Surge Prevention (e.g., Choke Coil) Patents (Class 361/118)
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Publication number: 20140218834Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester comprising at least two mutually opposite fittings 3, at least one varistor block 5, which is arranged between the fittings 3, and at least one reinforcing element 7 in the form of a closed loop, which holds the fittings 3 and the varistor block 5 against one another under pressure. According to the invention, the reinforcing element 7 is held on each of the two fittings 3 in each case on at least two sides of the fitting 3. In this way, four sections 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d of the reinforcing element 7 are formed which extend from one fitting 3 to the other fitting 3 and ensure the mechanical stability of the surge arrester.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Hartmut Klaube, Christoph Koch
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Publication number: 20140218836Abstract: A surge arrester comprising stacked arrester units is provided that is that is easy to assemble. For that, a surge arrester comprises stacked arrester units, a capacitor, and a resilient element, where the resilient element electrically and mechanically connects the capacitor with a node of the arrester stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: EPCOS AGInventors: Peter Bobert, Frank Werner
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Patent number: 8796925Abstract: A discharge tube 10 includes first electrode 12, second electrode 14 and third electrode 16 which are arranged in parallel, airtight outer enclosure 22 including first tubular body 18 sandwiched between first electrode 12 and second electrode 14, and second tubular body 20 sandwiched between second electrode 14 and third electrode 16. Through-holes 24 is formed in second electrode 14 and allows internal spaces of first tubular body 18 and second tubular body 20 to communicate with each other. On first electrode 12 and third electrode 16, discharge electrode portions 26 are formed which protrude toward a center of airtight outer enclosure 22 and are disposed opposite to each other with discharge gap 28 provided in between, and discharge gas is filled in airtight outer enclosure 22. The discharge electrode portions 26 are inserted and arranged in through-hole 24 of second electrode 14.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Okaya Electric Industries, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Imai, Yoshikazu Hanamura, Takeshi Nishigata
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Publication number: 20140211359Abstract: A surge protection circuit includes a first terminal that is coupled to a transmission path, a second terminal that is coupled to a PHY circuit to transfer a signal on a physical layer, a clamping unit that is coupled so as to branch from a first line between the first terminal and the second terminal, the clamping unit clamping a voltage applied to the first terminal to a specific clamping voltage, and a first semiconductor switch that is arranged between the second terminal and a branching point at which the clamping unit branches from the first line, the first semiconductor switch having a rectification direction away from the second terminal toward the first terminal, the first semiconductor switch having a higher reverse breakdown voltage than a clamping voltage of the clamping unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Yasuhiro SENBA
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Publication number: 20140204496Abstract: Rack-mountable, tiltable surge protector housings for power surge protector accessibility are disclosed. Related assemblies, methods, and base station equipment are also disclosed. The surge protector housings may be installed in an equipment rack to support the surge protector housing for use. The surge protector housings support one or more surge protectors for receiving input power through the surge protector housing. The surge protector housing is configured to provide surge protected output power from the received input power. The surge protector housings include a front section having surge protectors supported therein. The front section can be tilted to provide convenient access to the surge protectors, such as during installation and replacement of surge protectors, and connecting power to and disconnecting power from the surge protectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Jose Martinez Sanchez, Arturo Sanchez Garcia, Fabiola Patricia Villanueva Tavares
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Patent number: 8786989Abstract: The electronic device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, a buffer connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and comprising a signal input, and means for protecting against electrostatic discharges likely to occur across at least a pair of nodes of the buffer. The device comprises at least one integrated structure connected between the two nodes and said signal input, containing at least one MOS transistor and forming both said protection means and at least a part of said buffer.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics SAInventors: Philippe Galy, Jean Jimenez
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Patent number: 8780519Abstract: A surge suppression system provides surge protection both locally within the radio station building were the power plant and telecommunication equipment are located and remotely next to the radios and antennas located outside of the building on the communication tower. An external surge suppression unit provides a waterproof enclosure for both surge suppression devices and fiber optic connectors. A rack mountable surge suppression unit provides local in-line surge suppression protection for the electrical equipment located in the communication station. A unique surge suppression tray is hot swappable so that multiple surge suppression devices can be replaced at the same time without disrupting radio operation. Pluggable surge suppression modules can be used in both the external surge suppression unit and the rack mountable surge suppression unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Raycap, S.A.Inventors: Douglas Wayne Miller, Konstantinos Samaras, Kelly Rae Richards, Anastasios Fragkos, Daniel Joseph Sullivan, Megaklis Marathias
