Condition Responsive (e.g., External Circuit Condition) Patents (Class 361/170)
  • Publication number: 20140071577
    Abstract: A relay for automatically selecting a monitoring range for monitoring a parameter of an input source and a method for monitoring a parameter of an input source can be provided whereby the relay comprises one or more terminals for coupling to the input source; a plurality of switchable circuits coupled to the one or more terminals; a processing module coupled to the plurality of switchable circuits for automatically selecting a monitoring range from a plurality of monitoring ranges based on a value of the parameter of the input source, each monitoring range associated with one or more of said switchable circuits; and a relay switch being configured to provide or disrupt electrical communication to a circuit, based on a trigger signal provided by the processing module. A signal conditioning module may also be provided for e.g. conditioning signals prior to selection of the monitoring range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Wong Yoon Nam, Firman Ardiansyah, Teoh Yen Fen
  • Publication number: 20140002946
    Abstract: A malfunction determining unit 7 compares an absolute value of the difference between a first count and a second count stored in a storage unit 8 with a predetermined threshold. If the absolute value is less than a predetermined upper limit, the malfunction determining unit determines that a contact unit 1 has no malfunction. If the absolute value is the upper limit or more, the malfunction determining unit 7 determines that the contact unit 1 has malfunction, and supplies the determination result to a control unit 3. The control unit 3 allows an output unit 10 to output a malfunction detecting signal if receiving the determination result indicating the presence of malfunction from the malfunction determining unit 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20130342950
    Abstract: An example system for determining the actuation duration of a relay can include a relay, a current-sensing device, and a controller. The relay can have an actuation coil, and armature, and a first and second contact. The current-sensing device can measure a current through the actuation coil. The controller can actuate the relay. The controller can also receive from the current-sensing device a plurality of measurement values for the current through the actuation coil. The controller can determine an actuation duration based on a local minimum value for the plurality of measurement values. The actuation duration can correspond to a duration of a movement of an armature of the relay from the first contact of the relay to the second contact of the relay. An actuation delay of the relay can be calculated based on the zero-crossing time of an input voltage value and the actuation duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Westrick, JR., Dalibor Zulim
  • Patent number: 8542006
    Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manfacturing LLC
    Inventor: Zhen Liu
  • Publication number: 20130235503
    Abstract: A design of a protection relay, and interface with an operator of a protection relay, are disclosed. The protection relay can include a base relay for measurement of line current and for generation of a trip signal, a base Human Machine Interface (HMI) for user specifying of a base setting of an operating parameter of the protection relay, and an optionally active Human Machine Interface (HMI) unit having a processing unit to manage plural activities with controlled power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Bernhard Deck, Vijay Shah, Indresh Bhatia, Jatin Parmar, Niraj Suthar
  • Publication number: 20130229743
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an AC power adapter for providing voltage to an electrically-operated device includes a power converter module electrically coupled to a power source via at least one hot lead and at least one neutral lead. The power converter module is configured to convert voltage received from the power source to voltage suitable for use by the electrically-operated device. The AC power adapter also includes a relay circuit coupled to the hot lead to control the voltage passing from the power source to the power converter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: James F. Bennett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130222966
    Abstract: An interface is disclosed for a self powered protection relay that uses mechanical switches for its configuration. The protection relay can include a base relay for measurement of line current and for generation of a trip signal, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) unit for specifying, by a user, a base setting of an operating parameter of the protection relay. The base relay can be self-powered from the line and the HMI unit can include an auxiliary power supply. The protection relay is configured with mechanical switches provided in the protection relay. The HMI unit in the protection relay is designed to detect and alert the user of the relay of any change in the base setting carried out with one or more mechanical switches provided in the relay in powered and unpowered conditions of the base relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: ABB Technology Ltd
  • Publication number: 20130148251
