Plural Switches In Control Circuit Patents (Class 361/189)
  • Patent number: 12027844
    Abstract: A power flow control system and method relate to power flow control for faults on power transmission lines. An inverter has power switching devices and a capacitor. A power-safe circuit holds the power switching devices inactive during an initial fault current of the power transmission line, until a power supply for operating the inverter reaches a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Smart Wires Inc.
    Inventor: Haroon Inam
  • Patent number: 11745373
    Abstract: A method for the cutting of material is to be cut by means of a cutting machine which includes a horizontal cutting support for material to be cut, a horizontal cutting blade displaceable in height above the cutting support for cutting the material to be cut supported on the cutting support, a drive motor for the height displacement of the cutting blade, a manual control for the drive motor, and a protection device safeguarding the working region of the cutting machine. The method has the steps of: lowering the cutting blade, when the protection device is not interrupted, by actuating the manual control; and stopping the cutting blade which is being lowered when the protection device is interrupted. Immediately after stopping the cutting blade which is being lowered, the drive motor is operated to reverse the cutting blade under safety monitoring into a nondangerous upper safety location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Krug & Priester GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Holger Jenter
  • Patent number: 11545323
    Abstract: A load control device (e.g., a switching device) for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical device (e.g., a lighting load) may be configured to detect that a relay is stuck closed and attempt to fix the relay. The relay of the load control device may be adapted to be coupled between the source and the electrical device to control the power delivered to the electrical device so as to generate a switched-hot voltage. The load control device may comprise a detect circuit configured to generate a detect signal indicating a magnitude of the switched-hot voltage, and a control circuit configured to monitor the detect signal. The control circuit may be configured to determine that the relay is stuck closed in response to the detect signal, and to control the relay in order to attempt to fix the relay by repeatedly closing and opening the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: William Zotter
  • Patent number: 11343982
    Abstract: A wireless circuit for electrical irrigation valve and WiFi wireless irrigation system that does not use sprinkler controllers or timers is disclosed. The wireless circuit for electrical irrigation valve and WiFi wireless irrigation system is a purely wireless and includes a WiFi irrigation system controller that does not need to use copper wiring or any other wiring that can be damaged over time, nor does it need to use sprinkler controllers or timers. The wireless circuit for electrical irrigation valve and WiFi wireless irrigation system is a plug and play device operated through an application on a computer or other similar device that allows the end user to control all aspects of the irrigation system via the application. The wireless circuit for electrical irrigation valve and WiFi wireless irrigation system is also designed to be waterproof and weatherproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Omar Solorzano
  • Patent number: 11056303
    Abstract: A relay device includes a controller, a capacitor included in a charger, and a discharge circuit that discharges electric charge charged to the capacitor. The discharge circuit includes a discharge resistance, a first relay switch connected to the discharge resistance and having a contact point that becomes a closed state by electric conduction to an exciting coil, and a second relay switch connected in parallel to the first relay switch and having a contact point that becomes an open state by electric conduction to an exciting coil. The controller, by mutually switching between a state in which the first relay switch is turned on and the second relay switch is turned off and a state in which the first relay switch is turned off and the second relay switch is turned on, determines abnormality of the first relay switch and the second relay switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Fujita, Tsuyoshi Enokida
  • Patent number: 10965115
    Abstract: A vehicle power supply circuit includes; a resistor disposed between negative electrode side of the switch portion and positive electrode side of back lamps, of which positive electrode side is connected to the negative electrode side of the switch portion, and the negative electrode side is connected to the positive electrode side of the back lamps; and a rectifier which causes the current of the power supply to flow in one direction from the plurality of switch circuits to the back lamps, of which positive electrode side is connected to the negative electrode side of the plurality of switch circuits, and the negative electrode side is connected to the negative electrode side of the resistor and the positive electrode side of the back lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jin Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10395869
    Abstract: A relay circuit and a method for performing a self-test. The relay circuit has four relays, each relay having a first forcibly guided contact and a second forcibly guided contact. The four relays are arranged in a first and a second pair of two in series connected first forcibly guided contacts. The first and second relay pair are arranged in parallel between a power supply connection and a load connection for switching a power supply to a load through the first forcibly guided contacts. Such a relay circuit enables supplying power via one of the relay pairs, while cutting power via the other relay pair, which facilitates testing of the relay pair which has cut power without interrupting the process supervised by the Safety Instrumented System which the relay circuit forms part of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Richard Tonet