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Patent number: 8780512Abstract: Various techniques for providing a low leakage electrostatic discharge (ESD) structure for non-contact bio-signal sensors are disclosed. In some embodiments, a low leakage ESD structure for a capacitive bio-sensor includes a unity gain buffer, and an ESD protection circuit connected to the unity gain buffer, in which the ESD protection circuit includes a diode connected across an input and an output of the unity gain buffer, and in which a voltage range for the ESD protection circuit is configurable.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: NeuroSky, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8767361Abstract: A protection circuit for an electronic circuit. The protection circuit comprises at least three diodes connected in series in such a manner that an anode terminal of a first diode is connected to a cathode terminal of a second diode to form a ring. A first terminal is connected between diodes of a first pair of consecutive diodes of the ring. A second terminal is connected between diodes of a second pair of consecutive diodes of the ring. The position of the first terminal is fixed and the position of the second terminal is selectable in such a manner that a pre-determined turn-on voltage of the at least three diodes is obtained. The diodes are formed under one or more bond pads of the electronic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Anadigics, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Sean Ozard
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Publication number: 20140175877Abstract: A building power management system employs a power manager and a plurality of load circuits (e.g., outlet circuits, appliances, equipment, etc.). In operation, the power manager senses (directly or indirectly) a source voltage at a power source node, sheds one or more of the load circuits from a power source node in response to the source voltage sagging below a source voltage limit, and reconnects shedded load circuit(s) to the power source node upon the source voltage exceeding the source voltage limit. Further, the program manager senses (directly or indirectly) a source current flowing through the power source node, sheds one or more of the load circuits from the power source node in response to the source current exceeding a source current limit, and reconnects shedded load circuit(s) to the power source node upon the source current sagging below the source current limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: William Baker
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Publication number: 20140177122Abstract: A protective device for transmitting electromagnetic signals includes an inner conductor that extends coaxially within an outer conductor. To compensate for dimensional tolerances without compromising performance, inner conductor is constructed to include a center pin with a conical end, a plunger pin slidably disposed within an axial bore in the center pin, the plunger pin including a conical end located outside the center pin, and a resilient, expandable, conductive band coaxially mounted onto the conical ends of the center and plunger pins. A gas discharge tube is conductively coupled between the inner and outer conductors to discharge transient voltages transmitted along the inner conductor. To minimize disturbance to the transmission line, the width of the gas discharge tube in the region of contact with the inner conductor is preferably equal to the diameter of the inner conductor. Additionally, the gas discharge tube is preferably greater in length than in width.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: George M. Kauffman
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Patent number: 8760218Abstract: A regulating system for an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) includes a clamping circuit coupled to the IGBT. The IGBT is coupled to a gate driver circuit. The regulating system also includes a feedback channel coupled to the clamping circuit. The feedback channel is configured to transmit signals representative of a conduction state of said clamping circuit. The regulating system further includes at least one gate driver controller coupled to the feedback channel and the gate driver circuit. The gate drive controller is configured to regulate temporal periodicities of the IGBT in an on-condition and an off-condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Huibin Zhu
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Patent number: 8755163Abstract: A three-phase AC power controller has three strands, each having an input and an output. Five pairs of valves are connected antiparallel for rotating field reversal. The first input is connected to the first output by way of a first pair, the second input is connected to the second output by way of a second pair and to the third output by way of a third pair, and the third input is connected to the second output by way of a fourth pair and to the third output by way of a fifth pair. An RC half-branch is connected as a snubber circuit to each input and to each output. These RC half-branches are each interconnected via a transverse connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Grammenos Nicoltsios, Heinz Pichorner
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Patent number: 8755157Abstract: Integrated circuit devices and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits thereof. An integrated circuit device may include an input/output pad, an internal circuit, and a transistor connected between the input/output pad and the internal circuit configured to perform a switch operation between the input/output pad and the internal circuit in response to a control signal transmitted from the internal circuit, and operate as an ESD protection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoungmok Son, Yong-Hoan Kim