    Abstract: A relay control system for an electric vehicle includes an electric power line, a relay, an operation member, a state sensor, a rotational speed detector, a shift position detector, and a relay disconnection permitting device. The state sensor is configured to sense that a signal circuit through which a signal related to a state of the operation member flows is changed into a disconnecting operation state. The rotational speed detector is configured to detect a rotational speed of the electric motor. The shift position detector is configured to detect a shift position of the electric vehicle. The relay disconnection permitting device permits disconnection of the relay based on the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detector and the shift position detected by the shift position detector if the state sensor senses that the signal circuit is changed into the disconnecting operation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8427806
    Abstract: A current control output (CCO) system for transmission solenoids includes a current determination module, a current compensation module, and a current control module. The current determination module determines a desired current for the solenoids based on a desired pressure. The current compensation module generates a compensated current by adjusting the desired current based on a system pressure and a temperature of oil in the transmission. The current control module performs current-based control of and applies hysteresis to the solenoids based on the compensated current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher G Benson, Matthew R Malik
  • Publication number: 20120176719
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes separable contacts; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes an input structured to receive a remote signal to remotely enable an arc reduction maintenance mode, a first circuit structured to enable the arc reduction maintenance mode in response to the received remote signal, and a second circuit structured to provide an electrical signal remote from the trip mechanism in order to remotely indicate that the arc reduction maintenance mode is remotely enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: HARRY J. CARLINO, David R. Olenak, Lloyd A. Maloney, Brian S. Caffro
  • Patent number: 8167182
    Abstract: An electric driving machine includes a remaining fastener sensor 257 which detects the amount of fasteners (e.g., nails) remaining, in an aligned and held manner, in a magazine 2 and which generates a residual-quantity signal (a signal showing depletion of fasteners) when the amount of remaining fasteners has decreased to a predetermined level or less; a remaining fastener detection circuit 406 which outputs a control signal (a signal of level 0) for controlling control means (299, 283, and other means) in accordance with an input of the residual-quantity signal (a switch-on signal) generated by the remaining fastener sensor 257; and a delay circuit 401 for delaying the remaining signal (the ON signal) generated by the remaining fastener sensor 257 by a predetermined period of time (e.g., 20 milliseconds) and inputs the thus-delayed remaining signal to the remaining fastener detection circuit 256 (406).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Shima, Masahiro Inaniwa, Hiroyuki Oda, Takashi Ueda, Yoshihiro Nakano
  • Publication number: 20120099239
    Abstract: A configurable, connectorized method and apparatus for driving a solenoid coil reduces energy consumption and heating of the solenoid coil, allows detection of the solenoid state, and simplifies connections to the solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Sagues, Mauritz Botha, Larry Brasfield
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120057266
    Abstract: An Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), such as a protective relay, may monitor and/or protect an electrical power system by detecting fault conditions using stimulus inputs from the electrical power system. The IED may operate (take protective actions) when fault conditions are detected. A monitoring device may supervise the IED. The monitoring device may detect power system disturbances independently of the IED, using the same stimulus inputs (or a subset thereof) used by the IED to implement its protection function(s). The monitoring device may supervise the IED using hard-coded supervision, soft-coded supervision, and/or user-configurable supervision. The IED may be prevented from operating outside of an operating window defined by the monitoring device. Components of the monitoring device may be separated and/or isolated from the IED, such that a failure in certain IED components may not cause a simultaneous failure or malfunction of the monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Bogdan Z. Kasztenny
  • Publication number: 20120023060
    Abstract: An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user's operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Fletcher R. ROTHKOPF
  • Patent number: 8098473
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a control unit having a control system and a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure treatment system further includes a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source and a component module to augment treatment. The component module is configured to communicate with the control system of the control unit, and the component module includes a first mounting region configured to be coupled to a complimentary mounting region of the control unit. The component module further includes a second mounting region identical to the complimentary mounting region of the control unit to allow a second component module to be coupled to the first component module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Mark Stephen James Beard, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Publication number: 20110273813
