Current Patents (Class 340/664)
  • Patent number: 12111366
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a method for identifying reusable components of a vehicle lamp assembly, the method including: i) performing an electric circuit functionality test on each component of a plurality of components of the vehicle lamp assembly; ii) performing an illumination test on each light source within the vehicle lamp assembly; iii) identifying which of the components of the plurality of components pass and/or fail the electric circuit functionality test; and iv) identifying which light sources pass and/or fail the illumination test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Llink Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Goulet, Lisa Spencer-Conn
  • Patent number: 11445585
    Abstract: An illuminated electrical load control is provided for controlling electrical power to a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting load. The load control includes a wall-box mounted housing, and an electrical switch assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The switch assembly includes an actuator coupled to transition the switch assembly between an ON state, where AC current flows to the LED lighting load, and an OFF state, where current is interrupted from flowing to the LED lighting load. Further, the load control includes an illumination assembly with an indicator light to illuminate, at least in part, the load control when the switch assembly is in OFF state, and a current-limiting circuit connected across terminals of the switch assembly, and configured to limit leakage current through to the LED lighting load to below an activation current of the LED lighting load when the switch assembly is in the OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Aleksandr Aronov, Walter Ancipiuk, Melissa Cinelli, Timothy Lindh
  • Patent number: 11385089
    Abstract: Battery-operated field devices and methods for operating battery-operated field devices, in particular field devices for fill level measurement, for determining a limit level, for detecting a topology of a filling material surface, or for displaying the measured values of these devices, is provided. A battery-operated field device, which may be a fill level sensor device, a flow sensor device, a pressure sensor device, or a display device, includes an energy storage means, a time management unit connected to the energy storage means via a first line, and a radio unit connected to the energy storage means via a switch, the radio unit being configured to transmit time information about a next measurement via a first interface to the time management unit and/or to receive the time information from the radio unit, when the switch is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Steffen Waelde, Joerg Boersig
  • Patent number: 11264815
    Abstract: A method of controlling a thermal runaway event in a battery system having first and second battery modules. The method includes detecting a thermal runaway event in the first battery module, and, in response to the detection of the thermal runaway event, determining whether an electrical current is flowing through the first battery module. The method also includes electrically decoupling the first battery module from the second battery module in response to the detection of the thermal runaway event, if the current is not flowing through the first battery module. Furthermore, the method includes electrically connecting the second battery module to an electrical load to discharge the second module through the load, if the current is determined to be flowing through the first battery module or after decoupling the first module. Discharging the second battery module is intended to control propagation of the thermal runaway event through the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Galen E. Ressler, Calvin Goodman
  • Patent number: 11229106
    Abstract: A faceplate remote control device may be attached to a wall-mounted mechanical light switch that has a toggle actuator. The faceplate remote control device may include a toggle indicator that detects operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch. The toggle indicator may cause the generation of an indication of detected operation of the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise a sliding member that is configured to move with the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise an obstruction detection device that includes an infrared (IR) transmitter and an IR receiver. The faceplate remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more messages in response to detecting operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
  • Patent number: 11166354
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to control an amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads and provide various feedback associated with the control device and/or the electrical loads. The control device may be a wall-mounted device or a battery-powered remote control device. The feedback may indicate the amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The feedback may also indicate a low battery condition. The control device may include a light bar and/or one or more indicator lights for providing the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Jason C. Killo, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
  • Patent number: 11152778
    Abstract: At least one example embodiment provides a low-voltage circuit breaker for interrupting a low-voltage circuit. The low-voltage circuit breaker includes at least one first current sensor configured to determine a magnitude of an electrical current of the low-voltage circuit, an interruption unit with contacts configured to interrupt the low-voltage circuit, an electronic trip unit connected to the first current sensor and the interruption unit and configured in such a way that an interruption of the low-voltage circuit is instigated upon current or/and current period limit values being exceeded, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the electronic trip unit and to at least one additional component of the low-voltage circuit breaker, wherein a second current sensor is between the power supply unit and the at least one additional component, said second current sensor configured to determine the magnitude of the current of the additional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Andre Borgwardt
  • Patent number: 10768210