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Patent number: 8749931Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection apparatus includes at least one first transistor and at least one second transistor. The first transistor includes a control terminal, a first terminal, a second terminal, and a bulk. The control terminal and the second terminal of the first transistor are coupled to each other. The first terminal of the first transistor is coupled to one of a pad and a power rail line. Likewise, the second transistor also includes a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the bulk of the first transistor, the bulk of the second transistor is coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and the second terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the other of the pad and the power rail line.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Faraday Technology Corp.Inventors: Fu-Yi Tsai, Chia-Ku Tsai, Yan-Hua Peng, Ming-Dou Ker
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Publication number: 20140139965Abstract: A surge arrester includes an insulator having a first insulator end and an opposite second insulator end, at least one first electric arc electrode attached in the region of the first insulator end, at least one second electric arc electrode attached in the region of the second insulator end, a fixing element made of electrically non-conductive material for mounting the surge protector on an external support, and at least one dish-shaped element to which the first electric arc electrode is assigned and the dish side wall of which at least partially laterally encloses the first electric arc electrode. The fixing element is attached laterally to the dish side wall of the dish-shaped element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Markus Sulitze
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Publication number: 20140139966Abstract: An electrode configuration for an electrical component, in particular a surge protector, includes two electrodes extending in a plate-shaped manner parallel to a radial plane relative to a connection axis of the electrodes, defining an axial direction. At least one electrode has a connection region lying in the radial plane and at least two, three or four ribbon-shaped strips each extending away from the connection region and at least partially in circumferential direction relative to the axial direction. A fault arc, occurring during a lightning strike, can be conducted outwards away from the electrical component and forced into rotation around the electrical component in an effective manner due to the ribbon-shaped strips at the outer edge of the connection region and at least two ribbon-shaped strips overlapping each other at a spacing with respect to their delimiting surfaces lying perpendicular to the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Markus Sulitze
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Patent number: 8730639Abstract: A surge suppression system provides surge protection both locally within the radio station building were the power plant and telecommunication equipment are located and remotely next to the radios and antennas located outside of the building on the communication tower. An aerodynamically shaped remote surge suppression unit provides a waterproof enclosure for both surge suppression devices and fiber optic connectors. The unit has reduced wind load and reduced weight and can be placed on a wide variety of different radio tower and building structures with tight space restrictions. A rack mountable surge suppression unit provides local in-line surge suppression protection for the electrical equipment located in the communication station. A unique surge suppression tray is hot swappable so that multiple surge suppression devices can be replaced at the same time without disrupting radio operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Raycap, S.A.Inventors: James Wilson, Douglas Wayne Miller
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Patent number: 8730640Abstract: A surge suppressor device includes a first housing defining a first cavity, input and output conductors disposed in the first cavity of the first housing, a capacitor connected in series with the input conductor and the output conductor, a first spiral inductor having an inner edge connected to the input conductor and an outer edge and a second spiral inductor having an inner edge connected to the output conductor and an outer edge. The surge suppressor device further includes a second housing defining a second cavity and connected to the first housing, a feed-through connecting the first cavity to the second cavity, a non-linear protection device positioned in the second cavity of the second housing and a first electrical wire passing through the feed-through and connecting the outer edge of the first spiral inductor to the non-linear protection device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Transtector Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chris Penwell, Karl C. Bartel
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Patent number: 8730637Abstract: A surge protection apparatus or method for opening a surge path upon failure of a surge protection element as a short. The surge protection device may include a switch controlled by a solenoid or other switch controlling component that changes a position of the switch if the surge protection element fails as a conductive element. A first position of the switch is configured to allow transmittal of a signal from a signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to a ground connection. A second position of the switch is configured to prevent transmittal of a signal from the signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to the ground connection. A delay may be added between the changing of the switch position after the surge protection element fails as a conductor. Visual or other notifiers may indicate when the switch is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Transtector Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan L. Jones, Louis Ki Won Chang
