With Specific Circuit Breaker Or Control Structure Patents (Class 361/115)
  • Patent number: 12154734
    Abstract: A manual opening mechanism for use with an isolation switch of a circuit interrupter is fully integrated into the circuit interrupter. The manual opening mechanism includes a rotating handle that is accessible from the front panel of the circuit interrupter. Rotating the handle applies force to the centerline of the isolation switch drive shaft, which prevents uneven loading and thus optimizes robustness during manual opening of the isolation switch. In addition, the handle has an ergonomic design, and is proportioned to minimize the force that an operator must apply to the handle in order to open the isolation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Tyler Holp, Brad R. Leccia, Douglas Michael Brandt, Logan Weigle, Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 12130311
    Abstract: Current sense circuitry includes: a current mirror circuit for sensing a power transistor current; a capacitor directly connected to the current mirror circuit at a first node; and a comparator circuit having a first input electrically connected to an input terminal of the current mirror circuit, a second input electrically connected to a drain or source terminal of the power transistor, and an output that is in a first state when a voltage at the first input is higher than a voltage at the second input and in a second state when the voltage at the first input is lower than the voltage at the second input. Current is sourced to the first node if the power transistor is on and the comparator output is in the second state, and sunk from the first node if the power transistor is on and the comparator output is in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Derek Bernardon, Thomas Ferianz
  • Patent number: 12097781
    Abstract: A system for powering an electric vehicle (EV) includes a battery, a power distribution module, and a battery bypass module. The power distribution module receives power from a charging station, draws power from the battery in a discharging mode, distributes power from the charging station to the battery in a charging mode, and distributes power to a plurality of subsystems of the EV. The battery bypass module is coupled to the battery and the power distribution module. When the battery bypass module is engaged in a charging bypass mode, power distributed by the power distribution module bypasses the battery and is distributed to at least a subset of the plurality of subsystems of the EV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Ramon Ferguson, Adam Mandel-Senft, Brett Lee Rogers, Chase Kaufman, Jeffrey Brandon
  • Patent number: 12095451
    Abstract: A gate driver to control a high-power switching device is disclosed. The gate driver includes a multifunction pin that allows the gate driver to be controlled by a multifunction signal to perform a number of different functions. For example, a level of the multifunction signal at the multifunction pin can enable/disable the output of the gate driver. In another example, a level of the multifunction signal that is held for a period while the gate driver is in a fault state can reset the state of the gate driver. In another example, pulsing the multifunction signal a number of times can activate a test of the fault detection capabilities of the gate driver. Utilizing one pin for this control, simplifies circuit complexity for communication between a controller and the gate driver, thereby reducing cost and increasing reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kinam Song, Michal Kuban, Vlad Anghel, Guy Rahamim, John Constantino
  • Patent number: 12094670
    Abstract: A switch assembly including a vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, an actuator operable to move the movable contact, and a drive rod assembly coupled to the movable contact and the actuator. The drive rod assembly includes a male part and a female part where the male part is inserted into and coupled to the female part. One of the male part or the female part includes a conductor that provides an electrical connection between the male and female parts and one of the male part or the female part includes a locking ring that snap fits into a groove in the other male or female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Sigurd A. Nelson, II, Keith W. Benson
  • Patent number: 12066481
    Abstract: System and method, in the field of device control, for detecting and processing one or more deviations from an acceptable electrical behavior in an electrical device are provided here. The system may include a sampling unit for receiving at least one activity indication, a storage to store acceptable values related to the acceptable electrical behavior, an active time measurement unit to receive the activity indication and measure an active time duration, an inactive time measurement unit to receive the activity indication and measure an inactive time duration and a deviation processor to compute values derived from the activity indication, the active time duration and the inactive time duration, detect and analyze one or more deviations between the acceptable values and the derived values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Isra-Juk Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac Sela, Tomer Sela
  • Patent number: 12046996