    Abstract: A device for detecting stray electrical currents in fluid mediums comprises at least two probes for partially disposing in a fluid medium and a control unit. The control unit comprises at least one analog-to-digital signal converter in electrical communication with at least one of the probes, at least one audio-visual alarm, and a processor operably coupled to the at least one converter and to the at least one audio-visual alarm. The processor is operable to measure an electrical potential difference between the two probes, to analyze a plurality of the measurements to determine whether a predetermined frequency is present, and to transmit an alert signal to the audio-visual alarm if the predetermined frequency is present. Advantageously, by monitoring for the frequency, the device more consistently and more reliably detects the presence of stray alternating currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Marine Co. Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Bruce Fitzgerald, Arnar Thors, Roger Alan Miller, John David Cook, Daniel James Myers
  • Patent number: 10735830
    Abstract: A transmitter includes a processor that connects to a sensor for outputting measurement data and outputs setting data based on the measurement data, a current controller that outputs output data based on the setting data from the processor, a current output interface that outputs a first current signal based on the output data from the current controller, and a current input interface that receives input of a second current signal and outputs input data based on the second current signal to the current controller. The current input interface outputs internal input data based on the first current signal to the current controller as the input data when receiving input of the first current signal as the second current signal. The current controller detects failure of the transmitter by comparing the setting data and the internal input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10581256
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to an electronic device and a method based on a battery leakage state have been described. According to an example embodiment, an electronic device includes a display; a communication circuit; a battery; a current sensor configured to measure a charge current used for charging the battery; and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to measure a charge current using the current sensor, to determine a leakage state of the battery based on at least a part of the charge current, and to provide a notification corresponding to the leakage state through the display and/or perform a specified function corresponding to the leakage state based on at least a part of the leakage state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ku-Chul Jung, Chul-Woo Park, Sang-Hyun Ryu, Min-Jung Park, Jeong-Ho Lee, Chi-Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 10341828
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for plugging into a standard wall outlet that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and for facilitating detection of a GFCI trip using a door/window sensor of a security system. The device comprises: a plug, the plug configured to plug into an outlet, wherein the outlet is protected by the GFCI; and an electromagnet. The electromagnet is powered by the outlet when the plug is plugged into the outlet. The electromagnet is automatically powered off when the GFCI trips. The electromagnet is configured to be located proximate the window/door sensor of the security system for detecting when the electromagnet is powered off. The window/door sensor is configured to signal an absence of an electromagnetic field near the window/door sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: George P. Bein
  • Patent number: 10274573
    Abstract: A monitoring system including a plurality of monitoring devices (20) and a server (10) is provided. When new device data including a feature amount of a new electrical device different form existing electrical devices is extracted from measurement data (current consumption or the like), the monitoring device (20) calibrates the feature amount of the new electrical device using calibration data generated based on calibration data of the exiting electrical device, and transmits the new device data to the server (10) in association with identification information of the new electrical device. When the calibrated new device data of the new electrical device is received from the plurality of monitoring devices (20), the server (10) generates and registers training data of the new electrical device based on the plurality of pieces of calibrated new device data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Toizumi, Eisuke Saneyoshi, Katsuya Suzuki, Kosuke Homma, Ryo Hashimoto, Koji Kudo
  • Patent number: 10214396
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to lifting gears such as cranes which use ropes such as high-strength fiber ropes. The invention in particular relates to a device for determining the discard state of such rope in use on such lifting gears, comprising a detection device for detecting at least one rope utilization parameter influencing the discard state and an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope utilization parameter and for providing a discard signal in dependence on the rope utilization parameter evaluation. According to the invention the detection unit has at least one detecting means for detecting environmental influences on the rope, which can be evaluated by evaluation devices to recognize the discard state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GMBH
    Inventors: Ilaka Mupende, Horst Zerza
  • Patent number: 10110022
    Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a charging module and a control module. The control module obtains a DIR (dynamic internal resistance) of a battery cell group based on a voltage and a current of the battery cell group, and generates a control signal based on the voltage and the DIR of the battery cell group. The charging module alternates between outputting and not outputting a charge current/voltage to charge the battery cell group based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Bo-Han Hwang, Deng-He Lin, Chung-Che Huang
  • Patent number: 9935473