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Publication number: 20140133060Abstract: A surge arrester includes at least one resistor element and a cage in which the at least one resistor element is disposed. The cage includes an upper holder, a lower holder and at least three insulating rods, which are each held at one respective rod end thereof by the upper holder and at the other respective rod end thereof by the lower holder. The upper holder and the lower holder are configured in such a way that they each enable at least two different positions for at least one of the insulating rods, relative to the two holders, and the at least one insulating rod can be positioned differently relative to the two holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Ingo Gottschalk, Erhard Pippert, Dirk Springborn, Markus Sulitze
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Patent number: 8717723Abstract: A driver circuit of an integrated circuit is described. The driver circuit comprises a signal node coupled to receive an output signal of the integrated circuit; an inductor circuit having a resistor coupled in series with an inductor between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to the signal node; an electrostatic discharge protection circuit coupled to the second terminal of the inductor circuit; and an output node coupled to the second terminal of the inductor circuit. A method of generating an output signal is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: XILINX, Inc.Inventors: Vassili Kireev, Hsung J. Im
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Patent number: 8717732Abstract: A high voltage surge arrester, including a varistor element arranged so as to be connected to a high voltage source and to carry a high voltage when being positioned in its operative position, and an electric insulator that encloses and is in contact with the varistor element and forms an outer surface of the apparatus, wherein the electric insulator includes a silicone-based rubber. The silicone based rubber includes particles chosen from the group consisting of Al2O3, BN and ZnO, to such an extent that the thermal conductivity of the silicone-based rubber is equal to or above 0.8 W/mK.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Lennart Stenström, Linnea Petersson, Xavier Kornmann, Henrik Hillborg
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Patent number: 8711537Abstract: An electro-static discharge protection device includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped base in which insulating ceramic layers are laminated, a pair of discharge electrodes that are located inside the base and that include facing portions facing each other, and outer electrodes that are located on surfaces of the base and that are electrically connected to the discharge electrodes. The base includes a cavity therein, and the facing portions of the discharge electrodes are exposed in the cavity. The base has an hourglass shape in which the thickness of the insulating ceramic layers is gradually decreased from an area near both ends of the base to a central portion thereof with respect to both a longitudinal cross section passing through the center in the longitudinal direction of the base and a lateral cross section passing through the center in the lateral direction of the base.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Adachi
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Patent number: 8705221Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester which, in a housing (7), has at least one arrester element (3), in particular a varistor, a solder-fixed thermal disconnection point (5), which is connected to the arrester element, and a damage indicating device (11) for displaying the fault state, wherein the damage indicating device also queries the state of a thermal disconnection device, in particular a fuse, and presents the possible fault states of the arrester element and of the disconnection device mechanically in an OR combination in a suitable way. Furthermore the thermal disconnection device comprises a movable component, which is fixed by an indicator wire and is released after the melting or destruction of said wire. According to the invention, a guide part (9) for a compression spring (10) or similar force accumulator is provided on or in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Richard Daum
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Patent number: 8699197Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and thermal disconnect assembly carrying a separable contact bridge movable along a linear axis to disconnect the varistor element from external circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Piyush K. Saxena, William Charles Giancola, Keith Allen Spalding
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Patent number: 8699198Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and a disconnect element carrying a separable contact along a linear axis to disconnect the varistor element from external circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Keith Allen Spalding
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Publication number: 20140092514Abstract: A modular lightning surge protection apparatus is applied to a single-phase three-wire power system with a line, a neutral, and a ground. The modular lightning surge protection apparatus includes a substrate, a surge protection unit, a first temperature fuse, and a second temperature fuse. The surge protection unit has a first surge protection element, a second surge protection element, and a third surge protection element to form a wye connection or a delta connection structure. Furthermore, the surge protection unit, the first temperature fuse, and the second temperature fuse are electrically connected on the substrate to form a small-scale modular circuit integration structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: CERAMATE TECHNICAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Hsun-Hua CHEN
