Undervoltage Patents (Class 340/663)
  • Patent number: 11862163
    Abstract: A method of controlling a battery-powered remote controller to decrease a duty cycle to allow continued operations despite the quantity of the battery is bad determines a drop in voltage of the battery in standby mode as voltage of the battery is being read. When receiving a command to activate a voice function, determining whether the drop in voltage in standby mode is greater than or equal to a preset value. If yes, the method then determines whether the drop in voltage falls in a preset range. If yes, the method regulates a duty cycle of the pulse signal activating the voice function, and activates the voice function as required. A remote controller and a non-transitory storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Nanning FuLian FuGui Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huang-Yu Chiang, Chung-Chih Yeh
  • Patent number: 11309690
    Abstract: An electrical distribution panel for controlling the distribution of electrical power to a plurality of loads includes a plurality of solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), each including a thermally conductive heatspreader and one or more power semiconductor devices that control whether electrical current is able to flow to an attached load; a distribution panel heatsink configured in thermal contact with the SSCB heatspreaders; one or more cooling fans that blow air onto the distribution panel heatsink; a stacked bus bar with quick-fit pin-mount receptacles for receiving mating/matching press-fit connection pins located on line-side terminals of the SSCBs; a communications and control (comm/control) bus communicatively coupled to the plurality of SSCBs; and a head-end interface and gateway to which an external computer can connect, to, among other things, set and alter trip settings of the plurality of SSCBs via the comm/control bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor Santore, Frederick Miller, Denis Kouroussis, Ryan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11175317
    Abstract: A device for detecting a drop in voltage of an AC supply delivering electrical energy to an energy converter in order to supply electrical equipment, the device being connected to an electrical energy reserve for supplying the energy converter. The device includes a full-wave rectifier for rectifying the AC supply, a comparator that compares a first predetermined voltage with a full-wave rectified voltage, a circuit for charging a capacitor in order to charge the capacitor when the rectified voltage is below the predetermined threshold, a circuit for discharging the capacitor in order to discharge the capacitor when the rectified voltage is above the predetermined threshold, a comparator for comparing the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor with a second predetermined voltage, and a circuit for controlling the reserve of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventor: Tony Fourmont
  • Patent number: 10725486
    Abstract: A reference voltage generator includes a detecting voltage provider, a comparator, and a core circuit. The detecting voltage provider provides a detecting voltage with a first voltage level corresponding to a voltage coefficient. The comparator compares the first voltage level of the detecting voltage with a plurality of sampled amplitudes of an input signal to respectively generate a plurality of comparison results. The core circuit is used to: collect a plurality of first comparison results associated with a current received bit of a preset value from the comparison results; take the voltage coefficient as a first boundary voltage coefficient in response to the first comparison results satisfying a first condition; take the voltage coefficient as a second boundary voltage coefficient in response to the first comparison results satisfying a second condition. The reference circuit generates a reference voltage according to the first and second boundary voltage coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yong-Ren Fang, Shen-Iuan Liu, Ju-Lin Huang, Tzu-Chien Tzeng, Keko-Chun Liang, Yu-Hsiang Wang, Che-Wei Yeh
  • Patent number: 10444297
    Abstract: An electronic system and a method for recognizing status of a power-supply device are provided. The electronic system includes a power-supply device and an electronic device. The power-supply device generates a working power and stores an accumulated operation time length and a suggested operation time length of the power-supply device. The electronic device is coupled to the power-supply device and receives the working power to perform a booting operation. The electronic device reads the accumulated operation time length and the suggested operation time length from the power-supply device and compares the accumulated operation time length and the suggested operation time length. If the accumulated operation time length is greater than or equal to the suggested operation time length, the electronic device generates a warning message to indicate that the power-supply device has reached a life time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Jun Kao
  • Patent number: 10418843