    Abstract: A storage battery system connected to a power system and operative based on a charge/discharge request from an EMS includes: a battery management unit configured to monitor a state of the storage battery; a power conditioning system; a control device configured to receive the charge/discharge request and storage battery information supplied from the battery management unit and to control the power conditioning system based thereon; an on-site monitoring and operating device directly connected to the control device, the on-site monitoring and operating device including a display unit configured to display the storage battery information and an operation unit configured to enable an on-site charge/discharge request to the AC-DC converter to be input. The control device includes an on-site request adjustment unit configured to receive the on-site charge/discharge request and the storage battery information and to determine a charge/discharge command to the power conditioning system based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Tsurumaru, Masato Hanada
  • Patent number: 9871366
    Abstract: A leakage current detection device includes a switching module coupled between power input and output terminals, for controlling the electrical connection between the input and output terminals; a leakage current detection module, including a switch driving component, configured to control the switching module based on working periods of the switch driving component and based on whether a leakage current signal is detected; and a first self testing module, coupled to the leakage current detection module, for periodically generating a self testing pulse signal as a simulated leakage current signal. The first self testing module includes: a periodic timing circuit and a self testing pulse signal generating circuit coupled to each other, where the periodic timing circuit controls the period of the self testing pulse signal. The device provides enhanced safety protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 9857448
    Abstract: A leakage current detection device includes a self-test unit for activating a simulated leakage current signal; a leakage current detection unit for detecting the simulated leakage current signal and the actual leakage current signal, where when at least one of them is present, the leakage current detection unit activates a trigger signal, and when both of them are absent, the leakage current detection unit deactivates the trigger signal; a self-test feedback turnoff unit for detecting the trigger signal, where when the trigger signal is detected, the self-test feedback turnoff unit deactivates the simulated leakage current signal before a predetermined time point; and a power line disconnect unit for detecting the trigger signal after the predetermined time point, and when the trigger signal is detected, it disconnects the power between the power source and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 9490721
    Abstract: Provided is a power converter 3 that directly converts polyphase AC power to AC power. A converter circuit has a plurality of first switching elements 311, 313 and 315 and a plurality of second switching elements 312, 314 and 316, both of which are connected to each phase R, S or T of the polyphase AC power to enable switching for turning on current-carrying bidirectionally. Condensers 821 to 826 are provided between phases. Input terminals of the first switching elements and those of the second switching elements are arranged to form respective lines. Some of the plurality of condensers 821 and 822 are arranged to be angled relative to the arrangement direction of the terminals. The wiring distance between the condensers and the switching elements can be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., NAGAOKA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hironori Koyano, Takamasa Nakamura, Masao Saito, Kouji Yamamoto, Tsutomu Matsukawa, Manabu Koshijo, Junichi Itoh, Yoshiya Ohnuma
  • Patent number: 9196383
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for scalable predictive failure analysis. Embodiments of the method may include gathering memory information for memory on a user computer system having at least one processor. Further, the method includes selecting one or more memory-related parameters. Further still, the method includes calculating based on the gathering and the selecting, a single bit error value for the scalable predictive failure analysis through calculations for each of the one or more memory-related parameters that utilize the memory information. Yet further, the method includes setting, based on the calculating, the single bit error value for the user computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tu T. Dang, Michael C. Elles, Juan Q. Hernandez, Dwayne A. Lowe, Challis L. Purrington, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9160165
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a load current path operable to carry a load current from a supply terminal having a supply voltage to an output circuit node. The device further includes a voltage comparator configured to compare the supply voltage with a voltage threshold and to signal a low supply voltage when the supply voltage reaches or falls below the voltage threshold. An over-current detector is configured to compare a load current signal that represents the load current with an over-current threshold and to signal an over-current when the load current signal reaches or exceeds the over-current threshold. Furthermore, the semiconductor device includes a control logic unit that is configured to deactivate the load current flow when an over-current is signalled and to reduce the over-current threshold from a first value to a lower second value as long as the voltage comparator signals a low supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Fabrizio Cortigiani, Adolfo De Cicco
  • Patent number: 9018962
    Abstract: A protective system far a power transformer having a neutral line connected to ground where large currents can flow in the neutral line due to electro-magnetic disturbances. The system includes circuitry for: (a) sensing the current level in the neutral line and whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period; and (b) sensing and processing the harmonic content of the load current and determining the existence of certain relationships of the “even” and “odd” harmonics. Signals, including alarms, indicative of excessive conditions are produced. The system may also include circuitry for sensing the load current level and generating a signal alarm if the load level is above a given value when the harmonics and the DC current have values in excess of certain predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Power Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Gary R. Hoffman, Edward S. Kwon, Hong Cai
  • Patent number: 9013343