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Publication number: 20140085764Abstract: A gap assembly for a arrester includes a spark gap assembly and an MOV block disposed electrically in series with the spark gap assembly. The spark gap assembly includes a resistor, a capacitor disposed electrically in series with the resistor and a spark gap disposed electrically parallel to the resistor and to the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATEDInventors: Xingniu HUO, Dennis Wilbur LENK, Bo GAO, Hongsheng GUO
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Publication number: 20140085096Abstract: A surge protector for use with a two line signal path or control circuit. The surge protector has two terminals for connecting to both line signals as well as provisions for earth grounding. The surge protector has a surge protection stage and a short detection stage for detecting imbalances in the signal. The surge protector also includes a trigger stage which activates an electromechanical device to disconnect the two terminals from the rest of the surge protector when the short detection stage detects a short. The surge protector further includes visual indicators for indicating an operating status and a short detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Transtector Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan L. Jones, Chris Penwell
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Patent number: 8681464Abstract: A voltage suppressor component including a semiconductor layer; a first port mounted on the semiconductor layer and configured to receive electrical power; a second port mounted on the semiconductor layer and configured to provide the electrical power, and a fuse in electrical series between the first port and the second port and mounted on the semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Pasi Oskar Nummila, Juha Kalevi Tulonen
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Publication number: 20140078634Abstract: An insulator housing suitable for electrical products for high voltage, for example, surge arresters, breakers or bushings. The insulator housing includes a first cylindrical end and a second cylindrical end having a hollow insulator body. The first end and/or second end is provided with a cylindrical flange for attaching the insulator housing to an external device at a first end of the flange. A strengthening element is arranged at a second end of the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Anders Kampe, Daniel Johansson, Kerstin Ekeroth Reijm
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Patent number: 8670221Abstract: A terminal block is disclosed that integrates a surge protection base, a disconnect and connection points to provide a Kelvin connection in which a surge protection element is in electrical communication with the ground and the connection points for incoming and outgoing wires. The terminal block includes a terminal body having a terminal body housing, a plurality of conductive elements arranged within the terminal body to create a continuous electrical path therethrough and a disconnect switch integral the terminal body, the switch arranged to open the continuous electrical path and expose a terminal. The terminal body is configured to receive a surge protection element and the surge protection element, when received in the terminal body, forms a portion of the continuous electrical path.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Christopher Jon Laubach, Russell David Moser, David Michael McClellan, Scott Keith Mickievicz, Michael P. Lacey
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Patent number: 8665577Abstract: A safe area voltage regulator is provided that includes a loss element, a distributed shunt regulator and an output terminal. The loss element component is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and includes a plurality of loss elements connected in series. The distributed shunt regulator is made up of a plurality of shunt regulators connected in parallel and is configured to regulate a peak voltage of a voltage signal to below a maximum voltage threshold. The output terminal is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and configured to output the voltage signal with the regulated peak voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: David O. Levan, Munroe C. Clayton
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Patent number: 8665571Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated circuit protection are provided. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a first protection subcircuit coupled between the first pad and a common node, a second protection subcircuit coupled between the second pad and the common node, and a third protection subcircuit coupled between the third pad and the common node. The first, second, and third protection subcircuits each include one or more building blocks for maintaining the voltage of each of the pads within a predefined safe range, as well as to maintain the voltage between each of the pads within acceptable limits. A portion of the building blocks used to provide transient signal protection can be shared between pads, thereby reducing the area of the pad protection circuit relative to a scheme using a separate stack of building blocks for each pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Javier A Salcedo, Paul Cheung