    Abstract: A leak detecting and leak protecting circuit comprises a rectification circuit comprising positive and negative power output ends, current limiting resistors, a diode, a silicon control comprising control poles, a switch capable of linking to a resetting button, and a tripping coil comprising a built-in iron core. The rectification circuit outputs DC power. The tripping coil, switch, and silicon control are connected in series and then are connected to the positive and negative power output ends of the DC power output from the rectification circuit. The control poles of the silicon control are capable of connection with a shielding layer of output wires through at least one of the current limiting resistors and a diode. And, when the switch is in a resetting state, the switch is closed, and, when the switch is in a tripped state, the switch is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8054661
    Abstract: An AC adapter including an AC-side plug module and a DC-side connector module coupled to each other is provided. A first voltage-reducing element and a relay are electrically coupled to an AC power supply. An AC-to-DC converter is electrically coupled to the relay. The DC-side connector module has a mechanical switch element electrically coupled to the relay and the first voltage-reducing element. When the DC-side connector module is connected to a device socket, the mechanical switch element is turned on and the relay is enabled, so that the electrical power of the AC power supply is transmitted to the AC-to-DC converter through the enabled relay. When the DC-side connector module is disconnected from the device socket, the mechanical switch element is turned off and the relay is disabled, so that the electrical power of the AC power supply is not transmitted to the AC-to-DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Yu Chen, Fu-Chiang Chou
  • Patent number: 8022579
    Abstract: A circuit for dynamically increasing the drop-out voltage of an electromechanical automatic transfer switch (ATS) into a brownout voltage range is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a first input, a first coil connected to the first input, and a first, normally-open auxiliary contact in magnetic communication with the first coil. The circuit includes a first resistor adapted to connect to the first, normally-open auxiliary contact, and a first transformer having a primary winding connected to the first resistor, and a secondary winding adapted to connect to the first coil. An operating voltage across the first coil is reduced a proportional amount by a secondary voltage across the secondary winding when the first, normally-open auxiliary contact is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 8022299
    Abstract: A kind of rotatory emergency stop cover with plug-in unit includes lock cover 11 having shutter 9 that contains raised block b and return spring inside, lock base 15 having groove a, stop button 4 having torsional spring; lock cover has cam 8 and torsional spring, stop button 4 has retainer 3 and plug-in unit that is passing through stop button 4 to go into cam 8 for the connection of stop button 4 to cam 8. Shape and size of unit 1 are adjusted to woke in with that of cam 8 for only use in plug-in unit 1. Plug-in unit is operable to actuate and separate synchronously stop button 4 from cam 8 to ensure that stop button 11 won't open if plug-in unit is not inserted after locking. Support plate 13 has additional hole b, with rectangular hole c being on lock cover 7; it is convenient for user to secure with a lock without removal of unit when lock cover 11 is operated. Stop button 4 has retainer 3, retainer is used to cover hole g to prevent foreign objects from falling into after removal of plug-in unit 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8013246
    Abstract: A push-in emergency stop cover with a plug-in unit includes a retainer, a stop button, a lock cover, a lock base, a combination of a lock and lock spring assembled in the lock cover, a plug-in unit, a slide block, a push button and an associated spring, a slide block and associated spring, a groove provided in said lock cover, said plug-in unit having a key extending through an opening provided in said stop button and to one side of said slide block, the push button having a push rod provided with an inclined plane and a raised block having an inclined plane at the rear of the lock. When the plug-in unit is inserted in the stop button to separate the lock from a lockstitch of the lock base, the lock cover will open; the lock cover will not open when the plug-in unit is removed after the cover is locked. The stop button has a retainer to cover an opening in the stop button to prevent foreign obstacles from falling into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Meg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Publication number: 20110205682
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling an arc suppression circuit includes a serial communication link communicating a serial signal therethrough. The control circuit includes a microprocessor having a serial input communicating with the serial communication link. The microprocessor generates a control output signal in response to the serial signal. The control circuit further includes the arc suppression circuit having an electrical contact and operating in response to the control output signal to reduce an arc at the electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Pfingsten, Stanton Hopkins Breitlow, John Frederic Lemke, Keith Douglas Ness