    Abstract: A switched capacitor bank assembly including a first capacitor, a first switch selectively connected between the first capacitor and a first phase line, and a first voltage sensor integrated within a housing of the first switch and configured to sense a voltage of the first phase line. The assembly further includes a controller including an electronic processor, the controller operably coupled to the first voltage sensor and the first switch. The first capacitor, the first switch, the first voltage sensor, and the controller are physically supported by a frame of the switched capacitor bank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Aclara Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Balaji Santhanam
  • Patent number: 12027339
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS) key that includes a data connector configured to communicatively couple to a data port of a target device. The ERMS key further includes an illumination device and an actuator mechanism having a base positional state and an actuated positional state. The ERMS key includes logic configured to, upon detecting the actuator mechanism has moved from the base positional state to the actuated positional state, generate and transmit a first data message to the target device through the data connector instructing the target device to enter a protected mode. The logic is further configured to, upon receiving a second data message from the target device over the data connector acknowledging that the target device has successfully entered the protected mode, cause the illumination device to illuminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Robert Faber, Justin Siefkes
  • Patent number: 12025664
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a frame, a fixed contact, a moveable contact, a drive mechanism, and a linkage mechanism, wherein the fixed contact is fixed in position with respect to the frame, and wherein the linkage mechanism is coupled to the drive and the moveable contact, and wherein activation of the drive is configured to move the linkage mechanism such that the moveable contact is moved towards or away from the fixed contact, and wherein the monitoring system comprises a sensor system having a position sensor and a processor, the position sensor configured to be positioned with respect to the frame and the linkage mechanism such that lateral movement of a part of the linkage mechanism generates at least one displacement signal; and the processor configured to convert the at least one displacement signal to a displacement movement of the moveable contact toward or away from the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Vadim Migunov, Aydin Boyaci, Adrian Hozoi, Gianluca Cortinovis
  • Patent number: 12020960
    Abstract: A temperature controller for substrate processing system includes memory that stores a temperature control model that correlates a heat transfer gas pressure and a first temperature of a substrate support to a second temperature of a substrate arranged on the substrate support, a temperature calculation module configured to calculate the second temperature of the substrate using the heat transfer gas pressure, the first temperature of the substrate support, and the temperature control model, and a heat transfer gas control module configured to adjust the heat transfer gas pressure based on the second temperature of the substrate calculated by the temperature calculation module and a desired third temperature of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy George Smith, Eric A. Pape
  • Patent number: 12009169
    Abstract: A utilization unit of an electric switch includes an actuator module which includes actuators and power transmission apparatus to operate the electric switch, a power module which includes power supply means for the actuators of the actuator module, a control module which includes control means to control the power module, and data transmission means. The actuator module, the power module, and the control module constitute a modular structure, wherein the power module and the control module are detachably connected to each other and the actuator module so that the power module and the control module are both separately replaceable in the utilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Aki Suutarinen, Matti Rajala, Raimo Sillanpää, Juri Fredlund, Markus Lönn, Marko Pylkäs, Tero Kentala
  • Patent number: 12003086
    Abstract: Method and system allowing more accurate detection and identification of unwanted arcing include novel processing of signal voltage representing recovered power-line current. In one implementation, arc-faults are detected based on numerical analysis where individual cycles of line voltage and current are observed and data collected during each cycle is processed to estimate likelihood of presence of arc-event within each individual cycle based on pre-defined number of arc-events occurring within pre-defined number of contiguous cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: William Vernon Miller, III, Gary Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 11981412
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel includes a marine propulsion device, a plurality of power storage devices, and a charge distribution circuit. The marine propulsion device includes an engine and an alternator driven by the engine to generate a charge current. The plurality of power storage devices includes at least a first power storage device and a second power storage device, wherein each power storage device is configured to receive current from the alternator. The charge distribution circuit is positioned between the alternator and the plurality of power storage devices and includes an isolator configured to isolate the first power storage device from the second power storage device, a charge sensor configured to sense a charge level of the first power storage device, and a relay configured to connect and disconnect the second power storage device to/from the alternator based on the sensed charge level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Brad E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11984881