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Publication number: 20140055898Abstract: A circuit protection device includes an overvoltage monitor circuit that is operable to monitor a power supply circuit to detect an overvoltage condition on the power supply circuit and to change a state of an overvoltage output responsive to the overvoltage condition on the power supply circuit. A bi-directional switch is operable to interrupt or limit current flow though the power supply circuit responsive to the change in the state of the overvoltage output. A bi-directional voltage limiter is connected across output terminals of the circuit protection device and is operable to limit an overvoltage to a predefined voltage limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Raycap CorporationInventors: Grigoris Kostakis, Evaggelia Giannelaki, Thomas Tsovilis, Zafiris Politis, Konstantinos Samaras
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Patent number: 8643996Abstract: A fine arrestor having a body with a bore there through, an inner conductor within the bore, an inner conductor capacitor within the bore coupled between a surge portion of the inner conductor and a protected portion of the inner conductor, and an inner conductor inductor within the bore coupled electrically in parallel with the inner conductor capacitor. A first shorting portion coupled between the surge portion of the inner conductor and the body and a second shorting portion coupled between the protected portion of the inner conductor and the body, for conducting a surge to ground. Also, other coaxial in-line assemblies may be formed incorporating the inner conductor cavity for isolation of enclosed electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Andrew LLCInventors: Frank A Harwath, Tom King, Joon Lee
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Patent number: 8643988Abstract: An electro-static-discharge (ESD) protection circuit is a power clamp between a high-voltage power supply VDDH and a ground. The power clamp protects high-voltage transistors in a first core and low-voltage transistors in a second core using a low-voltage clamp transistor. The low-voltage transistors have lower power-supply and snap-back voltages than the high-voltage transistors. Trigger circuits are triggered when an ESD pulse is detected on VDDH. One trigger circuit enables a gate of the low-voltage clamp transistor. A series of diodes connected between VDDH and a drain of the clamp transistor prevents latch up or snap-back during normal operation. During an ESD pulse, the series of diodes is briefly bypassed by a p-channel bypass transistor when a second trigger circuit activates an initial trigger transistor which pulses the gate of the p-channel bypass transistor low for a period of time set by an R-C network in the second trigger circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute Company Ltd.Inventor: Kwok Kuen (David) Kwong
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Patent number: 8638537Abstract: A line protection system described herein provides reliable electro-mechanical connections between system components, reduces mechanical stresses on a disconnector, assures more effective disconnection of a failed arrestor, and is lower in cost than existing systems. The line protection system includes a surge arrestor, a disconnector coupled to the surge arrestor, and a line lead coupled to the disconnector. The line lead generally is a high strength cable and/or the line protection system generally does not include a shunt bypass assembly. Upon exposure to a high voltage condition, the disconnector actuates and separates the line lead from the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Jeffrey J. Kester, Charles W. Daley, James A. Strong
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Patent number: 8634176Abstract: An overvoltage protector having a housing and at least one overvoltage limiter arranged in the housing, especially a gas-filled surge arrester (1), a suppressor diode (2) or a varistor. The functional ability and the state of the overvoltage protector can be controlled during operation by associating a monitoring component with the overvoltage limiter which detects a current (i) flowing over the overvoltage limiter component, and by providing an evaluation unit that evaluates the signal of the monitoring component.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH Co. KGInventors: Friedrich-Eckhard Brand, Steffen Pfoertner, Bernd Pötzsch
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Patent number: 8619412Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dave Greenblat, Brandon W. Ewing
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Patent number: 8611059Abstract: A high voltage device includes a high voltage transistor and a protection device. The high voltage transistor has a first end and a second end, in which the first end is coupled to a voltage input/output terminal. The protection device is coupled between the second end of the high voltage transistor and a ground terminal, and has a parasitical equivalent circuit. When the voltage input/output terminal is charged based on positive ESD charges, the current corresponding to the positive ESD charges flows from the voltage input/output terminal through the high voltage transistor and the equivalent circuit in the protection device toward the ground terminal. A power management circuit is also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Nuvoton Technology CorporationInventors: Che-Hung Chen, Yu-Ti Su
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Patent number: 8611058Abstract: Circuits, integrated circuits, apparatuses, and methods, such as those for protecting circuits against electrostatic discharge events are disclosed. In an example method, a thyristor is triggered to conduct current from a signal node to a reference voltage node using leakage currents provided by a transistor formed in a semiconductor doped well shared with the base of the thyristor. The leakage currents are responsive to a noise event (e.g., electrostatic discharge (ESD) event) at the signal node, and increase the voltage of the semiconductor doped well to forward bias the base and the collector of the thyristor. The triggered thyristor conducts the current resulting from the ESD event to the reference voltage node.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Xaiofeng Fan, Michael D. Chaine
