a correct state of operation. The invention avoids the use of sealed orifices in the enclosure for conductors to pass to exterior LEDs or LEDs sealed within the enclosure and possible resultant leakage. The invention is useful for optical network units. The invention also includes a visual indicating device of multi-layer configuration and a method of visually indicating the operational state of circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Richard Sobel, Steven Daniel Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6967582
    Abstract: A sensor of incident ambient photons is combined, in a detector with one or more sensors responsive to other types of ambient parameters such as gas, humidity, temperature or the like. Outputs from the sensors are processed to establish the existence of one of a hazardous condition, a non-hazardous condition and a false alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lee D. Tice, Dragan Petrovic, Paul J. Sistare
  • Patent number: 6956490
    Abstract: A system includes a projector having a consumable component such, as a lamp. The consumable component includes a memory device. An application on the projector has access to the memory device. Additionally, a user interface, updated by the application, is configured to display information from the memory device within the consumable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Winthrop D. Childers
  • Patent number: 6930613
    Abstract: A device representing a simple means of multiplying the functionality of wiring in point to point control circuits such that fault tolerant, fault reporting circuits can be constructed with less wire. The circuit can employ the wiring on a continuous basis by the use of AC and a series arrangement that may combine sensors and command loads on the same single wire loop. A bi-directional current detector with switchable impedance over each polarity can form the device. The detector may be equipped with an electrically isolated man-machine interface that communicates with light to achieve input-output functions. Command functions may be issued by changing the current level within the circuit over each polarity of current flow to series mounted remote loads that are polarized with diodes. The whole circuit can be in triplicate for high reliability and fault tolerance and use a common return wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 6809652
    Abstract: A xenon light fixture having an integral power supply and a remote interface for controlling the functions of the fixture remotely. In one embodiment, the fixture includes: a housing; a power supply having an input for activating and deactivating the bulb; a switch in communication with the input such that, when the switch is in a first position, the bulb is activated and, when the switch is in a second position, the bulb is deactivated; and a remote interface having an input for receiving a signal from a remote control and an output in communication with the power supply input such that the bulb may be activated and deactivated remotely. In another embodiment, the fixture includes a monitor circuit which measures and displays various environmental and performance factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin C. Baxter, Ken S. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040207532
    Abstract: A temperature compensated warning light includes banks of high output light emitting diodes (LED's), one or more drivers connecting the LED banks to a control processor, and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the LED's to provide a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the LED's to the processor. The processor pulse width modulates a base frequency signal to the LED's in such a manner as to maintain a constant brightness of the LED's as the temperature of the LED's varies. The processor also monitors supply voltage and further varies the pulse width of the base frequency signal to compensate for supply voltage variation. The base frequency signal is modulated by a flash signal to create desired flash patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley D. Smithson
  • Patent number: 6727821
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Perseus 2000, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Weekes, Robert George Coish, Zhiying Zhang, Glenn William Swift
  • Patent number: 6696969
    Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a pull out fuse assembly and a switch housing assembly. The fuse assembly includes a line side conducting portion, a load side conducting portion, and a fuse element therebetween. The switch housing assembly includes a fuse receptacle for receiving the fuse, a first contact assembly coupled to the line side conducting portion of the fuse and a second contact assembly coupled to the load side conducting portion of the fuse when the fuse is inserted into the receptacle. An open fuse indication device is in communication with conducting portions of the fuse, and an alarm terminal output extends from the switch assembly housing and is in communication with the open fuse indication device. The open fuse indication device provides local fuse state indication and the alarm terminal output facilitates remote fuse state indication when coupled to external circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Alberto Torrez, Ronald E. Mollet, B. Heath Scoggin
  • Patent number: 6690282
    Abstract: A light-source lamp unit includes a light-source lamp unit detachably mounted, and a CPU constituting a drive and controller for the light-source lamp unit. The CPU senses lamp information obtained by a lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit, pertaining to a lamp power rating, lamp life and whether a lamp is new or not, and starts counting operation time when the lamp is lit. The CPU compares the lamp life sensed and the operation time count, and forces the lamp to extinguish when the life of the light-source lamp expires. Prior to this action, the CPU gives a warning display before the life expiration of the lamp by a fixed duration of time, to warn that lamp replacement is needed. Because the lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit stores the information about the lamp type and characteristics of the lamp, the light-source device can properly drive the lamp to light it and determine the lamp life even when a light-source lamp unit of a different type is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Miyashita, Kazuto Shinohara, Shinji Haba, Akitaka Yajima, Tomiyoshi Ushiyama