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products describe a car, truck, or other vehicle that charges a battery in a mobile device. The vehicle wirelessly inductively charges the battery based on historical usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Mark Causey, Adrianne Binh Luu, J. Michael Williams
  • Patent number: 10247634
    Abstract: A disconnection detection circuit includes: a pull-up resistor to which the detection signal is fed and which connects a signal line connected to the wiring cable to a power supply or a pull-down resistor which connects the signal line to a GND; and a voltage clip circuit 105 which includes a high-voltage clip circuit which is connected between the signal line and the power supply and which clips the voltage of the signal line to the maximum specified voltage and a low-voltage clip circuit which is connected between the signal line and the GND and which clips the voltage of the signal line to the minimum specified voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: CITIZEN FINEDEVICE CO., LTD., CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rikoku Nakamura, Masanori Yomoyama, Tetsuya Aiba, Yuta Kanamori
  • Patent number: 10193327
    Abstract: The object of the present application is to ensure the security of a device when a precharging relay is not closed and a load current passes through a precharging resistor, so as to ensure the customer's security. Provided is a security control method for a system with a precharging circuit, comprising: giving out an error alarm and stopping operating the system when the number of times of undervoltage of a precharging circuit achieves m times and the duration between the first undervoltage and the mth undervoltage is less than or equal to ? seconds, where m and ? are positive integers. Compared with the previous method, the present invention has the following advantages of no danger of combustion and high reliability; and cost saving and no need of adding additional hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER TOSHIBA INVERTER EUROPE SAS
    Inventors: Yingqiang Wang, Dawei Liu, Zhe Li
  • Patent number: 10177560
    Abstract: A battery monitoring device is configured to include a monitoring unit that monitors a state of a battery, an interrupter that interrupts a power supply to a load, and another interrupter that interrupts a power supply to the interrupter, wherein the monitoring unit controls an operation of the interrupter such that a power supply to the load is interrupted, and controls an operation of the other interrupter such that a power supply to the interrupter is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Hiroaki Kato, Kimihiro Sato, Takuya Yamamoto, Ryusuke Hase, Takahiro Tsuzuku
  • Patent number: 9880205
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a system for monitoring circuit branches coupled to an input line of a load center, the system comprising a plurality of first current sensors, each configured to be coupled to a circuit branch, at least one second current sensor configured to be coupled to the input line, a controller, a plurality of first sensor circuits, each configured, in a first mode of operation, to sample a signal from an associated current sensor, and in a second mode of operation, to be powered off, and at least one second sensor circuit configured to sample a signal from the at least one second current sensor and provide an input line current measurement signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate each first sensor circuit in one of the first and second modes of operation based on the input line current measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Namwook Paik, Vishwas Mohaniraj Deokar, James S. Spitaels
  • Patent number: 9778291
    Abstract: A selector circuit selects either a class upper-limit voltage or a class lower-limit voltage as a reference voltage of a comparator. A control logic controls the selector circuit, and generates a count-up signal or a count-down signal in accordance with the output of the comparator. An up/down counter counts up upon reception of the count-up signal from the control logic, and counts down upon reception of the count-down signal. A digital-analog converter outputs the class upper-limit voltage and the class lower-limit voltage in accordance with a digital value that is outputted by the up/down counter. A timer circuit is configured to be reset by the count-up signal from the control logic to the up/down counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kouhei Yamada
  • Patent number: 9720477
    Abstract: Power monitoring circuitry is provided, comprising a capacitor configured to receive a current, so as to charge the capacitor and a switching device, connected to the capacitor. The switching device is configured to periodically discharge the capacitor in response to receipt of a clock signal from a circuit being monitored. The power monitoring circuitry also comprises a comparator, configured to perform a comparison of a voltage developed by the capacitor with a threshold voltage, and to output an indication of a change in power supplied to the circuit in response to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NANO-RETINA, INC.