    Abstract: A thyristor circuit includes at least one branch including at least one thyristor, a thyristor control circuit and a current detector. The current detector is configured to detect a current value representative of an electrical current flowing through the thyristor and to input the detected current value into the thyristor control circuit. The thyristor control circuit is configured to determine a fault condition in which the detected current value exceeds a predetermined current threshold based on a deteriorated blocking ability of the thyristor. Dependent on the determination result, the thyristor control circuit triggers the thyristor into a conductive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Raeto Stadler, Ralf Baechle
  • Patent number: 11978606
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first set of operational parameters that correspond to one or more semiconductor devices of a solid-state circuit breaker and sending a first command to the solid-state circuit breaker to turn off the one or more semiconductors in response to the first set of operational parameters exceeding a first set of thresholds. The method includes sending a second command to the solid-state circuit breaker to turn on the one or more semiconductors in response to the first set of operational parameters being equal to or less than the first set of thresholds. The method includes receiving a second set of operational parameters that correspond to one or more electrical properties associated with an operation of the solid-state circuit breaker coupled to a load device and generating a baseline profile representative of the first set of operational parameters and the second operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Kyle B Adkins, Randall S. Langer, Jr., Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
  • Patent number: 11955296
    Abstract: Electrical switch contact sets are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a movable platform having first and second contacts, where the first and second contacts electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a stationary portion having third and fourth contacts, where the movable platform is movable to bring the first and second contacts in contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: GENERAL EQUIPMENT AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael John Simmons
  • Patent number: 11929604
    Abstract: One or more examples relate, generally, to a programmable voltage lockout circuit provided at an electronic device. Such a programmable voltage lockout circuit asserts a lockout of the electronic device at least partially responsive to a user-programmed threshold and a supply voltage of the electronic device. One or more examples relate, generally, to configuring a programmable voltage lockout circuit utilizing a user-programmed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel Harfert
  • Patent number: 11916368
    Abstract: The invention relates to remote activation of a communication module of a self-powered intelligent electronic device (IED). The IED controls an auto recloser mounted on an electric pole of a power distribution network. A controller of the IED, receives an activation signal from a trigger source, positioned within a predefined distance from the IED, through an optical sensor to activate the communication module. A control signal is generated, upon the controller of the IED detecting the activation signal, for powering the communication module from a power supply module. The power supply module is enabled to power the communication module for a duration controlled with the control signal. The communication module is activated for communicating a plurality of data associated with the IED to a remote communication device upon enabling the power supply module for the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Nishith Patel, Darshit Prajapati, Thomas Kueng, Vishal Shah, Tero Talvitie, Juhani Koivupuro
  • Patent number: 11892097
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a valve state grasping system that can be easily retrofitted to any of various existing or operating valves (rotary valves) and actuators, and in particular, even facilities to which commercial power is not supplied, and allows detailed and accurate state grasping and diagnosis or failure prediction for the valve or actuator. The valve state grasping system is configured to perform, based on angular velocity data of a valve stem which opens and closes the valve, state monitoring, diagnosis, and life prediction of this valve. To the valve stem, a monitoring unit having at least a semiconductor-type gyro sensor is attachably and detachably fixed. The angular velocity data includes angular velocity data acquired from this monitoring unit in accordance with a rotational motion of a valve body from being fully open or fully closed to fully closed or fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: KITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Inoue, Isao Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 11874335