  • Patent number: 6513015
    Abstract: An electronic shopping system, providing for customer recognition using wireless identification and visual data transmission to point-of-sale terminals and other terminal types located in a commercial establishment. A customer's visual image is taken as a customer enters the establishment and, that customer's identification number is obtained from a customer identification card, if the customer possesses such a card. The visual image data is bundled with the customer's demographic profile data, transaction history data and the customer's current accrued store loyalty or incentive points into a customer data record. The customer data record is forwarded to point-of-sale terminals, store workstations, mobile terminals, or other I/O devices capable of displaying multiple customer records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Nobuo Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 6504484
    Abstract: A control method using power to prevent overheat inside of an electric equipment includes a setting unit, a sensing unit, a central processing unit, an alarm unit, a power cut-off protection unit, and s control unit. The detecting values are supplied by the sensing members of the sensing unit into the central processing unit to be compared with the setting temperature value. The central processing unit then outputs a corresponding control signal to the control unit which controls the loads to perform actions of unload or reload. When the temperature values of the detected members reach the setting temperature values, the central processing unit outputs a control signal to the alarm unit to send an alarm while the power cut-off protection unit cuts off the power of the electric equipment, thereby preventing the detected members from being overheated so as to increase the used lifetime, and thereby assuring the operational functions of the detected members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Cohand Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Liang Weng
  • Patent number: 6424266
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: NxtPhase Technology SRL
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Weekes, Robert George Coish, Zhiying Zhang, Glenn William Swift
  • Patent number: 6320506
    Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph C. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 6268799
    Abstract: A light-source lamp unit 100 includes a light-source lamp unit 1 detachably mounted, and CPU 101 constituting drive and control means for the light-source lamp unit. CPU 101 senses the lamp information borne by lamp-information storing block 5 in the light-source lamp unit 1, about a lamp power rating, lamp life and whether a lamp is new or not, and starts counting operation time when the lamp is lit. CPU 101 compares the lamp life sensed and the operation time count, and forces the lamp to extinguish when the life of the light-source lamp expires. Prior to this action, CPU 101 gives a warning display at a time that is earlier than the life expiration of the lamp by a fixed duration of time, to warn that a lamp replacement is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Miyashita, Kazuto Shinohara, Shinji Haba, Akitaka Yajima, Tomiyoshi Ushiyama
  • Patent number: 6222441
    Abstract: An improved circuit and method for connecting a device to an actuator-sensor interface (“ASI”) bus. The circuit provides the proper AC and DC coupling between the device and bus during normal operation, while providing AC and DC decoupling in the event of a short circuit or when the device is disconnected. The circuit accomplishes these goals while advantageously eliminating some of the components used in prior art circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Hirschmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Martin Siegwarth
  • Patent number: 6172860
    Abstract: A DC power source unit includes a main unit that generates DC voltage, and an output cable. The output cable has one end connected to the output of the main unit and another end attached to an adapter plug. The adapter plug Is electrically connected to an electrically powered tool, such as an electrical drill. Current flowing in the tool is detected every predetermined interval and accumulated electrical quantity is computed based on the detected current flowing in the tool. Based on the accumulated electrical quantity, the temperature of the tool is predicted. When it is determined that the tool is heated up to a first critical temperature based on the accumulated electrical quantity, an alarm unit is actuated. When it is determined that the tool is further heated up to a second critical temperature, supply of current to the tool is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., LTD
    Inventors: Chikai Yoshimizu, Hiroaki Orikasa, Takahiko Shimada, Shigeru Shinohara, Eiji Nakayama, Kazuhiko Funabashi, Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6169486
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the temperature of a cooktop having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one controllable energy source is located below the lower surface of the cooktop to heat the area above the energy source on the cooktop, and at least one sensor with at least one detector to detect infrared radiation from the cooktop above the energy source. The level of infrared radiation is representative of the temperature of the cooktop, which may be glass ceramic. The sensor provides a signal indicative of the temperature of the cooktop which is then used to control the energy source in order to protect the cooktop from extreme temperatures. The signal may be alternatively utilized to provide an indication of a hot cooktop surface after the energy sources have been turned off. The signal optionally is also utilized to provide automatic control of the energy source to maintain a predetermined temperature, or to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Emilie Thorbjorg Saulnier