    Inventors: Ra'anan Gefen, Tuvia Liran
  • Patent number: 9502082
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems may provide a sensor to monitor a power consumption of a non-volatile random access memory (RAM) and a volatile RAM. A switch, connected to an output of the sensor, controls power to the non-volatile RAM, and a voltage regulator regulates a voltage of the non-volatile RAM and the volatile RAM. One or more memory slots receive the non-volatile RAM and the volatile RAM, and a processor receives information from the sensor, and controls the voltage regulator based on the received information. The voltage regulator comprises a plurality of registers to store power consumption information of the non-volatile RAM and the volatile RAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thi Dang, James S. Burns, Russell J. Wunderlich, Jagannath Coimbatore Premkumar
  • Patent number: 8842017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sungjin Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Wook Lee, Young Jun Lee, Sei Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8779931
    Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Current Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Yaney, Robert D. Kehn
  • Patent number: 8634942
    Abstract: A device, a remote control unit and method for controlling a plurality of devices, the method including receiving one of a plurality of user commands as an input; and transmitting one of a first and a second of the plurality of control commands in response to the one of the plurality of user commands. The first of the plurality of control commands includes information for simultaneously controlling a first device of a manufacturer and a second device of the manufacturer. The second of the plurality of control commands includes information for controlling the first device without controlling the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Su Dong Hong, Su Deok Jo, Kuk Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 8599030
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a communication connector, a communication section, a connection section, a state detector, a controller and a warning section. The communication section controls communication performed through the communication connector, to which a communication plug is connected. The connection section connects the communication connector and the communication section. The state detector generates a state detection signal corresponding to a connection state of the communication plug relative to the communication connector. The controller determines which of a normal connection state, an improper connection state and a non-connection state the communication plug is in based on the state detection signal. The controller also controls an ON-OFF operation of the connection section. The warning section notifies a user of results determined by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kanno, Kazuo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8570182
    Abstract: A server includes a motherboard, a first test unit, and an indication device. The first test unit is connected to a first voltage terminal of the motherboard to receive a first voltage. The first test unit determines whether the received first voltage is within a range between a first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined voltage. If the first voltage is not within the range between the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage, the indication device indicates that the first voltage is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zuo-Lin Hou, Song Yu
  • Patent number: 8552878
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for bypassing a voltage drop. A protection module allows electric current to flow from an electric power storage device to a load. The protection module prevents electric current from flowing to the electric power storage device. The protection module includes a voltage drop between the electric power storage device and the load. A power source detection module detects an absence of electric power from an electric power source. The electric power source provides electric current to the load when electric power from the electric power source is present. A bypass module bypasses the protection module and the voltage drop in response to the power source detection module detecting the absence of electric power from the electric power source. A conservation module delivers, to the load, electric current flowing through the power source detection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8552884
    Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Norbert Lenz, Peter Kunow, Steffen Gebauer, Martin Trog, Volker Zabe
  • Patent number: 8537022
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tony-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8502649
    Abstract: Systems and methods convey information from a controller to at least one slave unit using a single wire referenced to an alternating current (AC) power supply. A control signal has a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage is greater than a voltage midpoint of the AC power supply and the low voltage is less than the voltage midpoint. The control signal is conveyed through the single wire to each of the at least one slave unit. At each slave unit, a comparison voltage, representative of the voltage midpoint, is generated by dividing substantially midway the potentials between the power lines of the AC power supply and the control signal is compared to the comparison voltage to determine low and high states of the control signal; the low and high states represent the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Albeo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Van Laanen
  • Patent number: 8421639
    Abstract: A power meter for monitoring current in a power cable annunciates an alarm if the current transgresses one or more alarm current limits. False alarms are avoided by delaying the activation of the alarm for a delay interval following determination that current is flowing in the monitored conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bitsch, Marc Bowman
  • Patent number: 8373569
    Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the status of a standby generator. The system includes a PLC transmitter in communication with the control unit for the generator. The PLC transmitter receives error codes from the control unit of the generator and transmits encoded error codes over the power distribution network in a home using a PLC frequency. A remote status display device can be connected to the power distribution network in the home at any convenient location. The remote status display device includes a PLC receiver that decodes the error codes. The decoded error codes are displayed on a display of the remote status display device for viewing by the home occupant at a location remote from the standby generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 8284035
    Abstract: Systems and methods convey information from a controller to at least one slave unit using a single wire referenced to an alternating current (AC) power supply. A control signal has a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage is greater than a voltage midpoint of the AC power supply and the low voltage is less than the voltage midpoint. The control signal is conveyed through the single wire to each of the at least one slave unit. At each slave unit, a comparison voltage, representative of the voltage midpoint, is generated by dividing substantially midway the potentials between the power lines of the AC power supply and the control signal is compared to the comparison voltage to determine low and high states of the control signal; the low and high states represent the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Albeo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Van Laanen
  • Publication number: 20120242490
    Abstract: A built-in self-test (BIST) circuit for detecting power supply droops is disclosed. In one embodiment, the BIST circuit includes a transition circuit configured to launch logical signals into a delay line. The BIST circuit also includes a comparator configured to compare a logic signal based on that input into the delay line with one output from the delay line. A mismatch resulting from the comparison is indicative of a power supply droop. The BIST circuit may also include circuitry for calibrating the delay line. The calibration may be performed by enabling a feedback path between the output of the delay line and its input. Enabling the feedback path may form a ring oscillator utilizing the delay line. A counter may count the number of transitions caused by the ring oscillator in a predetermined time. The resulting count may be used to determine if the delay is in a desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ravi K. Ramaswami
  • Publication number: 20120238319
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting emergency conditions and alerting a user while providing emergency lighting, using a combined alarm system. The system is connected to an external electrical power source to provide electrical power to the system, electrically charge an electrical energy storage, and provide ongoing detection of electrical power outages. When an alarm signal detector signaling device detects an external alarm signal, it generates an alternative alarm signal and a lighting source generates emergency lighting. When an abnormal voltage detector detects an electrical power outage, the lighting source included in the system generates emergency lighting. The user is able to carry the system as a portable source of emergency lighting, and control the generation of emergency lighting using an electrical power switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Colin Patrick Lake
  • Patent number: 8264370
    Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Norbert Lenz, Peter Kunow, Steffen Gebauer, Martin Trog, Volker Zabe
  • Patent number: 8258971
    Abstract: A low voltage warning circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive a supply voltage, a reference voltage connected to the input terminal for providing a reference voltage, a transistor connected to the reference voltage circuit and the input terminal, and a silicon controlled rectifier connected to the transistor and the input terminal via a indicating device, the low voltage warning circuit raise a warning through the indicating device when the supply voltage is below the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8232887
    Abstract: A process is provided for the electronic monitoring of the on-board power supply system, or parts of the on-board power supply system, of a motor vehicle with respect to voltage peaks or voltage drops. The value of the electric voltage is continuously recorded, and a comparator circuit continuously compares a first earlier voltage value with a subsequently determined second voltage value. The comparator circuit keeps available for a predetermined time period the highest voltage value recorded up to that point-in-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Baer, Robert Kellner, Rainer Drees
  • Publication number: 20120169506
    Abstract: An alarm system for alarming whenever there is a power leakage from an electronic device, includes a voltage decreasing circuit, a switch circuit and an alarm circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a first voltage from a live wire output terminal and outputs a second voltage. The switch circuit outputs a control signal when the power leakage is detected. The switch circuit is electrically connected to a connection port. The connection port is electrically connected to the live wire output terminal and a neutral wire output terminal. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and alarms. If there is power leakage from the electronic device, the first voltage from the live wire input terminal flows into the ground wire input terminal via the electronic device; the switch circuit turns on and the alarm circuit is closed to alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KE-YOU HU
  • Patent number: 8207862
    Abstract: An under-voltage warning circuit includes a Zener diode, a transistor, an annunciator, and a thyristor. When the power source is within a certain range, the annunciator does not work. When the voltage level of the power source V_in is lower than the predetermined value, the annunciator works to denote that the power source is under-voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8094032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage range of a power source. The voltage detecting circuit includes a micro controlling unit, a boost circuit and a plurality of divider resistors. The micro controlling unit includes a general input/output port and a controlling input/output port. The boost circuit provides a constant voltage. A judgment voltage is obtained according to the divider resistors, the constant voltage and a voltage of the power source. A digital level signal is issued by the general input/output port according to the judgment voltage. In response to the digital level signal, the micro controlling unit generates a corresponding prompt associated with the voltage status of the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Nan Su, Chin-Lung Lai