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to test an electrical system including one or more power supplies, a load, and one or more protective-isolation devices disposed between the one or more power supplies and the load is disclosed. The apparatus has a first measurement assembly configured to sense a first voltage or a first current at an input side of the one or more power supplies, a second measurement assembly configured to sense a second voltage or a second current at an output side of the one or more power supplies, and a third voltage or a third current between the one or more protective-isolation devices and the load, and a power controller electrically disposed between the second or third measurement assembly and a fault assembly. The fault assembly and the power controller are configured to selectively induce a fault, which is selected from a plurality of fault types, either to the output side of the electrical system or between the one or more protective-isolation devices and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: OneStep Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Craig
  • Patent number: 11855435
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tripping open circuit interrupters based on the detection of an arc flash using an accessory arc flash detection module are disclosed. The housing of the arc flash detection module is structured to be installed within the frame of a circuit interrupter. The detection module communicates with light sensors structured to detect light from arc flash events, and includes a controller configured to communicate with an electronic trip unit of the circuit interrupter. In one embodiment, the detection module is configured to alert the electronic trip unit that light indicative of arc flash conditions has been detected such that the electronic trip unit can determine whether or not to initiate a trip after determining the magnitude of current flowing through the circuit interrupter. In another embodiment, the detection module is configured to directly actuate a trip of the circuit interrupter based on the detection of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James L. Lagree, Christopher M. Finen, Patrick Martinez Garcia, Xavier Ignacio Pacheco Paulino
  • Patent number: 11855421
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a frame defining a housing having an interior compartment and a circuit interrupter. An actuator is connected to the circuit interrupter and configured to actuate the circuit interrupter into closed and open breaker positions. An indicator is connected to the actuator and movable between first and second positions corresponding to the respective closed and open breaker positions. A first indicator surface has first indicia indicative that the circuit interrupter is in the closed breaker position and a second indicator surface having second indicia indicative that the circuit interrupter is in the open breaker position. An opening is formed on the housing and aligned with the indicator to expose for view the respective first or second indicia when the circuit interrupter is in the respective closed or open breaker position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: JST POWER EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick R. Fischer-Carne
  • Patent number: 11808802
    Abstract: A system for monitoring polarization and conduction of a thyristor includes a transformer configured to generate a secondary current from a triggering current waveform applied to a gate of the thyristor; a converter configured to convert the secondary current into a monitored voltage; a first hysteresis comparator configured to generate a first voltage pulse based on the monitored voltage when the triggering current waveform includes a first current pulse; a second hysteresis comparator configured to generate one or more second voltage pulses based on the monitored voltage when the triggering current waveform includes one or more second current pulses; a monitoring unit configured to receive the first and the one or more second voltage pulses, and determine whether the triggering current waveform satisfies pre-defined characteristics, and to determine whether a current flowing between the anode and cathode of the thyristor satisfies additional pre-defined characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: ANDRITZ HYDRO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois St-Roch, Aurelien Carte, Quentin Bricard, Handy Fortin Blanchette
  • Patent number: 11809754
    Abstract: A printing control system includes: parent units and child units connected together through a network, the parent units including a first memory, and the child units including: a second memory; a job list request provider that transmits a job list request to connectable parent units and a job list response obtainer that obtains a job list response sent back. If a first child unit detects a parent unit not sending back the job list response within a predetermined time period, the first child unit stores, in a non-response parent unit information item, the parent unit not sending back the job list response, and when the first child unit transmits the job list request at a next time, the first child unit transmits the job list request to a parent unit other than the parent unit stored in the non-response parent unit information item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11799373
    Abstract: This DC pulse power supply device includes: a DC power supply unit (10); and a pulsing unit (20) that generates a pulse output using a step-up chopper circuit connected to the DC power supply unit. A clamp voltage unit (30) has an output end that is connected to a connection point (s) between a switching element (22) and a DC reactor (21), and applies a clamp voltage (VC) to one end of the switching element (22). During an off period (Toff) of the step-up chopper circuit, the voltage at both ends of the switching element is clamped so as to prevent damage to the switching element, suppress output voltage fluctuations resulting from load current fluctuations, and suppress power loss caused by a load current and a discharge current flowing through a resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: KYOSAN ELECTRIC MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Itsuo Yuzurihara, Toshiyuki Adachi, Tomohiro Yoneyama, Koichi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 11774561
