Specified Alternating Current (a.c.) Circuit Feature Patents (Class 340/855.9)
  • Patent number: 8941976
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a powerline network adapter that allows network communications over power lines while also being configurable to provide other features. In the embodiments, the network adapter can provide a first power outlet, a powerline network adapter, and a wireless access point. The first power outlet serves as a replacement for the outlet consumed by the powerline network adapter and is filtered to reduce or prevent interference with network communications being carried over the powerline. The network adapter is also configurable to provide, among other things, a powerline wired Ethernet interface and a wireless access point that is coupled to the powerline. Furthermore, the network adapter may be configured to provide a second power outlet for a device, such as an external drive. For example, the second power outlet may be an AC/DC 12-Volt power adapter. In some embodiments, this second power outlet is also filtered from the first power outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Maroney
  • Patent number: 8729826
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for controlling brightness of a light emitting apparatus include controlling a brightness of a light emitting device based on a brightness value, receiving a message over a network, and detecting a modulation of a power input of the light emitting apparatus. The brightness value is changed based on both the message and the modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8644166
    Abstract: A sensor device integrates ZigBee® technology into power switch device to provide monitoring and control of power usage, as well as operational control of connected devices. The sensor device uses a power line communication (PLC) network to transfer collected data and to provide remote control capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in conjunction with a master switch device, a communication enabled switching device, and the power switch device, provides an integrated home environment for communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring and control of connected appliances in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Asoka USA Corporation
    Inventors: Mingyao Xia, Eric Grubel, Dan Castellano
  • Patent number: 8531137
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, circuitry on a first electronics module to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8421376
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, an AC to DC converter, circuitry, on a first electronics module, to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8344904
    Abstract: A method of transmitting power and/or data between downhole equipment and a surface through a circuit including an alternating current (AC) powered motor and its associated power cable for powering the downhole equipment is disclosed, where the data is transmitted at frequencies outside the normal operating ranges that are thought acceptable. Associated circuitry and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zenith Oilfield Technology Limited
    Inventors: Sandy Skinner, Michael Manning
  • Patent number: 8264369
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly with electrical connectors disposed proximate an upper end and a lower end of the tool intelligently distributes electrical power. Switches are disposed between the electrical connectors and selectively allow or disallow electrical continuity between the electrical connectors. A microprocessor is in electrical communication with the electrical connectors and the switches. The microprocessor causes the switches to open or close based on the present of a current at the electrical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Craig Boswell
  • Patent number: 8013545
    Abstract: Various methods of manufacturing a lighting apparatus and embodiments of a modular networked lighting apparatus are disclosed. One method defines a mechanical form factor with a minimum set of electrical connections for a networking module, builds a subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the subassembly comprising attachment points compatible with the mechanical form factor for the networking module and contacts for the minimum set of electrical connections for the networking module, installs a networking module into the subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the networking module compatible with a selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus, completes the final assembly of the networked lighting module, and marks the networked lighting apparatus to indicate the selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus may function without the networking module installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7982633
    Abstract: A data communication system for use in downhole applications wherein electrical energy is supplied over a multiple-conductor power cable to an ESP motor assembly. A downhole unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable through the wye point of the ESP motor assembly. A surface unit is AC-coupled to the conductors of the power cable. Uplink communication of telemetry data occurs over an AC communication scheme supported by the downhole unit and the surface unit. Downlink communication of remote control command data occurs over a different AC communication scheme supported by the surface unit and the downhole unit. These AC communication schemes provide an independent supply of power to the downhole environment. All communication between the surface and downhole environment is accomplished through the power cable without the use of additional communication lines. Data communication is maintained in the event of a ground fault on the power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Booker, John Freer
  • Patent number: 7312720
    Abstract: A transmission system between a voltage source and a wireline tool comprising a first loop to transmit a signal between the voltage source and the wireline tool. The first loop has a first transformer coupled to the voltage source. The system also comprises a second loop, electrically independent of the first loop, to transmit the signal between the voltage source and the wireline tool. The second loop has a second transformer coupled to the voltage source. If the first loop fails, the first transformer is isolated from the voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Dodge, William G. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7158049
    Abstract: The invention includes a wireless communication circuit and a method of communicating with wireless signals that feature a tank circuit having an inductor connected in parallel with a capacitor circuit. The capacitor circuit includes a pair of capacitors coupled in series. Each of the capacitors is connected in common to ground and has a capacitive value associated. A feedback network is connected to selectively bias the tank circuit to produce a signal having an amplitude. The amplitude of the signal is a function of a ratio of the capacitive values associated with the capacitor circuit. The frequency of the signal is defined by the inductor and the capacitor circuit. The tank circuit is multifunctional in that it may be biased to function as a transmitter and a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Jaideva Goswami
  • Patent number: 7154412
    Abstract: A power delivery system for a wireline tool includes two independent power transmission loops operating on a standard six-conductor cable. The two loops each connect directly to a respective terminals of a DC auxiliary power supply. Each loop also couples through a transformer to an AC instrument power supply. Another transformer for telemetry signals facilitates bidirectional communication between the downhole tool and an uphole computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Dodge, George Goodman, Ray Davies, Tom Standley
  • Patent number: 7009312
    Abstract: A method and system for providing power to a wireline logging system includes a rectifier section operable to receive an AC input signal and generate a first DC power signal as an output. A converter section cascadedly coupled to the rectifier section converts the first DC power signal to a second DC power signal. An inverter section cascadedly coupled to the converter section is operable to generate an output power signal providing power to a system in response to receiving the second DC power signal. A control section is coupled to the rectifier section, the converter section, the inverter section and a communications link. The communications link is operable to receive information describing waveforms for the output power signal. The control section is operable to receive the information and control a corresponding section to generate the waveforms in response to receiving the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez-Marti, Gilbert R. Martinez, Terry L. Mayhugh
  • Patent number: 6851481
    Abstract: A petroleum well having a communication system and a hydraulic system is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole and a piping structure positioned within the borehole. The communication system supplies a time varying electric current downhole along the piping structure. The hydraulic system, which is positioned downhole proximate the piping structure, receives the time varying current to operate an electric motor. The motor drives a pump which pressurizes hydraulic fluid to selectively drive an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to a downhole device, such as a shutoff valve, and operates the downhole device as the actuator is driven by the pressurized hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Robert Rex Burnett, William Mountjoy Savage, Frederick Gordon Carl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6396415
    Abstract: Communicating relative to a subterranean well includes encoding information in an amplitude and a duration for a pulse. A detectable change in response to both the amplitude and duration communicates the information. Two distinct items of information can be encoded wherein the information encoded in the amplitude is distinct from the information encoded in the duration. A single, more highly resolved, item of information can be defined in that the amplitude and the duration can together represent one aspect of the information to be communicated. Particular application is found in a subterranean well having three-phase power conductors connected to a three-phase motor in the well with the amplitude and duration being communicated through the power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Wood Group ESP, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Bulmer