  • Patent number: 8000079
    Abstract: A relay driving module is adapted for driving a latching relay, and includes a current limiting circuit, an energy storage component, and a switch circuit. The current limiting circuit is adapted for receiving a power signal, and draws an amount of current that does not exceed a current threshold from the power signal. The energy storage component is coupled electrically to the current limiting circuit for receiving the current from the current limiting circuit so as to store energy therein. The switch circuit is coupled electrically to the energy storage component, and is controlled by a control signal to selectively enable the energy storage component to discharge the energy stored therein so as to drive the latching relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: Silitek Electronics (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shun-Chang Lin
  • Publication number: 20110194224
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for an enhanced and user friendly control circuit for an electric unlocking device, such as for example, an electric door strike or other unlocking devices utilizing actuating solenoids. The control circuit minimizes the potential for human error while also providing a small footprint, minimal DC in-rush current, over current protection, and minimized heat dissipation. Additionally, the present invention is directed to providing visual notification/diagnostics and improved field compatibility with existing electric unlocking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Schoepke, Leland J. Hanchett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110187542
    Abstract: A notification system including an electrical switch wherein the switch includes a radio frequency receiver circuit coupled to a power supply and the RF receiver circuit, in response to an alarm signal, engages an output relay to close at least one electrical contact in the switch. A notification method comprising: a smoke detector emitting an RF alarm signal; an RF receiver circuit in an electrical switch receiving the signal; the RF receiver engaging an output relay; and the output relay closes at least one electrical contract in the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: William J. DITTMER, Allan DITTMER
  • Publication number: 20110184578
    Abstract: A device for operating a relay to selectively provide power from a power supply to a load. The device determines an activation switching point for activating the relay such that inrush current resulting from the activation is minimal. The device also determines a deactivation switching point for deactivating the relay such that backrush current is minimal. The switching points are determined with respect to a voltage waveform of the supply power. The device varies the timing of the operation of the relay with respect to the voltage waveform and monitors the inrush or backrush current resulting from each timing until a minimum inrush or backrush current is found. The device stores these times in memory for subsequent operation of the relay. To further reduce inrush and backrush currents associated with inductive loads, the device activates and deactivate the relay on opposite half cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Brian Eugene Elwell, Chauncey Harrison Varney
  • Patent number: 7974064
    Abstract: A fully operational digital protective relay or Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) are provided for protecting electrical equipment of a power distribution system. The relay includes an input module, a processing module and an output module. Signals received from current transformers connected to the input module are evaluated by the processing module, and in reaction thereto, trip signals can be output to an actuator of a circuit breaker via the output module. A base Human Machine Interface (HMI) enables a user to enter operating parameters such as a delay time or nominal current to the processing module. Optionally, a further HMI may be attached to the protective relay and connected, via a suitable interface for data exchange, to the processing module for the purpose of displaying protection-related information to a user. This further HMI is both optional and detachable. For example, the further HMI can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Vijay Shah, Bernhard Deck
  • Publication number: 20110141648
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring an electrical flat wire. An appropriate safety device is utilized to monitor the electrical flat wire. The safety device includes a line side input configured to connect a line side power source and receive an electrical power signal from the line side power source. Additionally, the safety device includes a flat wire connection configured to connect to an electrical flat wire. The safety device further includes at least one relay configured to control the communication of the electrical power signal onto the electrical flat wire. The safety device also includes a control unit configured to test the electrical flat wire for at least one of miswires, wire faults, or abnormal conditions and, based at least in part on the results of the testing, to control the actuation of the at least one relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: SOUTHWIRE COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Jay Sexton, Fred Lane Martin, James Herman Pace
  • Publication number: 20110116201
