Control Circuits For Electromagnetic Devices Patents (Class 361/139)
  • Patent number: 8576534
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic magnetic contactor, the contactor including: an operation power supply unit inputting an operation power; an electronic switch driving unit receiving a power from the operation power supply unit to drive a power supply of a load; a switching unit switched by a pulse signal to drive the electronic switch driving unit; an operation state determination unit determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is in an opened state or in a closed state; an input voltage sensing unit sensing an amplitude of an input voltage supplied from the operation power supply unit; and an input signal generation unit generating an input signal for determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is inputted based on determined state by the operation state determination unit and the sensed amplitude by the input voltage sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Hyuk Choi
  • Patent number: 8561594
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine controller, a clock trouble determination signal from a clock trouble determining circuit that diagnoses any clock input trouble is transmitted in parallel with an abnormality diagnosis signal outputted from an abnormality diagnosing circuit and causes it to be inputted to a trouble/abnormality signal output circuit, and the trouble/abnormality signal output circuit achieves logical summing to output one line of resultant trouble/abnormality output OR signals to a microprocessor (MP). The MP outputs to the trouble/abnormality signal output circuit a trouble/abnormality confirmation input signal, and makes definite any of an abnormal state, a clock trouble state and a normal state based on the result of switching control of the status level of the pertinent trouble/abnormality output OR signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Oura, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Takuya Mayuzumi, Masahiro Toyohara
  • Publication number: 20130242451
    Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator, includes a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising, for example, one or more permanent or electromagnets, and/or magnetorheological fluid, and configured to produce a holding force less than the capacity of the actuator, and more preferably, a modifiable holding force responsive to load influencing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Nilesh D. Mankame, Paul W. Alexander, Pablo D. Zavattieri
  • Patent number: 8531813
    Abstract: A method and system for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet wherein known problems associated with DC power circuit interruptions are substantially reduced. The system includes a generator coupled to an electromagnet, the generator being powered by a power supply through a first set of contactors which are configured to open and close a first circuit between the power source and the generator coupled to the magnet to start and stop a lifting sequence, wherein the first circuit includes a first bridge rectifier, a reactance element, and a first resistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ephaugh, Inc.
    Inventor: John Samila
  • Patent number: 8520356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller for controlling an excitation current of a relay, wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the energization of the relay by means of a switch, to control the excitation current through the excitation winding of the relay in such a way that through the excitation winding there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch, to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding to the commutation device through the first terminal and through the second terminal of the relay controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Lenz
  • Publication number: 20130208389
    Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-turn structure for an inductor having a plurality of conductor layers separated by layers of insulator is described. The inductor further comprises a connector electrically connected between the conductor layers. The structure of the inductor may comprise a cavity therewithin. The structure of the inductor constructed such that electrical resistance is reduced therewithin, thus increasing the efficiency of the inductor. The inductor is particularly useful at operating within the radio frequency range and greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: NUCURRENT, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130208390
    Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-turn structure for an inductor having a plurality of conductor layers separated by layers of insulator is described. The inductor further comprises a connector electrically connected between the conductor layers. The structure of the inductor may comprise a cavity therewithin. The structure of the inductor constructed such that electrical resistance is reduced therewithin, thus increasing the efficiency of the inductor. The inductor is particularly useful at operating within the radio frequency range and greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NUCURRENT, INC.
    Inventor: NUCURRENT, INC.