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of controllers and methods for accepting multiple different types of input signals. One example controller includes an input circuit including first and second input terminals for receiving an input signal and at least one programmable resistor coupled to the first terminal. A processing device is coupled to the input circuit. The processing device is configured to control a resistance of the at least one programmable resistor based on a terminal setting. The terminal setting indicates whether the input signal is a voltage signal, a current signal, or a resistance signal. The processing device is configured to interpret the input signal applied to the processing device via the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Anil Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 9000934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy D. McGill
  • Patent number: 8981956
    Abstract: A workload indicating control circuit includes a coupling circuit, a square wave signal producing circuit, and an integral circuit. The coupling circuit induces a current output by a power input circuit of an electronic device and produces a proportional induced voltage, the current output by the power input circuit being proportional to the workload of the electronic device. The square wave signal producing circuit converts the induced voltage from the coupling circuit into a square wave voltage with corresponding amplitude. The integral circuit takes the square wave signal and modulates the square wave voltage into a sawtooth voltage, to drive the light-emitting unit to emit light according to the sawtooth voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Feng Wang, Yu-Chia Chen
  • Publication number: 20150002302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising an electric current supply device, said device in turn comprises a main outlet, where main electrical equipment is connected, and at least one secondary outlet where secondary electrical equipment is connected, the device is characterized by measuring with a consumption detector the electrical consumption level of the main electrical equipment and in the event of detecting a consumption level below a specific threshold, directing the current towards the at least one secondary outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Francisco García Sosa
  • Publication number: 20140354439
    Abstract: An electrical sensor is described. The electrical sensor including an electrical signal input configured to receive an electrical signal, an alarm, one or more inputs configured to set a configuration value and at least one display configured to display said configuration value. The monitor is coupled with the electrical signal input, the alarm, the display, and the one or more inputs. Further, the monitor is configured to determine a characteristic of the electrical signal received on the electrical signal input. The monitor is configured to activate the alarm based on the configuration value set by the one or more inputs and the characteristic of the electrical signal. And, the monitor configured to generate at least one display signal based on the configuration value to be used by the at least one display to display the configuration value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Neilsen-Kuljian, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy D. Nguyen, Roger Borders, Tom Lik-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 8902072
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell balancing circuits respectively connected to a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack for balancing the voltages of the battery cells, a diagnosis resistor respectively installed between the cell balancing circuit and a cathode terminal and an anode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage difference of the balancing circuit corresponding to each of the battery cells, and a control unit for turning on or off a cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed and for determining whether there is an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed, based on a variation pattern of a voltage difference of a cell balancing circuit adjacent to the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed that is measured by the voltage measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Dal-Hoon Lee, Ju-Hyun Kang, Jee-Ho Kim
  • 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: 8836526
    Abstract: A monitoring device for de-energized catenary systems having bearer cables, contact wires, droppers, grounding lines, overhead lines and cable systems, during new construction or servicing work, to counter theft, is easy to implement, can be installed quickly and enables monitoring of predetermined track sections. Catenaries or overhead lines or cable systems are divided into segments, each consisting of two parallel strands, by forming a line resistance at one end by short-circuiting the strands of each segment, by connection each of the free ends of the segments with a respective measuring resistor of a predetermined size and a respective voltage source to form a respective closed circuit, and by each circuit being connected to a measuring unit for measuring loop current. The measuring unit is equipped with a monitoring device for triggering an alarm device when a predetermined limit value is exceeded or the loop current is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Harald Ruediger
  • Patent number: 8836525
    Abstract: An isolated current-sensing system for use with a resistive current sense element includes an analog front-end configured to receive a voltage from the resistive current sense element, and to provide an analog output. A processing circuit receives the analog output, and provides a measurement signal indicative of the sensed current. An isolation circuit provides an isolation barrier, and is configured to pass the measurement signal. A programmable over-current protection alarm may be included, and configured to generate an alarm signal when the analog output exceeds a programmable threshold. The processing circuit may include a voltage-to-PWM converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Aceña, Youssef Ghabbour
  • Patent number: 8810420
    Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Stanek, Nathan C. Siegwald, Thomas M. Novak, Christopher J. Miller, Daniel R. Gilman, William F. Gonzalez, Jesse D. Rednour
  • Patent number: 8797173
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Chul Kang, Seung Chul Choi, Jae Ahn Ryu
  • Patent number: 8766821