    Abstract: An automatic hold switch is disclosed. The automatic hold switch provides a means for automatically switching a hold feature on and off. When the hold feature is on, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are disabled or prevented from providing input signals. When the hold feature is off, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are enabled or allowed to provide input signals. Because the user no longer has to manually control the hold feature, the number of actions that need to be taken by the user is reduced. In one example, the automatic hold switch is embodied with light sensors that detect when the device is in a dark environment and when the device is in a light environment. A dark environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes not to input and therefore the hold feature is turned on. A lighted environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes to input and therefore the hold feature is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 7906970
    Abstract: In the field of current differential protection relays there is a need for improvements in or relating to the protection relays to allow them to accommodate current transformer saturation while maintaining a desired degree of reliability. A method of operating a current differential protection relay following a fault, the protection relay being electrically coupled to a protection zone of an electrical power system, comprises the steps of establishing a fault condition by discriminating between an internal fault inside the protection zone and an external fault outside the protection zone; and modifying the sensitivity of the protection relay according to the nature of the fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Areva T&D UK Limited
    Inventors: Pradeep Kumar Gangadharan, Tarlochan Singh Sidhu
  • Patent number: 7876546
    Abstract: A connectable component module for a reduced pressure treatment system is provided. The module includes a housing with a rim, a recessed end surface, and an extension. A mounting assembly is fixed to the recessed end surface and includes extendable latches. The latches include a fastener bar that is flush with the rim when the latches are not extended. The module also generally includes a control system contained within the housing. The control system has a communication controller, a communication plug coupled to the communication controller and protruding through an aperture in the mounting assembly and recessed end, and a communication port coupled to the communication controller and exposed to an aperture in the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Mark Stephen James Beard, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 7864500
    Abstract: A method for adding and connecting a remotely operated SPDT relay to an electric power circuit of an AC appliance connected to a manually actuated electrical SPDT switch for integrating said AC appliance into an home automation network, each said relay and said SPDT switch includes a pole terminal and dual traveler terminals and said relay is similar to a shape and a size of an AC switch fit for installation into a standard electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Elbex Video Ltd.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 7859815
    Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L Black, Benjamin Aaron Johnson, Shawn L. Leichliter, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Chenming Wu
  • Publication number: 20100302052
    Abstract: The invention involves an intellectualized polarity identification device which comprises an electromagnetic module connected with a control circuit. The electromagnetic module comprises a magnetic inductor (electromagnet), a movable contact plate coaxially set with the magnetic inductor (electromagnet) and stationary contact plates. The control circuit comprises a reversed-polarity alarm protecting circuit connected with a correct-polarity conducting circuit. The reversed-polarity alarm protecting circuit comprises an alarm circuit and a protection circuit, the protection circuit comprising a diode and a photocoupler. The correct-polarity conducting circuit comprises a conduction circuit and an indicator circuit, respectively connected with the photocoupler. The intellectualized polarity identification device is electromagnetically controlled such that a closed circuit is created only when the device is connected with the correct polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SHANGHAI GUANGWEI ELECTRIC & TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YePing Fan, ZhiLiang Jiang, WeiLing Ma, ZhongRen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100296221
    Abstract: A fully operational digital protective relay or Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) are provided for protecting electrical equipment of a power distribution system. The relay includes an input module, a processing module and an output module. Signals received from current transformers connected to the input module are evaluated by the processing module, and in reaction thereto, trip signals can be output to an actuator of a circuit breaker via the output module. A base Human Machine Interface (HMI) enables a user to enter operating parameters such as a delay time or nominal current to the processing module. Optionally, a further HMI may be attached to the protective relay and connected, via a suitable interface for data exchange, to the processing module for the purpose of displaying protection-related information to a user. This further HMI is both optional and detachable. For example, the further HMI can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the protection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Vijay SHAH, Bernhard Deck