    Abstract: Amplifier input protection circuits are described. In one embodiment, a photoreceiver for a lidar system has a photodetector configured to generate an output current in response to received light. A transimpedance amplifier is configured to receive the output current and generate a voltage output corresponding to the output current in response thereto, and a diode circuit has a cathode coupled at a node between the photodetector output and the transimpedance amplifier input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Luminar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Gaalema, Robert D. Still
  • Patent number: 11769562
    Abstract: The present application discloses an electronic fuse control circuit, a semiconductor device and a method for forming a semiconductor device including an electronic fuse control circuit. The electronic fuse control circuit includes a program voltage pad, a fuse element, a latch, an operation switch unit, resistor selection pads, and bonding option units. The fuse element includes a first terminal coupled to the program voltage pad, and a second terminal. The operation switch unit forms an electrical connection between the second terminal of the fuse element and a ground terminal during a program operation, and forms an electrical connection between the second terminal of the fuse element and an input terminal of the latch during a read operation. Each of the bonding option units includes a resistor and a selection switch coupled in series between the input terminal of the latch and a resistor selection pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wu-Der Yang
  • Patent number: 11769641
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS) key that includes a data connector configured to communicatively couple to a data port of a target device. The ERMS key further includes an illumination device and an actuator mechanism having a base positional state and an actuated positional state. The ERMS key includes logic configured to, upon detecting the actuator mechanism has moved from the base positional state to the actuated positional state, generate and transmit a first data message to the target device through the data connector instructing the target device to enter a protected mode. The logic is further configured to, upon receiving a second data message from the target device over the data connector acknowledging that the target device has successfully entered the protected mode, cause the illumination device to illuminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Robert Faber, Justin Siefkes
  • Patent number: 11762799
    Abstract: The described techniques address deadlocking issues associated with interconnected hardware devices that share bus lines associated with a digital communication interface. A watchdog-based solution is described that may be implemented internally within the interconnected hardware devices or, alternatively, as an external component. The watchdog circuity may monitor a logic state of one or more internal connections of a hardware device and cause one or more portions of the hardware device to reset when a deadlock condition is detected using this internal monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Stephan Leisenheimer, Christof Bodner, Benjamin Kollmitzer, Richard Heinz
  • Patent number: 11764094
    Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide techniques and apparatuses for a semiconductor processing tool including an electrostatic chuck having a voltage-regulation system to regulate an electrical potential throughout regions of a semiconductor substrate positioned above the electrostatic chuck. The voltage-regulation system may determine that an electrical potential within a region of the semiconductor substrate does not satisfy a threshold. The voltage-regulation system may, based on determining that the electrical potential throughout the region does not satisfy the threshold, position one or more electrically-conductive pins within the region. While positioned within the region, the one or more electrically-conductive pins may change the electrical potential of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Pin Chou, Kai-Lin Chuang, Sheng-Wen Huang, Yan-Cheng Chen, Jun Xiu Liu
  • Patent number: 11749039
    Abstract: An integrated arc flash safety system and methods for remote access control and safety compliance. An electronic access control system may comprise an enclosure having a door, a door lock device, an electronic access control unit, and an arc sensor. The access controller comprises electronic hardware and software for sensor/detection operation, door lock device operation, door lock actuation, and wireless remote communication. The door lock device may be controlled by the access controller in combination with the arc sensor. The access controller may facilitate remote access control via a smart mobile computing device (e.g., mobile phone) and telecommunication with a remote cloud server via a communication network (e.g., Internet). Embodiments of the present disclosure enable rapid detection of an arc flash precondition or event within an enclosure and warning generation as well as protection and standard compliance measures to improve technician safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Security Enhancement Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Frank Trapani, Stacey Lee Krutz-Sabol
  • Patent number: 11736100