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Patent number: 8610351Abstract: [Problems] Disclosed is a surge absorber which can absorb a surge having a long wave tail, wherein a stable sparkover voltage is obtained without applying a discharging aid to electrodes. [Means for Solving the Problems] The surge absorber is comprised of a pair of terminal electrode members (2) which are opposed to each other; and the insulation tube (3) on which the pair of terminal electrode members (2) are disposed on opposite ends thereof and that has a discharge control gas sealed therein. Bulging electrode elements (4) having an expanded center portion (4a) are formed on the inner surfaces of the terminal electrode members (2). The bulging electrode elements (4) contain metal which can emit more electrons than the terminal electrode members (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Ogi
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Publication number: 20130321970Abstract: A surge protection circuit having an open circuit voltage surge protector, such as a gas discharge tube (GDT), a closed circuit current surge protector, such as a thermistor, and a thyristor. The GDT has a breakdown voltage that is at least a first defined amount higher than an anticipated highest peak voltage. The thermistor has a series resistance associated with a series resistance of electrical equipment being protected and a breakdown voltage that is at least a second defined amount higher than an impulse voltage (voltage required to excite the GDT based on the breakdown voltage) for the GDT. The thyristor has a rated peak current at least a third defined amount greater than a peak current for the thermistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: General Instrument CorporationInventor: David C. Miller
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Patent number: 8599528Abstract: A surge protection circuit to reduce capacitance inherent of standard diode packaging and to improve voltage clamping reaction speeds under high surge conditions. The surge protection circuit has a coil having a first end and a second end and a diode cell having a top layer, a center diode junction, and a bottom layer. The top layer is directly connected to the second end of the coil and the bottom layer is directly connected to a ground. The diode cell has no wire leads.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Transtector Systems, Inc.Inventors: Karl C. Bartel, Chris Penwell
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Patent number: 8599524Abstract: A spark gap device includes an optional insulating layer formed on a substrate, a metal layer formed on a surface of the insulating layer, a solder resist layer formed on a surface of the metal layer, and first and second contacts. The metal layer includes a central portion and a peripheral portion separated by an air gap that surrounds the central portion of the metal layer and exposes the insulating layer. The solder resist layer includes a central portion disposed on the central portion of the metal layer having a first opening exposing a central region of the central portion of the metal layer, and a peripheral portion disposed on the peripheral portion of the metal layer having a second opening exposing a peripheral region of the peripheral portion of the metal layer. The first contact is formed in the first opening and the second contact is formed in the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.Inventors: David Scott Whitefield, Kenneth Warren
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Patent number: 8599522Abstract: A circuit interrupter, such as a GFCI or AFCI product, is provided having a suppression and protection circuit and circuit interrupter circuitry. In one configuration, a semiconductor device and a voltage clamping device or surge protector, such as a metal oxide varistor (MOV), are utilized in the circuit interrupter for handling transient surges and overvoltage conditions. The semiconductor device, such as a SIDCA and a TVS diode, is connected to a solenoid or trip coil of the circuit interrupter circuitry to limit the amount of current through the semiconductor device. The MOV is placed between phase and neutral conductors of the circuit interrupter circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Aleksandr Aronov, Michael Ostrovsky, John LiBretto
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Patent number: 8598899Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit connected to protect electrical components from overvoltage conditions includes a blocking diode connected in series with a transient voltage suppression device (TVS) via a first node and includes a reference voltage for biasing the first node at a voltage sufficient to reverse bias the blocking diode during normal operations. A built-in test circuit associated with the overvoltage protection circuit includes a resistor connected to the first node and a switch connected in series with the resistor that is selectively turned On and Off. The built-in test circuit monitors voltage on a control line associated with the electrical components and at the first node while the switch is Off and while the switch is On, and detects fault conditions based on the monitored voltages.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Gary L. Hess
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Patent number: 8593775Abstract: A surge arrester includes an active part, two electrodes resting against the active part and a connecting element. The active part and the electrodes are arranged in the connecting element. The connecting element is produced in an injection molding method or die-casting method, in which the connecting element shrinks during its production. As a result, the electrodes are firmly pressed against the active part.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Lutz Gebhardt, Daniel Egger, Daniel Neeser, Dieter Schön