  • Patent number: 8508905
    Abstract: A coil-driving apparatus of an electro magnetic contactor is disclosed, which replaces the main units in an analog scheme with those in a digital scheme using a PWM controller of low power consumption to reduce the number of the analog components, minimize power consumption, and controls a constant voltage that flows on the coil by receiving the feedback current flowing on the coil, whereby error and defect generation rates are reduced, and deterioration and burning of components are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Moon Baek
  • Publication number: 20130201589
    Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-turn structure for an inductor having a plurality of conductor layers separated by layers of insulator is described. The inductor further comprises a connector electrically connected between the conductor layers. The structure of the inductor may comprise a cavity therewithin. The structure of the inductor constructed such that electrical resistance is reduced therewithin, thus increasing the efficiency of the inductor. The inductor is particularly useful at operating within the radio frequency range and greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: NuCurrent, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8488292
    Abstract: A magnetic-field generating device includes at least one magnetic-field generator configured to generate a magnetic field so as to provide at least one magnetic gap for receiving objects upon which the magnetic field acts. At least one magnetic-field measuring device is disposed within a measuring-device receiving region outside of the magnetic gap. The at least one magnetic-field measuring device is configured to provide at least one measurement signal useable as an input signal for controlling the at least one magnetic-field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GSI Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Steiner
  • Patent number: 8416551
    Abstract: A starter including a double contact electromagnetic contactor (10) having an electrically controllable micro-actuator of the micro-solenoid type and an associated electronic control device (ECC). The electronic control device includes a first transistor commutation (T1, T2, CZ2, RC1, RC3, SL) to control the excitation of a pull-in winding (La) of the contactor and a second transistor commutation (T3, CZ2, RC2) to control the excitation of the micro-actuator. The second transistor commutation controls the excitation of the micro-actuator (MS) for a predetermined duration after activation of the electronic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Equipments Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: Stéphane Plaideau
  • Patent number: 8351177
    Abstract: A method for discharging an industrial lifting magnet quickly without producing a high voltage transient is presented. Most of the stored magnetic energy is dissipated in the magnet itself by connecting a diode across the magnet in the appropriate direction at discharge time using switching devices. One variation, suitable for smaller magnets, discharges the remaining energy using DC capacitors and a diode switching network. Another variation, suitable for magnets of any size, discharges most of the remaining energy in a power resistor of modest size using a system of diodes and switching devices in conjunction with a relatively small AC capacitor across the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Allen Weed
  • Publication number: 20130003244
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a transformer in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, signals may be transmitted and/or received via an antenna communicatively coupled to a transformer embedded in multi-layer integrated circuit package. The windings ratio of the transformer may be configured based on an impedance of the antenna, an impedance of a transmitter coupled to the transformer, an impedance of an LNA coupled to the transformer, and/or a power level of the received and/or transmitted signals. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switching elements which may be MEMS switches embedded in the multi-layer IC package. The transformer may comprise a plurality of loops fabricated on a corresponding plurality of metal layers in the multi-layer IC package, and the loops may be communicatively coupled with one or more vias. The multi-layer IC package may comprise ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8330713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive display device with an integrated mechanical operating part for motor vehicles, in which a mechanical operating part (2) and a holding magnet (3) are provided. The operating part (2) is held by magnetic force on the surface of a touch-sensitive display device (1), whereby sensor elements (5) are provided under the surface of the display device (1), and that the switching positions of the operating part (2) can be determined by the sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Stelandre, Thomas Sulzbach
  • Patent number: 8320096
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a controlled fashion to accomplish a soft start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Global Digital Instruments LLC
    Inventor: Sean O. Harnett
  • Publication number: 20120240643
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a locking device. The controller has an actuation unit having at least two switchable control states for actuating an electromechanical actuator, wherein the locking device can be locked in the first control state by the actuator and can be released in the second control state. The controller has a first deactivation device which is arranged upstream of the actuation unit in the signal flow and is configured in such a way that only the first control state can be blocked by the first deactivation device and the second control state cannot be influenced by the first deactivation device. The invention also relates to a steering wheel lock having a latching element, a counter-latching element in the force flux of a steering system and an electromechanical actuator which can move the latching element into engagement with the counter-latching element and is actuated by the described electronic controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Kleineberg
  • Patent number: 8270140