    Abstract: An active gate voltage control circuit for a gate driver of a power semiconductor switching device comprising a power semiconductor transistor, such as a GaN HEMT, provides active gate voltage control comprising current burst mode operation and protection mode operation. The gate-source turn-on voltage Vgs(on) is increased in burst mode operation, to allow for a temporary increase of saturation current. In protection mode operation, a multi-stage turn-off may be implemented, comprising reducing Vgs(on) to implement fast soft turn-off, followed by full turn-off to bring Vgs(on) below threshold voltage, to reduce switching transients such as Vds spikes. Circuits of example embodiments provide for burst mode operation for enhanced saturation current, to increase robustness of enhancement mode GaN power switching devices, e.g. under overcurrent and short circuit conditions, or to provide active gate voltage control which adjusts dynamically to specific operating conditions or events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: GAN SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Ruoyu Hou, Juncheng Lu, Larry Spaziani
  • Patent number: 11722063
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device that includes a switch terminal; a ground terminal; an output switch connected between the switch terminal and the ground terminal and configured to be switchable between a first on-resistance value and a second on-resistance value higher than the first on-resistance value; a detection circuit configured to detect a short-circuit abnormality of the switch terminal by monitoring a switch voltage that appears at the switch terminal in a predetermined detection period; and a controller configured to perform a pulse-drive of the output switch by setting the output switch to the second on-resistance value in the detection period, continuously perform the pulse-drive of the output switch by setting the output switch to the first on-resistance value if the short-circuit abnormality of the switch terminal is not detected, and forcibly stop the pulse-drive of the output switch if the short-circuit abnormality of the switch terminal is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Nate
  • Patent number: 11695266
    Abstract: Devices herein may include conductor lines connected between a power supply and load, each of the conductor lines coupled to an AC contactor and a contactor control circuit, wherein the contactor control circuit is operable to open and close one or more contactors of the AC contactor. The devices may further include a current transformer coupled to the conductor lines, the current transformer operable to output a secondary current corresponding to a primary current magnitude of an electrical current not flowing to the load, wherein the AC contactor is connected between the power supply and the load. Devices may further include a zero cross detection circuit operable to generate an interrupt at each of a plurality of zero crossings for a microprocessor, and determine whether to open the one or more contactors of the AC contactor in a predetermined optimum interval calculated with respect to the zero crossing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Ali Melli, Loc Gia Luu
  • Patent number: 11660977
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle comprising a motive electrical power path; a power distribution unit comprising a current protection circuit disposed in the motive electrical power path, the current protection circuit comprising a fuse; a current source circuit electrically coupled to the fuse and structured to inject a current across the fuse; and a voltage determination circuit electrically coupled to the fuse and structured to determine at least one of an injected voltage value and a fuse impedance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Brandon William Fisher, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Patent number: 11660976
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle including a motive electrical power path and at least one auxiliary electrical power path; a power distribution unit having a motive current protection circuit disposed in the motive electrical power path, the motive current protection circuit including a fuse; an auxiliary current protection circuit disposed in each of the at least one auxiliary electrical power path, each auxiliary current protection circuit including an auxiliary fuse; a motive current sensor electrically coupled to the motive electrical power path, where the motive current sensor is configured to provide a motive current value; and at least one auxiliary current sensor, each auxiliary current sensor electrically coupled to one of the at least one auxiliary electrical power path, each auxiliary current sensor configured to provide a corresponding auxiliary current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Brandon William Fisher
  • Patent number: 11658652
    Abstract: The detection circuit includes a current source and a resistor element which are connected in series via a first node between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a switching element which is turned on and off by a driving circuit. The voltage comparator outputs a detection signal indicating a comparison result between an input DC voltage and the voltage of the first node. The DC voltage and the electric resistance value of the resistor element are set in such manner that when an inter-electrode voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode becomes higher than a predefined determination voltage, the voltage of the first node is higher than the DC voltage. The detection circuit and the voltage comparator are mounted on the same integrated circuit constituting the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yo Habu, Akihisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11631972