  • Patent number: 6091200
    Abstract: An energy saving fluorescent light fixture for small confined areas predominant in residential settings, having a motion detector with a quick plug connector capable of attaching and detaching the detector from the light fixture base. Additional trouble-shooting capabilities are provided by dedicated electronic circuitry and LED display indicators. The LED display indicators signal a nontechnical consumer when maintenance is required, and isolate the failures to the sub-system level, i.e., the detector or fixture base circuitry. The detector is attached through the quick plug connector and concurrently supported by either an elbow joint with rigid wire supporting segments, a flexible arm, or a ball-swivel joint with rigid wire supporting segment. The supporting means enables the user to control the sensor viewing area. A simplified trouble-shooting method enabling the user to use the LED display indicators and quick plug connector facilitates sub-system replacement by nontechnical operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Lenz
  • Patent number: 6078257
    Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects by a current if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph C. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 6057770
    Abstract: A device for detecting water leakage and preventing flooding from a water-utilizing appliance connected to water supply lines with water hoses, comprising a main electric unit which attaches to a power line. The main electric unit includes outlets, into which the power cords of the water-utilizing appliance are plugged, and a plurality of water sensor strips extending from the main electric unit for detecting the presence of water. The water leakage detection and flood prevention device further comprises solenoid-actuated cut-off valves connected between the water supply lines and the water hoses of the water-utilizing appliance. When a water leak is detected by the water sensor strips, a circuit breaker within the main electric unit shuts off, cutting power to the outlets and the solenoid-actuated cut-off valve, thereby disconnecting the water supply and electric power to the water-utilizing appliance in order to prevent a flood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Justesen
  • Patent number: 5900804
    Abstract: A indicating power cord system including a housing and an elongated extension cord having a first end connected to the housing and a second end having a plug coupled thereto for being releasably inserted in a standard electrical receptacle to receive power therefrom. Next provided is an electrical outlet positioned on the housing for being electrically connected to a block heater of a vehicle. The electrical outlet is electrically connected to the extension cord with a relay contact and associated relay coil connected therebetween. The relay contact has a closed unbiased orientation upon the lack of receipt of current by the relay coil and an open biased orientation upon the receipt of current by the relay coil. Also included is a thermistor positioned on the heater block of the vehicle. The thermistor can be connected to the relay coil for providing current thereto upon the engine block reaching a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald E. Yewell
  • Patent number: 5818338
    Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph C. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5744961
    Abstract: A lamp disconnection detecting device includes a magnetic core with a gap; a plurality of detecting coils the number of turns of which are different from one another and are proportional to 2.sup.n (where n=0, or positive integers), and a magnetic response section provided in the gap of the magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Michihiro Otaka
  • Patent number: 5663712
    Abstract: An electrical contact position indicator assembly is operatively coupled to an electrical device, such as a recloser, for indicating the relative position of the contacts of the electrical device, i.e., opened or closed, at any given time during operation of the electrical device. The position indicator assembly includes a movable indicator having first indicia to indicate that the contacts are opened, and second indicia to indicate that the contacts are closed. Each of the first and second indicia of the indicator lies in more than one plane. Preferably, each of the first and second indicia of the indicator lies on a three-dimensional, curvilinear or spherical surface. In the preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a mechanical linkage to the contact opening and closing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Eugene L. Kamp
  • Patent number: 5220478
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely displaying information about heat in a motor having an associated motor-starting contactor with an overload relay system is provided. The apparatus includes a suitably programmed microprocessor which obtains a signal representative of current in the motor, squares the current and multiplies by time. This actual I.sup.2 t value is then used to calculate a signal representative of a relationship between the actual I.sup.2 t value and a target value at which the contacts of the motor-starting contactor will open due to an overload current situation. This relationship is preferably a percentage which is then displayed on either an LED bar type display or a digital display. The display may also include a "trip" indicator and a "reset allowed" indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Mark E. Innes, Rick A. Hurley
  • Patent number: 5204633
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor assembly with a sensing circuit for determining contactor state based upon the reluctance of the contactor coil. The coil has an electromagnetic coil and a movable contact separated from the coil by a gap when the coil is not energized. Energizing the coil causes the movable contact to close the gap and contact the coil. The determination of the relationship between the reluctance in the coil when the gap is in an open and closed state allows contactor gap status to be measured by measuring the coil inductance. A sensing circuit is added to the drive circuit to measure changes in AC current during the pulse cycle which holds the contacts in this closed position. The sensing circuit measures the AC current and is able to signal contactor status based on that value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 5041761