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a set of bi-stable solenoids for locking applications which eliminates the direct connection of the power supply and solenoid by introducing a capacitor and a switch between the power supply and solenoid, thus eliminating the need of a dedicated h-bridge for every solenoid, and reducing the control lines required for each solenoid such that after the initial control lines, every subsequent solenoid requires only one control line to select the appropriate solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: RFID Mexico, S.A. DE C.V
    Inventors: Rafael Guillermo Ramos Elizondo, Antonio Vidaurri Ojeda
  • Patent number: 8264810
    Abstract: Electrically assisted safing of a solenoid linear actuator to provide shock tolerance is provided for a solenoid actuator, the actuator having an armature and at least one electromagnetic inductive coil. A controller, receiving an output from a motion sensor, adjusts an electrical power input to the electromagnetic inductive coil. When the output of the motion sensor indicates onset of an environmental transient exceeding a predetermined threshold of intensity, the controller adjusts the electrical power input such that an electromagnetic field generated by the coil is sufficient to restrain the armature in a desired position during the environmental transient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: DRS Power & Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Wellner, Alvin R. Zemlicka, Richard F. Schmerda
  • Patent number: 8254077
    Abstract: A solenoid valve driving circuit for a solenoid valve includes a current detector for detecting a current that flows in a solenoid coil, a rate of change over time calculating unit for calculating a rate of change over time of the detected current, and a maintaining state transition determining unit for determining a timing at which transition from a first period to a second period occurs based on the calculated rate of change over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Shigeharu Oide, Takayoshi Hatou, Hidenori Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8223469
    Abstract: A circuit fault detector and interrupter which consists of parallel current conduction paths, including a path through a mechanical contactor and a path through a power electronics switch having active feedback control. A fault can be detected by a fault detection circuit within 50 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, causing the mechanical contactor to be opened and the fault current to be commutated via a laminated, low-inductance bus through the power electronics switch. The power electronics switch is thereafter turned off as soon as possible, interrupting the fault current and absorbing the inductive energy in the circuit. The fault current can be interrupted within 200 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, and the device reduces or eliminates arcing when the mechanical contactor is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: SPD Electrical Systems
    Inventor: John P. Barber
  • Patent number: 8219258
    Abstract: A method of queuing access to a power supply shared by a set of electrical access points. The access points turn on independently from one another and thus have independent power draws. Each access point has a specific power draw when on. The on state and associated power draw of each of access point is identified, and a load duration curve for each access point is normalized (i.e., combined with load duration curve(s)) from the other access points) into a probability distribution function. The probability distribution function is a normalized load duration curve that thus accounts for a varying set of “operating states” that may occur with respect to the set of access points (when viewed collectively). Each operating state has an associated probability of occurrence. As the operating state of the set (of access points) changes, access to the power supply is selectively queued, or de-queued (if previously queued).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: eCurv, Inc.
    Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 8213150
    Abstract: In an embodiment according to the invention, the controller for a solenoid in an electromechanical lock is arranged to generate motion power to move the solenoid plunger and holding power to hold the solenoid plunger in place so that the motion power generated consists of a higher power level and a lower power level that are alternating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Markku Jurvanen, Pasi Kervinen, Mika Purmonen
  • Patent number: 8189316
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve control circuit of a hydraulic valve comprises an external voltage supply, an output stage having a voltage supply input and at least one output configured to actuate an actuator of the hydraulic valve, an overcurrent protective device disposed in a path between the external voltage supply and the voltage supply input, an enable input configured to activate and deactivate the output stage, and a switch configured to connect the at least one output to a fixed potential when the output stage is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Keller
  • Patent number: 8159806
    Abstract: A bistable electromagnetic actuator comprising a magnetic circuit comprising a magnetic yoke in which a shunt extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of said yoke and comprising a permanent magnet positioned between a first surface of the yoke and the shunt. A plunger core is fitted with axial sliding between a latched position and an unlatched position. A coil extending between the shunt and a second surface of the yoke is designed to generate a first magnetic control flux to move the plunger core from an unlatched position to a latched position. A second magnetic control flux enables the plunger core to move from the latched position to the unlatched position by the action of a return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Cartier-Millon, Gilles Cortese, Cédric Bricquet, Hugues Filiputti, Michel Lauraire
  • Patent number: 8154841
    Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods which prolong relay life by dynamically compensating the make and break contact timing between the contact points of the relay and a zero crossing point of the power supply's waveform are provided according to the present disclosure. The life cycle of the relay components are dramatically increased through the use of these assemblies, systems, and methods due to a decrease in arcing and other physically damaging phenomena between the contacts of the relay. The present disclosure also provides for assemblies, systems, and methods whereby a processor analyzes the inductive kickback effect in the relay load voltage signal and dynamically adjust the relay open time such that the inductive kickback effect is minimized. In exemplary embodiments, the systems/methods provided herein advantageously adjust the relay open time such that the relay switching time corresponds with current zero cross and do so without requiring complicated current monitoring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Legrand Home Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Allen, David Smith