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for protecting against and mitigating the effects of over-excitation of elements in electric power systems. In one embodiment, a system consistent with the present disclosure may comprise a point pair subsystem to receive a plurality of point pairs that define an over-excitation curve for a piece of monitored equipment. The system may receive a plurality of measurements corresponding to electrical conditions associated with the piece of monitored equipment. A logarithmic interpolation subsystem may determine a logarithmic interpolation corresponding to one of the plurality of measurements based on the plurality of point pairs. An over-excitation detection subsystem may detect an over-excitation condition based on the logarithmic interpolation, and a protective action subsystem may implement a protective action based on the over-excitation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ritwik Chowdhury, Dale S. Finney, Normann Fischer, Matchyaraju Alla
  • Patent number: 11615933
    Abstract: A safety apparatus is a terminal shield having an indication circuit incorporated therein. The safety apparatus is usable with a circuit interrupter to overlie one or more terminals of the circuit interrupter that are connected with line and load conductors and to thereby form a circuit interrupter apparatus. The safety apparatus can be employed at the line side of a circuit interrupter, at the load side of a circuit interrupter, or at both sides of a circuit interrupter. The safety apparatus can be provided as part of a new circuit interrupter apparatus or can be provided to retrofit existing circuit interrupters. The indication circuit advantageously outputs from a top surface of the terminal shield one of a visual indication and an audible indication when one or more terminals of the circuit interrupter are electrified, thereby easily conveying to a technician the portions of the circuit interrupter that are electrified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James L. Lagree, Manuel Fernandez, Robert Griffin, Andy Smith, Joseph Williams, Jr., Colby Myron Coates
  • Patent number: 11615934
    Abstract: A method for identifying a type of fault condition with a circuit breaker includes detecting by the circuit breaker a fault condition of a plurality of fault conditions, storing in a memory device a trip code representing a type of the detected fault condition, interrupting current flow through the branch circuit in response to detecting the fault condition, and receiving a reset of the circuit breaker. The trip code may then be displayed in response to a momentary press of a test button that is a short duration press, and activating an LED interface in the circuit breaker to indicate the trip code representing the type of the detected fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall James Gass, Joseph R. Beierschmitt
  • Patent number: 11610749
    Abstract: A switched power receptacle that can be programmed to provide power for a user-selected duration in a user-selected cycle. The invention can be plugged into a conventional receptacle, extension cord, or other source of power. One or more user inputs and displays are provided so that the user can program the cycle for switching on the power (once every 2 days, once every 7 days, etc.). One or more user inputs are provided so that the user can select the duration of activation for each cycle (1 hour, 3 hours, etc.). Status indicators are preferably provided so that the user can easily monitor the operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel H. Yang
  • Patent number: 11610752
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system is provided; the circuit breaker system comprises of a transformer, a capacitor, a pulse generator, a EBWF fuse and a VCB, the circuit breaker system can interrupt rated load current, overload current, surge load current and short-circuit load current within 100 microseconds. The on-state voltage drop of the circuit breaker system is below 0.1V. The circuit breaker system interrupts load current by injecting a non-resonant pulse current to reduce the current between the contacts of the VCB, and circuit breaker system interrupts higher load current by detonating the EBWF fuse to force an open-circuit. The EBWF fuse comprises a detonator in the low terminal and a contacting bellows in the upper terminal. The EBWF fuse can be engaged and dis-engaged by a fuse holder system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Defang Yuan
  • Patent number: 11606695
    Abstract: Communication enabled circuit breakers are described. Methods associated with such communication enabled circuit breakers are also described. The communication enabled circuit breakers may include one or more current sensors. The one or more current sensors may be disposed in a clip. The clip may be coupled to a line side phase connection, and the clip may be shielded to attenuate signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Michael Ostrovsky, Michael Kamor, Adam Kevelos, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 11560066
    Abstract: A system for powering an electric vehicle (EV) includes a battery, a power distribution module, and a battery bypass module. The power distribution module receives power from a charging station, draws power from the battery in a discharging mode, distributes power from the charging station to the battery in a charging mode, and distributes power to a plurality of subsystems of the EV. The battery bypass module is coupled to the battery and the power distribution module. When the battery bypass module is engaged in a charging bypass mode, power distributed by the power distribution module bypasses the battery and is distributed to at least a subset of the plurality of subsystems of the EV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Ramon Ferguson, Adam Mandel-Senft, Brett Lee Rogers, Chase Kaufman, Jeffrey Brandon