  • Patent number: 8077049
    Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Current Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Yaney, Robert D. Kehn
  • Patent number: 8054192
    Abstract: A method for providing activity pattern based battery charging alerts for mobile devices, the method includes: monitoring usage patterns of a mobile device; determining periods of activity and inactivity for the mobile device's usage; creating an activity log detailing the determined periods of activity and inactivity; monitoring levels of available battery charge for the mobile device; correlating the levels of available battery charge with the activity log; and generating a charging advisory alert in response to at least one of: an available battery charge dropping below a threshold value prior to a period of device inactivity, or toward the end of a period of activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Travis M. Grigsby, Frank L. Jania, Lisa A. Seacat
  • Patent number: 8054189
    Abstract: When a rechargeable battery of a life safety device reaches its end of life, the life safety device provides an audible signal indicating that replacement is required. When the device is disconnected from line power, the rechargeable battery still contains a significant amount of energy. The device automatically begins controlled discharge the battery until the stored energy has been reduced to a safe level for disposal of the life safety device and its battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Silver, Stan Burnette, Matthew J. Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20110241894
    Abstract: A low voltage warning circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive a supply voltage, a reference voltage connected to the input terminal for providing a reference voltage, a transistor connected to the reference voltage circuit and the input terminal, and a silicon controlled rectifier connected to the transistor and the input terminal via a indicating device, the low voltage warning circuit raise a warning through the indicating device when the supply voltage is below the reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-ZHAO HUANG
  • Publication number: 20110241893
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for bypassing a voltage drop. A protection module allows electric current to flow from an electric power storage device to a load. The protection module prevents electric current from flowing to the electric power storage device. The protection module includes a voltage drop between the electric power storage device and the load. A power source detection module detects an absence of electric power from an electric power source. The electric power source provides electric current to the load when electric power from the electric power source is present. A bypass module bypasses the protection module and the voltage drop in response to the power source detection module detecting the absence of electric power from the electric power source. A conservation module delivers, to the load, electric current flowing through the power source detection module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8026809
    Abstract: A monitoring method and a monitoring device for a motor-driven door, wherein a stationary unit and a monitoring device mounted on the movable door communicate bidirectionally with one another, wherein data and/or signals of at least one door safety sensor are relayed to the stationary unit, and wherein a waking device is automatically wakened cyclically or is wakened by a vibration sensor and wakes the control device, which in turn wakes the transmitter/receiver and actively queries the stationary unit assigned individually to it as to whether the monitoring device must remain active or be switched back to a power-saving idle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Feig Electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Schäfer, Frieder Heinze
  • Publication number: 20110210860
    Abstract: Alarm control circuitry is provided for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connectible device including an alarm generator emitting an audible alarm when powered by internal voltage from a capacitor charged by external voltage from a computer during connection of the device to a computer and actuated with a power off detection circuit in the condition that termination of power from the computer to the device is detected. Provision for an optional base unit with passive RFID in the alarm control circuitry includes an RF transceiver, ID reader, timer and counter causing alarm activation if a ‘reflected’ RF signal is not received in a certain amount of time. An exemplary power off detection circuit outputs an alarm control signal digital logic ‘1’ in alarm generator actuation using an AND gate fed by internal voltage and external voltage reverse logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 7912509
    Abstract: A method for automatically switching an incoming call signal output mode in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining whether or not a present incoming call signal output mode is a vibration mode when receiving incoming call, driving a vibrator to output vibration if it is determined that the present incoming call signal output mode is set to the vibration mode, detecting an intensity of actual vibration of the terminal via a vibration detection sensor when the vibration is output, followed by calculating transfer energy using the intensity of the actual vibration on the terminal, and automatically switching the incoming call signal output mode from the vibration mode to a ringtone mode according to comparison of the calculated transfer energy with a reference value. With the method, a user can easily recognize the incoming call signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hun Soo Lee
  • Publication number: 20110025518
    Abstract: An under-voltage warning circuit includes a Zener diode, a transistor, an annunciator, and a thyristor. When the power source is within a certain range, the annunciator does not work. When the voltage level of the power source V_in is lower than the predetermined value, the annunciator works to denote that the power source is under-voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-ZHAO HUANG