  • Patent number: 8154840
    Abstract: A method for controlling the displacement of a stack of a piezoelectric actuator adapted for use in a fuel injector in order to control the fuel injection rate and volume. The method comprises driving a varying current through the stack during an opening phase including a first opening stage and a second opening stage; driving the stack during the first opening stage with a first opening current level for a first opening time period and driving the stack during the second opening stage with a second opening current level for a second opening time period. The second opening current level is less than the first opening current level and the current levels are selected so that the fuel injection rate in the opening phase includes a first portion corresponding to the first opening stage having a gradient that is steeper than a second portion corresponding to the second opening stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies Holding S.arl
    Inventors: Martin Paul Hardy, Adrian R. Tolliday
  • Patent number: 8149556
    Abstract: A power adapter for an electronic device selectively works in different modes according to a working state signal of the electronic device. When the electronic device is powered off or on with a battery in a determined charge state, the power adapter controls a relay to turn off the relay to disconnect power to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Ta Tai, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Li-Chung Sun, Teng-Feng Zou, Jui-Ting Hung, Yi-Bin Hwang
  • Patent number: 8144447
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine controller comprises a current or voltage source for controlling a potential at a diagnosis position in order to ensure a high-precision fault diagnosis, even if the drive cycle of the electromagnetic load (such as a fuel injector), in the internal combustion engine is shorted. Diagnosis timing is optimally set or the number of determinations for averaging is increased in order to ensure high-precision fault diagnosis without being influenced by unexpected disturbance such as noises. In fault diagnosis of a regeneration circuit into a booster circuit, either an input/output voltage or the regeneration current of a driver of the electromagnetic load is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Oura, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Takuya Mayuzumi, Kaneyuki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8107210
    Abstract: A control method of the magnetic actuator system includes the following steps. A first initial orientation step is to move a magnetic actuator to a first position in accordance with a first position signal, and generate a first position sense signal by a position sensor. A second initial orientation step is to move the magnetic actuator to a second position in accordance with a second position signal, and generate a second position sense signal by the position sensor. An orientation step is to perform an interpolation in accordance with the above signals and a target position signal to obtain a target position sense signal. A moving step is to move the magnetic actuator to an actual position in accordance with the target position signal, and output an actual position sense signal by the position sensor. An adjustment step is to move the magnetic actuator to a target position in accordance with the target position sense signal and the actual position sense signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Chang, Chii-How Chang
  • Patent number: 8102636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic field generation device comprising a magnetic field generating element (101) and a limiter (103) for limiting a magnitude of a current through the magnetic field generating element (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas Johnson, Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toonder, Murray Fulton Gillies, Marc Wilhelmus Gijsbert Ponjee
  • Patent number: 8098472
    Abstract: A system for driving an electromagnetic field generator. In one aspect, the system may include a plurality of transistors arranged in an H-bridge configuration, the H-bridge having first and second output terminals, first and second switching inputs, and a power input. The system may further include a control transistor coupling the power input to a power supply, and a diode having a cathode coupled to the power input and an anode coupled to ground. The first and second output terminals may be coupled to the electromagnetic field generator and the first and second switching inputs may receive switching signals based on an output of the electromagnetic field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Extremely Ingenious Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Messer
  • Publication number: 20110273811
    Abstract: A starter including a double contact electromagnetic contactor (10) having an electrically controllable micro-actuator of the micro-solenoid type and an associated electronic control device (ECC). The electronic control device includes a first transistor commutation (T1, T2, CZ2, RC1, RC3, SL) to control the excitation of a pull-in winding (La) of the contactor and a second transistor commutation (T3, CZ2, RC2) to control the excitation of the micro-actuator. The second transistor commutation controls the excitation of the micro-actuator (MS) for a predetermined duration after activation of the electronic control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Stéphane PLAIDEAU
  • Patent number: 8040654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller (500) for controlling an excitation current of a relay (300), wherein the relay controller (500) is designed, upon the energization of the relay (300) by means of a switch (210, 211, 221), to control the excitation current through the excitation winding (310) of the relay (300) in such a way that through the excitation winding (310) there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller (500) is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch (210, 211, 221), to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding (310) to the commutation device (400) through the first terminal (501) and through the second terminal (502) of the relay controller (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Michael Lenz