    Abstract: A protection system is described herein for an electrical connector providing power to a grounded aircraft. The system includes receiving a sensing device electrically coupled to each of a number of power conductors. The sensing device generates an operating parameter. The system also includes a protection device that measures the operating parameter, determines that the operating parameter exceeds a threshold, and sends an overcurrent notification. The system may also include a shunt that is electrically coupled to the power conductors and generates a different operating parameter. The protection device may determine a difference between operating parameters of the shunt and sensing device and send an overtemperature notification when the difference exceeds an operating threshold. The system may also include a ground fault detection device. Some or all components of the system may be located in a removable adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Restrepo, Luis F. Salas
  • Patent number: 8766810
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and reporting leakage currents caused by a load that is coupled to an AC supply line. A sensor positioned adjacent to an AC supply line senses an amperage difference between currents traveling along the AC supply line. A processor coupled to the sensor compares the amperage difference to a threshold value. A reporting device coupled to the processor generates a report at least when the amperage difference exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Intelligent Metering, LLC
    Inventors: Craig C Fahrenkrug, Robert C Dively
  • Patent number: 8762085
    Abstract: A system and method of dynamically estimating the short circuit current availability (SCCA) at a node in an alternating current electrical distribution system by examining the spectral composition of current drawn by a direct current charging circuit connected to the node. A correlative relationship between the total harmonic current distortion (THDi) in the current drawn by the charging circuit and the SCCA at the node is established for a particular charging circuit. An estimation of the SCCA at the node is accomplished by taking current measurements of current drawn by the charging circuit, analyzing those current measurements to determine the THDi, and estimating a corresponding value of SCCA based on the determined THDi. A method is also provided for calibrating a particular charging circuit to have a reactance and resistance suitable for use in estimating SCCA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 8760307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (9) for an electric appliance (1), comprising electronic control means and data and/or information storage means. Said monitoring device (9) is typically connected to a first communication network (70A, 70B) through first interface means (7) and to a second communication network (80) through second interface means (8). Said first communication network (70A, 70B) is adapted to connect at least one sensing device (93, 94, 95, 96), being capable of measuring at least one value of at least one physical quantity related to the monitored electric appliance (1), to the monitoring device (9). According to the present invention, the monitoring device (9) receives the value of at least one physical quantity through the first interface means (7), and the electronic control means use said value of at least one physical quantity in order to obtain at least one piece of information related to the monitored electric appliance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Indesit Company S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Falcioni, Paolo Santonicola, Irene Orienti
  • Patent number: 8760309
    Abstract: A wear sensor system, compressors using the wear sensor system and methods of detecting wear on a bearing. The wear sensor system includes a stationary housing-mounted circuit comprising a first inductor electrically connected to a voltage source and a rotating shaft-mounted circuit comprising a second inductor electrically connected to a capacitor. When there is no metal-to-metal contact between the shaft of the compressor and the housing into which the shaft is mounted, the housing-mounted circuit inductively charges the shaft-mounted capacitor and reduces a current level when the shaft mounted capacitor is charged. Likewise, when there is metal-to-metal contact between the shaft and the housing (which is indicative of bearing wear), the shaft-mounted circuit is grounded; this causes the housing-mounted circuit to increase the current level. This increased current level may be output to a suitable device for display or other indicia of bearing wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Vyas Mussro
  • Patent number: 8749395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a disconnection within a Distributed Generator (DG). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an alarm module electrically coupled to a conductive portion of a component within the DG, wherein the conductive portion is grounded via a ground rod system, and wherein the alarm module (i) is further coupled to a ground line, (ii) couples a monitoring current to the conductive portion, (iii) monitors flow of the monitoring current to determine a change in the flow, and (iv) generates, as a result of the change in the flow, a notification of the disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Fornage, Raghuveer R. Belur
  • Patent number: 8736107
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of power source redundancy in a power supply for a rack mounted computing device. The power supply includes a plurality of AC power converters configured to receive power from corresponding power sources. A first AC power converter provides DC power to a common DC bus of the power supply. A second AC power converter provides DC power to the common DC bus in response to a change in the voltage level provided by the first AC power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Lee Frink, Peter G. Ross
  • Patent number: 8736208
    Abstract: When one of six FETs has short-circuit faulted, a controllable region identification unit stops driving of an electric motor, and then performs processes for determining whether a short-circuit fault has occurred, and when a short-circuit fault has occurred, for identifying the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted based on phase voltages (induced voltages) VU, VV, and VW of phases. When the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted is identified, the controllable region identification unit performs a controllable region identification process. In detail, the controllable region identification unit identifies a “possible region,” an “indeterminate region,” and a “impossible region” based on phase voltages VU, VV, and VW of the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Shigekazu Okumura, Fumihiko Satou, Hiroshi Sumasu