  • Patent number: 10283244
    Abstract: An example method for driving a solenoid actuator includes providing at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator coupled to a power supply through a plurality of switches. The at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator may be energized by closing at least one switch of the plurality of switches. Energy from the at least one solenoid may be discharged to the power supply or another solenoid of the solenoid actuator by at least one of opening the at least one switch of the plurality of switches and closing at least one other switch of the plurality of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianying Chu
  • Patent number: 8937400
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a vehicle is provided which supplies electric power to a power supply unit and charges electric power from the power supply unit via a power port. The vehicle includes a plurality of power inverter circuits which are connected to a common storage unit in parallel. The plurality of power inverter circuits include an electric power transferring power inverter circuit connected to the power port via an electric power transferring electric path, and are divided into a first category including the electric power transferring power inverter circuit and a second category. The power supply apparatus includes a connection prohibiting unit which realizes a state in which the power inverter circuit included in the first category is electrically connected to the storage unit, and the power inverter circuit included in the second category is disconnected from the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Obayashi, Akira Sakamoto, Atsuyuki Hiruma, Masahito Mizukoshi, Jun Ishii, Mitsuru Fujita
  • Patent number: 8912798
    Abstract: A current controlling circuit comprises a DC power source, an inductor, a N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS), one or more LEDs connected in series, a first resistor and a switching arrangement. The positive terminal of the DC power source is connected to the inductor in series. The series of LED is connected in series with the inductor and the first resistor. According to an embodiment the switching arrangement comprises a second resistor, a first switch and a second switch. The second resistor is connected in series with the second switch and connected in parallel with the first switch. The switching arrangement is connected in series with the first resistor and the negative terminal of the DC supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ST-Ericsson SA
    Inventors: Shyam Somayajula, Nageswara Nalam, Arnold James Dsouza, Ankit Seedher
  • Patent number: 8798802
    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: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: eCurv, inc.
    Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 8699202
    Abstract: A resistor is provided between an exciting coil and the ground, and a diode is provided between a point p1 and a point p2. An exciting current flows on the ground side via the diode until a relay contact is closed immediately after a switch is turned on. Thus, a voltage applied to the exciting coil becomes almost same as a power supply voltage, the relay contact can be surely closed. Further, when the relay contact is closed, since the exciting current flows on the ground side via the resistor the voltage applied to the exiting coil reduces and hence the heat generation amount can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shunzou Ohshima
  • Patent number: 8514541
    Abstract: The present invention realizes an injector drive circuit capable of providing high output power of a boost convertor while suppressing increases in size and cost thereof. An injector energizing circuit 200 includes an FET 2 which applies a high voltage 100a generated by a boost convertor 100 to an injection valve 20. The boost convertor 100 includes an input side capacitor 103, a boosting FET 105, a boost coil 104, a boost diode 106, and FETs 108 and 109 provided in association with a negative pole of an output side capacitor 107. During a period in which the high voltage 100a is applied to the injection valve 20, a gate signal 108a of the FET 108 is turned ON and a gate signal 109a of the FET 109 is turned OFF. Consequently, the boosting FET 105 performs a switching operation to turn OFF the gate signal 108a of the FET 108 and turn ON the gate signal 109a of the FET 109 during a period for charging into the output side capacitor 107.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Hatanaka, Akira Mishima, Takuya Mayuzumi, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Fumiaki Nasu
  • Patent number: 8453549
    Abstract: An enhancement for use with automatically cycled saw systems that provides an operator access to two-hand anti-tie down buttons and other machine control functions while manually crowding the material to be cut against the saw's fence. The enhancement includes anti-tie down buttons to prevent a cutting cycle unless both buttons are depressed within preset time limit of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Hoshor
  • Publication number: 20120320490
    Abstract: A relay control circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, the relay control circuit is a hybrid of a double winding relay control scheme and a single winding relay control scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Murali Krishna Bezawada, Manoj Kumar Vadali