  • Patent number: 7864028
    Abstract: An in-vehicle emergency call apparatus capable of performing an emergency call operation when electric power supply from a vehicle battery is cut is provided. The in-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes a first electric power supply line system causing an electric power supply unit to supply electric power to an emergency notification detection unit and an control unit. A second electric power supply line system is provided that causes the electric power supply unit to supply the electric power to the radio-communication unit. The second electric power supply line system is provided independently of the first electric power supply line system. A first capacitor coupled with the first electric power supply line system is capable of being configured to have a small capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakai, Seiji Maruo
  • Patent number: 7843358
    Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew J. Sebescak
  • Patent number: 7804280
    Abstract: A device for providing power factor correction of a low voltage subnet that includes a low voltage feeder line that is connected to one or more low voltage power supply lines that supply power to one or more customer premises is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a power factor measurement module configured to measure power parameters for determining a power factor of the power traversing the low voltage subnet; a power factor correction assembly configured to vary a capacitance connected to the low voltage feeder of the low voltage subnet; a controller in communication with the power factor measurement assembly and the power factor correction assembly. The controller may be configured to cause the power factor correction assembly to change the capacitance based on the determined power factor. The controller may form part of a power line communication device configured to provide communications to the one or more customer premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Current Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Deaver, Sr., William O. Radtke, William H. Berkman
  • Publication number: 20100219689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting magnet (11), comprising an emergency power source (121) effective during a mains power failure, said emergency power source having a plurality of high-performance capacitors (12), preferably double-layer capacitors, and to a method for the emergency power supply of a lifting magnet comprising a mains voltage (10), a transmitter (32), a receiver (33) with a relay (311) and an emergency power source (121). According to the invention, the transmitter modulates a (high) frequency test signal (34) on the mains voltage, said test signal being received and evaluated by a receiver connected to the mains voltage, wherein the receiver has a relay, by means of which the emergency power source is connected to the mains voltage when the receiver does not receive the received test signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Egon Evertz
  • Patent number: 7769497
    Abstract: A method of performing loadflow calculations for controlling voltages and power flow in a power network by reading on-line data of given/specified/scheduled/set network variables/parameters and using control means, so that no component of the power network is overloaded as well as there is no over/under voltage at any nodes in the network following a small or large disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Sureshchandra B. Patel
  • Patent number: 7688216
    Abstract: To provide a wireless sensor system, in which an abnormal power supply in the power supply section can be ascertained, for avoiding a malfunction of the system and accomplishing a stable power supply with reduction of the consumption of a power being transmitted, the wireless sensor system includes wireless sensor units and a sensor signal receiving unit. The wireless sensor units include a sensor section for detecting a detection object, a sensor signal transmitting section for transmitting by wireless a sensor signal from the sensor section, and a power supply section having a power receiving section for receiving a driving power transmitted by wireless. In this system, a power supply monitoring section is provided for monitoring the voltage of the power supply section. The sensor signal receiving unit includes a monitor dependent power control section for regulating the power to be transmitted, depending on a monitored result of the power monitoring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Mizutani, Hiroyoshi Ito, Koji Sahashi, Koichi Okada
  • Publication number: 20100052930
    Abstract: A method for providing activity pattern based battery charging alerts for mobile devices, the method includes: monitoring usage patterns of a mobile device; determining periods of activity and inactivity for the mobile device's usage; creating an activity log detailing the determined periods of activity and inactivity; monitoring levels of available battery charge for the mobile device; correlating the levels of available battery charge with the activity log; and generating a charging advisory alert in response to at least one of: an available battery charge dropping below a threshold value prior to a period of device inactivity, or toward the end of a period of activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Travis M. Grigsby, Frank L. Jania, Lisa A. Seacat
  • Patent number: 7671748
    Abstract: A radiofrequency identification device (RFID) featuring an antenna (10) connected to a chip designed to be affixed to an object to be identified by a remote reader transmitting to the identification device electromagnetic signals received by the antenna and containing the data allowing the identification as well as the supply voltage (VDC) of the device, the antenna transmitting in return to said reader signals provided by the chip by retromodulation by means of a switch (22) in the chip whose open or closed position defines the digital identification data transmitted by the device. The chip features a variable impedance (30) connected in series with the switch to the terminals of the antenna and a means for detecting (32) the supply voltage to adjust the impedance value so that this supply voltage is always greater than a predetermined value (Vthreshold) below which the device can no longer transmit digital identification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ASK S.A.
    Inventor: Yannick Grasset