  • Patent number: 7821761
    Abstract: A current inductive timer socket comprises: a principle relay circuit, a reed relay circuit, a plurality of diodes, a reed relay and a resistance, a counter circuit, a holding circuit, a time switch circuit and amplification circuit. When the electric appliance is in use, a signal of voltage drop produced at both ends of the rated resistance will be amplified by the operational amplifier and then transmitted to the counter circuit and an overload detecting circuit, making the counter circuit start to count automatically, and thus time operation is carried out. Further, when electric appliance is overloaded or in the case of short circuit, the power source can also be cut off automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Dinjoker Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan-Chiar Chen
  • Publication number: 20100226160
    Abstract: A power generation system for feeding electrical power from a generation unit into a three-phase grid via three AC terminals is disclosed. The system includes a relay arrangement for disconnecting the system from the grid having at least three relays. Each of the three relays includes a control coil and two switching contacts operated by the corresponding control coil. Each of the AC terminals is connectable to the grid via a first and a second switching contact, each of which is assigned to a different one of the relays. Further disclosed are a relay arrangement and an inverter with a relay arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Oliver Prior, Thomas Schroeder, Henrik Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100157502
    Abstract: A relay switch decoupler is disclosed. The relay switch decoupler may include a first contact, and a second contact selectively coupled to the first contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an insulating decoupler situated proximate to the first contact and the second contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an actuator coupled to the insulating decoupler and configured to cause the insulating decoupler to decouple the first contact from the second contact in response to a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: David Alan Hale, Bryan Anthony Lavezzi, Sarah Elizabeth Schonert
  • Patent number: 7711502
    Abstract: A power switching control apparatus for acquiring pieces of making operation time information of individual phase switches more precisely according to loads and making instants. Making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information of at least one of individual phase switches on the basis of the motion of the movable contact of the phase switch, and outputs the making operation time information of at least another of the individual phase switches on the basis of the phase current of the phase switch. Moreover, the making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information ITA, ITB and ITC of an A-phase switch, a B-phase switch and a C-phase switch individually on the basis of either the detected output of a contact operation sensor and the detected output of a phase current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Koyama, Tomohito Mori, Kenji Kamei, Sadayuki Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20100085676
    Abstract: A PWM control circuit includes a first PWM driver, a duty cycle compensator, and a second PWM driver. The first PWM driver receives duty cycle commands and generates a first PWM driver signal having a duty cycle that varies based on the duty cycle commands. The duty cycle compensator receives the first PWM driver signal and a sensor signal representative of a value of a sensed physical parameter. The duty cycle compensator supplies compensated duty cycle commands based on the duty cycle of the first PWM driver signal and the value of the sensed physical parameter. The second PWM driver receives the compensated duty cycle commands and generates a hybrid PWM driver signal having a duty cycle that varies based on the compensated duty cycle commands. The resulting hybrid signal provides improved resolution for control that cannot be provided by a single PWM driver alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Wilfert
  • Publication number: 20100060293
    Abstract: An electrical power supply device for a logic unit (1), includes a control member (7) that can transmit a control voltage (6), a power relay (3), transmitting a power voltage (2) when it is controlled, an electronic stage (8) controlling the power relay (3) when the electronic stage (8) receives a control voltage (6, 22) from the control member (7) or from the logic unit (1), a voltage regulator (12) transmitting a power supply voltage (20) to the logic unit (1) when it receives the power voltage (2) from the power relay (3) and a control voltage (6, 23) and a wake-up element (17) capable of transmitting an additional control voltage (24) to the voltage regulator (12) when the power relay (3) transmits the power voltage (2). The power supply is applicable to motor vehicle computers and to the detection of failure of the relay stage (3, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventor: Pascal Rochard
  • Patent number: 7673809