  • Patent number: 8040210
    Abstract: A switching contact, an electromagnetically operated electromagnet for driving the switching contact, and a drive power source device for driving the electromagnetically operated electromagnet. The electromagnetically operated electromagnet includes a movable core coupled to a movable contact of the switching contact, a fixed core located in a peripheral portion of the movable core, and coils wound around the movable core and the fixed core. Currents are supplied to the coils to drive the movable core. Capacitors store charges for supplying the current to the coils. Resistors are arranged in series with a path through which the capacitors are connected with the coils of the electromagnetically operated electromagnet and through which a current for closing operation flows. Capacitances of the capacitors and values of the resistors are controlled to adjust a supplied current characteristic to the electromagnetically operated electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tae Hyun Kim, Akihiko Maruyama, Tomotaka Yano
  • Patent number: 8023242
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit array with a relay (K1; K12) incorporating a field coil (E) as well as a switch contact (1a, 1b), said switch contact (1a, 1b) being provided as a switch point between a grid, in particular a mains supply (N), and an inverter (WR) fed by a direct voltage source, in particular by a photovoltaic generator (PVG), said relay (K1; K12) being configured to be a bistable relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Hannes Knopf, Andreas Jeppe, Burkard Mueller
  • Patent number: 8022657
    Abstract: A control circuit for a washing machine that avoids contact bounce short circuit failures is provided. A washing machine that utilizes an induction motor including a starting winding used to start rotation of the motor at the beginning of a cycle. Such washing machines require that the motor be operated in both directions during different cycles. To enable such operation, a mechanical timer uses a pair of single pole, double throw switches in a switching assembly to reverse the L1 and neutral connections to the starter winding. To avoid the contact shorting problem, the control wiring runs either the L1 or neutral side of the voltage source, or both, through the centrifugal switch to open the input contact(s) once the motor has reached its operating speed. Then, if the switching assembly has L1 and N contacts touching at the same time, it will not result in a dead short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Richard Louis Elkin
  • Patent number: 8018708
    Abstract: A method for magnetically compensating the magnetic field distortion occasioned by a ferromagnetic portion of the hull of a vessel includes providing a plurality of electromagnets at predetermined locations throughout the vessel replacing the conventional ship-sized air coils and controlling the amount of energizing current provided to each of the plurality of electromagnets, appropriate magnetic field is generated for compensating the magnetic field distortion using a fraction of energizing DC current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Dana L. Day
  • Patent number: 7992850
    Abstract: A method for operating an electromagnetic lift that includes a generator-driven electromagnet comprises adjusting a position of the electromagnet, in response to a first position command. Upon receiving a lift command, an output power level of a generator is established at a predetermined level above a predefined normal power level. In response to an excess release command, the output power level is set to a first predetermined level below the normal power level. In response to a transport command, the output power level is established as approximately the normal power level. Upon receiving a release command, the output power level is established at a second predetermined level below the normal power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Zhang, Timothy Lynn Cooper, James Ivan Portscheller
  • Patent number: 7990744
    Abstract: A power supply saving system includes a power input interface, a power output interface, an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a trigger, and a timing sequence circuit. The AC/DC converter is capable of transforming the AC power signal to direct current (DC) power to supply to the relay, the relay driving circuit, the trigger, and the timing sequence circuit. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn on the relay to connect the power input interface to the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-on signal. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn off the relay to cut off connection between the power input interface and the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-off signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Ta Tai, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Teng-Feng Zou
  • Publication number: 20110170224
    Abstract: A method determines a change in the activation state of an electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Herbert Gietler, Heinz Zitta
  • Publication number: 20110162615
    Abstract: A method for generating and applying at least one voltage pulse, which provides a cleaning effect for a stop switch, to a stop connection assigned to the stop switch, which stop connection is provided on a digitally controlled magnetic ignition circuit of an electrical device, wherein the magnetic ignition circuit generates a voltage wave series from half waves, the amplitude of which decreases over time, and/or at least one voltage pulse in a medium voltage range, wherein if a voltage wave series is generated, at least one later half wave in the voltage wave series, which half wave follows the first half wave temporally and therefore has a lower amplitude, is applied as a voltage pulse to the stop connection, and/or in that if at least one voltage pulse in a medium voltage range of 12 V to 50 V is generated, the one or more voltage pulses are applied to the stop connection and thereby exert a cleaning effect on the stop switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: PRUFREX ENGINEERING E MOTION GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Holger Dauster, Leo Kiessling
  • Patent number: 7961448