  • Patent number: 11531056
    Abstract: The disclosure describes to techniques for detecting field failures or performance degradation of circuits, including integrated circuits (IC), by including additional contacts, i.e. terminals, along with the functional contacts that used for connecting the circuit to a system in which the circuit is a part. These additional contacts may be used to measure dynamic changing electrical characteristics over time e.g. voltage, current, temperature and impedance. These electrical characteristics may be representative of a certain failure mode and may be an indicator for circuit state-of-health (SOH), while the circuit is performing in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Irmgard Escher-Poeppel, Thorsten Meyer, Gerhard Poeppel
  • Patent number: 11515665
    Abstract: An electrical pin and sleeve device is disclosed. The pin and sleeve device incorporating one or more features to facilitate easier assembly. For example, the pin and sleeve device may include an interrupted thread or a multi-start thread for coupling a first or main housing portion to a second or front housing portion of the device. In this manner, the outer housing can be assembled together with minimal number of turns to facilitate easier and faster assembly. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the front housing portion and the main housing portion may include a key such as, for example, a releasable lock (e.g., a spring plunger assembly) for indexing/indicating the proper rotational position of the front housing relative to the main housing to limit or prevent over-rotation. Additionally, and/or alternatively, a hollow O-ring may be positioned between the first and second housing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Darius Bobelis, Amit Pai, Gaurav Surana, Robert Cannetti
  • Patent number: 11509128
    Abstract: A multi-port solid-state circuit breaker system includes a first electrical power bus, a second electrical power bus, and a plurality of breaker legs conductively coupled with the first electrical power bus and the second electrical power bus in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of breaker legs includes a first power semiconductor device coupled in series with a second power semiconductor device and an input/output port intermediate the first power semiconductor device and the second power semiconductor device. At least one of the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device includes an actively controlled switching device. A surge suppressor is conductively coupled in parallel with the plurality of breaker legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Song, Taosha Jiang, Antonello Antoniazzi
  • Patent number: 11493542
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes m power transistors (m is an integer of 2 or more) coupled in parallel each of which has a sense source terminal, a Kelvin terminal and a source terminal, a first average circuit that connects the first resistor and the second resistor in order between the sense source terminal and the Kelvin terminal and generates first to fourth average voltages and an arithmetic circuit that measures a first current value flowing through the sense source terminal from the first and second average voltages, measures a second current value flowing through the sense source terminal from the third and fourth average voltages and measures a current value flowing through the source terminal from the first to fourth average voltages and the first and second current values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Yokoi, Yusuke Ojima
  • Patent number: 11487550
    Abstract: Approaches in accordance with various embodiments provide for the management of system event data in a computing device. In particular, various embodiments provide an intelligent persistent buffer for system event log (SEL) messages. A SEL message can be generated by system BIOS on a computing device, which can send this message over an appropriate interface to a target recipient, such as the BMC. Instead of being received directly to the BMC, however, the SEL message can be received to a logic device, such as a CPLD, that is able to analyze the message, determine that the message relates to an important system event, and can cause this message to be stored to a persistent buffer. The BMC can then subsequently request the buffered SEL message from the logic device to take an appropriate action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Lawson Bevis, Nathan Pritchard, Robert Charles Swanson, Tinghui Wang
  • Patent number: 11488790
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a switch device, comprising: a first three-position switch; a second three-position switch disposed below the first three-position switch; a circuit breaker disposed between the first three-position switch and the second three-position switch. A first interlock unit is disposed above the circuit breaker and connected to the circuit breaker and the first three-position switch, and configured to block a manual operation of the first three-position switch in a closed state of the circuit breaker, and configured to block a manual closing operation of the circuit breaker while the first three-position switch is manually operated in an open state of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Congming Yan, Xingjie Chen, Liqun Huang, Huihuang Yang, Ziying Xiao