    Abstract: The present invention, in illustrative embodiments, includes methods and devices for reducing power consumption in a thermostat by adjusting pulse levels (duration and/or voltage) that are used to control an HVAC relay in light of variations of ambient conditions or other relay conditions. In some illustrative embodiments, an ambient condition is observed using existing thermostat features, such as, for example, a temperature sensor, and used to adjust pulse parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20100053838
    Abstract: A method for adding and connecting a remotely operated SPDT relay to an electric power circuit of an AC appliance connected to a manually actuated electrical SPDT switch for integrating said AC appliance into an home automation network, each said relay and said SPDT switch includes a pole terminal and dual traveler terminals and said relay is similar to a shape and a size of an AC switch fit for installation into a standard electrical box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ELBX VIDEO LTD.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 7672095
    Abstract: A relay controller for connecting a power source includes at least one relay having at least two contacts. The relay controller includes a processing device operable to selectively switch the relay contacts, and a feedback circuit adapted to identify an actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is configured to recognize a fault contact condition of a disparity between an expected state of the relay contacts and the actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is also configured to responsively communicate information relating to the relay fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Dean A. Drake, Gregg Mueller, George E. Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20100036542
    Abstract: In a system or method for setting a positioning member, a pneumatic positioning drive actuates the positioning member, the pneumatic positioning drive having at least two control positions and a predetermined safety position. A position controller is pneumatically coupled to the positioning drive. A basic process control system generates and transmits a set-point signal for the positioning member. A safety controller generates and transmits a safety signal with which the pneumatic positioning drive is vented causing the positioning member to automatically move into the predetermined safety position. The basic process control system and the safety controller are coupled with respect to signal transmission in such a way that the set-point signal generated by the basic process control system is transmitted via the safety controller and a signal transmission path coupling the position controller with the safety controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Karte
  • Patent number: 7649727
    Abstract: A method for adding and connecting a remotely operated SPDT relay to an electric power circuit of an AC appliance connected to a manually actuated electrical SPDT switch for integrating said AC appliance into an home automation network, each said relay and said SPDT switch includes a pole terminal and dual traveler terminals and said relay is similar to a shape and a size of an AC switch fit for installation into a standard electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Elbex Video Ltd.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Publication number: 20090296304
    Abstract: A switch is obtained in which whether the counting of the number of operations is performed in accordance with an on-operation counting method or an off-operation counting method can readily be selected and changed, and an operation check can readily be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kagawa
  • Publication number: 20090212729
    Abstract: A method for sensing and compensating for variances in load and voltage in a closed loop voice coil system (95) is described. A load (55) in a system (95) which included a supply voltage (45) and the load (55), which includes an inductive element, is excited with a known duty cycle for a time interval. At an end time, at the end of the time interval, the current which flows through the load (55) is sensed. A lumped term based at least in part on the time interval and a change in the load current during the time interval is calculated. The lumped term is representative of the supply voltage (45) and one or more electrical characteristic of the load (55). A control signal (25) to control a voltage applied to the load (55) may be generated based at least in part on the lumped term. Apparatus and computer-readable media are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel S. Cook
  • Publication number: 20090147413
    Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to avoid either earth leakage or an electric shock, and is to reduce power consumption during a standby mode. An electric appliance comprises: an appliance main body (1) for employing an AC power supply, and a power supply unit (6) to which the AC power supply provided in the appliance main body (1) is connected as an input power supply, which outputs a DC voltage and an AC voltage to the appliance main body (1) as power supply voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuchika Aoki
  • Publication number: 20090147427
    Abstract: A battery disconnect device for a motor vehicle and the like includes a housing with a monitor circuit and a sealed relay. The monitoring circuit senses various conditions, such as current drawn from the battery, drop in the battery voltage, engine starting, engine running, and the like and in response operates the relay to insure that the battery does not get damaged or depleted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Yeshaiahou Aharon Levinas, Tamir Levinas, Vladimir Ilitch Demikhovsky, Yoav Geva