    Abstract: A drive control method for a micro machine device is provided. The micro machine device is made up of first and second electrodes opposed to each other and a dielectric layer disposed between them. The drive control method includes the steps of applying a control voltage between the first and the second electrodes so that an electrostatic force is exerted on the first and the second electrodes for displacing the first or the second electrode, and switching polarity of the control voltage at a predetermined period or a shorter period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Naoyuki Mishima, Yu Yonezawa, Takeaki Shimanouchi, Xiaoyu Mi, Takeshi Takano, Nobuhisa Aoki, Yuuta Nakaya
  • Patent number: 7948730
    Abstract: A fast turn-off and fast turn-on circuit (10) providing at least one power source (12, 20), at least one switching device (14, 22), a coil (16), and at least a first voltage control device (18). The at least one switching device (14, 22) is connected to the at least one power source (12, 20) for selectively connecting the at least one power source (12, 20) to portions of the circuit (10). An electrical current from at least one power source (12, 20) charges the coil (16) and creates an electromagnetic field when the at least one switching device (14, 22) is in a closed position and connects the at least one power source (12, 20) with the coil (16). The first voltage control device (18) limits a voltage in the circuit (10) when the electromagnetic field decays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Oliveira, Todd Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7944104
    Abstract: A magnetic bearing apparatus supports a rotating object using magnetic levitation by a magnetic force of electromagnets. The magnetic bearing apparatus includes a PWM driver configured to supply exciting currents to the electromagnets, a driver power source configured to drive the PWM driver, and a displacement error signal removing section configured to extract a displacement error signal of the displacement information from a current flowing through the driver power source and to remove the displacement error signal from the displacement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Barada, Toshiya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7944671
    Abstract: When a target valve timing determined in accordance with the state of operation of an internal combustion engine is acquired, a feed forward control of setting a command timing of a valve body on the basis of the target valve timing and a predicted delay time is performed, and a feedback control of setting the actual delay time in the previous cycle as a predicted delay time for the next cycle is performed. The valve timings (opening, closure) are specified at a timing at which the valve body reached a position that is apart from a pre-determined position on a basis of a buffer height of a buffer mechanism. This makes it to possible to accurately detect the actual delay time in the feedback control, and allows the command timing to be properly set in the feed forward control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nishida, Mikio Yokota
  • Patent number: 7936549
    Abstract: A state grasp device that needs no optical adjustment, and can be downsized. An exciting current waveform of an opening electromagnetic coil of an electromagnetic operating set functioning to drive a moving contact of a switching device includes an inflection point appearing subsequently to a maximum value, the inflection point taking place at the time of the contact being parted. Accordingly, a wear amount of contact from the change over time can be obtained. A position of the inflection point is obtained, for example, by focusing the rate of change in current; and a wear amount of a switching contact is obtained from the change over time of a time when the inflection point takes place. With the device, the use of a mechanical detection device, such as an optical detector, can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshie Takeuchi, Akihiko Maruyama, Mitsuru Tsukima, Toshihiro Matsunaga, Katsuhiko Horinouchi
  • Patent number: 7923971
    Abstract: The object is to provide a safe non-contact electric power transmission apparatus reducing unnecessarily consumed electric power, while intermittently-operated or otherwise restrained electric power transmission is not performed, and heat is not generated when a metal such as a foreign object is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toko, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideki Kojima
  • Publication number: 20110019327
    Abstract: A switchgear includes a power supply built into a common housing, and at least two drives. The power supply can be fed by an external supply voltage and an external consumer can be connected to the two drives. In at least one embodiment, the switchgear includes, in the same housing, a built-in overload detection for the two drives and/or a built-in circuit breaker function for the two drives, and/or a built-in control circuit for the common control of the two drives. The switchgear can optionally be completed by a transformer providing an additional function of the targeted charging of a buffer capacitor and/or by an energy accumulator providing an additional function of the targeted discharge thereof by temporarily switching on a connected consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Josef Graf, Norbert Mitlmeier, Ludwig Niebler, Bernhard Streich
  • Patent number: 7872845
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a control system. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to drive a load based on a set-point of the load, a measured load characteristic and a supply voltage of the load. The controller is configured to determine a duty cycle based on the load characteristic, the set-point, and the supply voltage. The controller is further configured to drive the load in response to the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Kyle Shawn Williams, Joseph Funyak
  • Patent number: 7864499
    Abstract: A switching power supply saving system includes a power interface, a power converting circuit, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a trigger, and a timing sequence circuit. The power converting circuit is configured to receive the AC power from the power interface. The power converting circuit is capable of transforming the AC power to direct current (DC) power to supply to a motherboard. When the timing sequence circuit receives a power on signal, the timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to cause the relay to connect the power converting circuit to the power interface. When the timing sequence circuit receives a power off signal, the timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to cause the relay to cut off connection between the power converting circuit and the power interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Ting Hung, Fang-Ta Tai