  • Patent number: 8736457
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a current waveform acquisition unit which acquires a current waveform from when a predetermined electric appliance is used, a communication unit which transmits the acquired current waveform of the electric appliance to a server apparatus, and receives control information on a character corresponding to the electric appliance from the server apparatus, and a display control unit which performs control of causing a predetermined display unit to display the character based on the received control information on the character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Hasuo, Kohtaro Sabe, Masato Ito, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8723653
    Abstract: A power distribution apparatus includes a reader, one or more electrical outlets, and one or more antennas mounted in proximate relation to one or more of the electrical outlets. An asset includes a power cord having a transponder attached thereto, and the power cord may be coupled to one of the electrical outlets. A method for identifying and managing an asset includes mounting the power distribution apparatus in an equipment rack, reading, by the reader through one or more of the antennas, identification data contained in the transponder, communicating information including the identification data through a network to a controller, and determining, by the controller, a control action based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Jansma
  • Patent number: 8723678
    Abstract: A battery load detecting device includes: a battery check pulse generator generating a check pulse in response to a check enable signal; a constant voltage regulator generating a battery status signal in response to a first battery check signal; and a battery detection determining unit comparing a predetermined reference signal with the battery status signal to generate a comparison result signal, using the comparison result signal and the check pulse to generate a second battery check signal, and using the second battery check signal to generate a battery detection signal indicating whether a chargeable battery is electrically connected to the constant voltage regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Jung Ju, Jung-Woo Ha
  • Patent number: 8692680
    Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which a first lead and a second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected, at least indirectly, with an energy storage element. A trip element is operatively connected with break contacts in the first and second leads. In order to reduce expected cut-offs of a network to be protected, an electric signaling device is operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Geräudeautomation GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Dobusch, Michael Bartonek
  • Patent number: 8643502
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel connector capable of showing charging status without turning on the device under charge. The connector contains a casing, a connection element, and a status indication member. The connection element is configured at a lateral side of the casing for connecting a device to be charged. The status indication member contains a current measurement unit, a first indication element, and a second indication element. The current measurement unit is electrically connected to the connection element and a cable. The first and second indication elements are electrically connected to the current measurement unit and exposed out of a front side of the casing. By the indication elements' lighting pattern, the user can determine how much full the device under charge is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jui-Feng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140022083
    Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit; a sensor cable; and a current sensor electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit having a first indicator. The current sensor includes a second indicator. The first indicator circuit controls the first indicator and the second indicator to turn on simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. WELLS, PRAVEEN SUTRAVE
  • Patent number: 8633813
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a vehicle illumination system. The vehicle illumination system comprises an input keypad configured to receive at least one input provided by a user. The vehicle illumination system also comprises a controller configured to receive input commands provided by the input keypad and to sequentially control a state of a plurality of output device drivers corresponding to a respective plurality of vehicle lamps. At least one indicator is configured to indicate to a user a condition associated with at least one of the plurality of output device drivers wherein the controller communicates with the indicator by means of a communications protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Uusi, LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, Edward Cox, John Washeleski
  • Publication number: 20140009299
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and reporting leakage currents caused by a load that is coupled to an AC supply line. A sensor positioned adjacent to an AC supply line senses an amperage difference between currents traveling along the AC supply line. A processor coupled to the sensor compares the amperage difference to a threshold value. A reporting device coupled to the processor generates a report at least when the amperage difference exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: International Intelligent Metering, LLC
    Inventors: Craig C. Fahrenkrug, Robert C. Dively
  • Patent number: 8624749
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20130308151
    Abstract: A state determining device includes a current detecting unit, a state determining unit, and a notifying unit. The current detecting unit detects a current value of a drive current which flows into a drive motor that rotary-drives a driven unit with a drive force according to the drive current. Based on the drive current value detected by the current detecting unit, the state determining unit determines a state of a driving system including the driven unit. The notifying unit notifies a user of a determination result of the state determining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Takashi Kuwayama, Yuki Sato, Tetsuji Nishikawa, Nobuhiro Shima, Jo Ebara