    Abstract: A magnetic automotive lamp current sensor has a coil 12 connected in series with an automotive lamp 14 (FIG. 2). The coil is mounted on a core 15 having a channel 16 through which the turns of the coil pass an has an opening 18 in which a magnetic flux sensor 20 is inserted. Whenever the lamp is powered and functioning, a current flows through the coil inducing a magnetic field in the core which concentrates in the opening. The flux sensor detects the magnetic field and generates an output which is regulated by a transistor 50 to drive an automotive circuit 53 that monitors the operation of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Wright, Nathaniel Webb, Harry F. Olmstead, Frank Buccinna
  • Patent number: 4942510
    Abstract: An interface circuit serves to rectify excitation energy inductively coupled to a transistor acting in a diode configuration to charge a reservoir capacitor which may then serve as a power source. Switch means under the control of an external functional circuit block is arranged to bias the transistor into a reverse operating mode to itself act as a switch to discharge energy from the reservoir into the coupling. In this way pulses may be back coupled to be detected at the excitation source. The timing of the back coupled pulses may be information bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4575706
    Abstract: A combined magnetic and thermal activated relay for use in alarm systems. The relay includes a thermal activated bimetal switch in series with the current through the magnetic coil which activates a magnetic switch. The thermal switch is in a normally closed state and the magnetic switch is in a normally open state. When current passes through the coil the magnetic switch changes from its normally open to a closed state applying voltage potential for an external requirement. The heat generated by the coil's resistance to current flow heats the core of the magnetic coil, and after reaching an elevated temperature level the thermal activated switch changes from its normally closed state to an open state opening the current flow path through the magnetic coil causing the magnetic switch to return to its normal open state removing voltage for the external requirement. The switching operation of the thermal switch cycles with temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: William A. Heidman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4447806
    Abstract: A test circuit is disclosed for testing the continuity of a load circuit, such as a vehicle lamp circuit, and indicating a discontinuity when the load circuit is either energized or de-energized. The test circuit comprises an indicating circuit with an LED and a switching transistor in series and a voltage divider for biasing the transistor to a conductive state. The detecting circuit includes a reed switch which is closed in response to load current for connecting a point on the voltage divider to ground to switch the transistor off. The detecting circuit also includes current blocking means such as a diode for connecting the voltage divider to ground through the load circuit so that the transistor is switched off when there is continuity in the load circuit to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Kabelwerke Reinshagen GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Gundel, Heinz-Werner Schlamm, Klaus-Dieter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 4354155
    Abstract: Circuit arrangement for monitoring an electricity-consuming load fed with direct current one terminal of which is grounded, particularly for monitoring an incandescent of an automotive vehicle, and the circuit arrangement being installable without interfering with the existing network of lines or cutting conductors. Between the switch of the load and the current-consuming device a measurement coil is arranged parallel to a conductor within the magnetic field produced by the flow of electricity through the conductor, the input of the coil being connected to a voltage supply source and its output being connected in a Schmitt trigger circuit with the non-inverting input of a differential amplifier constituted as operational amplifier and the output of the amplifier being fed back via a resistor to the non-inverting input and being connected to a fault indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Firma Leopold Kostal
    Inventors: Volker Speidel, Eduard Bergmann, Klaus Kassner, Werner-Ernst Berginski
  • Patent number: 4268827
    Abstract: In fuel dispensing apparatus utilizing seven-segment electromagnetic displays each segment of all the displays is operatively driven and tested seriatum both prior to and during the dispensing cycle by measuring the current flowing therethrough. Where peak current through each segment coil exceeds a predetermined switching value within an allotted time period, an inactivating signal is emitted via a microprocessor to inactivate the drive for the respective segment. Failure to receive one or more of the inactivating drive signals per display represents a display malfunction which via the microprocessor renders the dispensing apparatus inoperable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hughen, Jimmy R. Herring, David A. Biedermann, Christopher W. Ovens
  • Patent number: 4189662
    Abstract: An improved safety device comprises a plurality of checking lights connected with the lamps of the automobile in series, a plurality of indicating lights adapted to an amplifier circuit and a magnetic induction coil, in which, the brightening or extinguishing of the checking lights may be shown to correspond to the extinguishing or brightening of the lamps of the automobile, so that the drivers can easily judge which one of the lamps is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Fu-Erh Horng