  • 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: 8130482
    Abstract: The present invention is disclosed by that the power source device is operatively controlled by the switching device to supply AC power to excite the driving coil thereby producing larger electromagnetic effect to obtain actuating force, and after actuation, the power source device being operatively controlled by the switching device is switched to provide DC power output of lower voltage to the driving coil thereby passing smaller current to maintain excitation while required operating characteristics of the electromagnetic actuating device are still ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8058578
    Abstract: A safety switch allows for greater safety and greater ease in operating a machine where multiple operators may be required. The safety switch allows multiple operators in different locations to exercise control over the machine, reducing the risk of accidents and improper operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7973431
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 7944672
    Abstract: A control device applicable to an actuator and including a voltage detection unit and a limit switch control unit. The control device is inbuilt inside the actuator without any additional control circuit for the control of the limit switches and the detection of the input voltage range. The limit switches are used to limit the travel of an actuating member of the actuator so as to avoid collision of the mechanism. The voltage detection unit serves to detect the input voltage range to control the operation of the actuator. Accordingly, the mechanism or the motor is protected from damage due to excessively low or high input voltage. The limit switches are freely adjustable in position and protected from high current. Therefore, the contacts of the limit switches are not liable to damage and the lifetime of the limit switches is prolonged. The control device further has electronic brake effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventor: Wei-Yun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7911758
    Abstract: A low power solenoid control circuit including a power source in series with a sensing element and a first diode, an inductor to actuate a valve, an energy storage device to store and discharge energy into the inductor, diodes to control current flow, and switches and a controller to control the circuit. The circuit may be operated by closing a first switch, thereby allowing a source current to flow through an inductor; opening the first switch, thereby forcing a charge current to flow through an energy storage device utilizing the inductance of the inductor; repeating these steps until the energy storage device is sufficiently charged; and upon command, closing a second switch, thereby forcing a discharge current to flow from the energy storage device to the inductor causing the inductor to produce an actuating magnetic field thereby actuating a mechanical valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventor: John J. Haller
  • Patent number: 7907754
    Abstract: A further object of the present invention is to provide a biological detection device and the like capable of performing processing promptly. An input voltage with a predetermined frequency is output from an oscillating portion. By performing switching using an analog switch, the input voltage is output to an electrode via a first resistance portion. A first comparator detects an output voltage, compares the voltage with a first reference threshold stored in a storage portion, and outputs an output. Furthermore, by performing switching using the analog switch, an input voltage is output to the electrode via a second resistance portion. A second comparator detects an output voltage, compares the voltage with a second reference threshold, and outputs an output. A determination portion determines whether a test body is a living finger or a gummy finger in accordance with a combination of the values of the outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koichiro Niinuma, Takashi Shinzaki
  • Publication number: 20100149718
    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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RFID MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Guillermo Ramos ELIZONDO, Antonio Vidaurri OJEDA
  • Patent number: 7723630
    Abstract: A safety switch allows for greater safety and greater ease in operating a machine where multiple operators may be required. The safety switch allows multiple operators in different locations to exercise control over the machine, reducing the risk of accidents and improper operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20090284891
    Abstract: A low power solenoid control circuit including a power source in series with a sensing element and a first diode, an inductor to actuate a valve, an energy storage device to store and discharge energy into the inductor, diodes to control current flow, and switches and a controller to control the circuit. The circuit may be operated by closing a first switch, thereby allowing a source current to flow through an inductor; opening the first switch, thereby forcing a charge current to flow through an energy storage device utilizing the inductance of the inductor; repeating these steps until the energy storage device is sufficiently charged; and upon command, closing a second switch, thereby forcing a discharge current to flow from the energy storage device to the inductor causing the inductor to produce an actuating magnetic field thereby actuating a mechanical valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANY
    Inventor: John J. HALLER
  • Patent number: 7561395
    Abstract: A voltage control circuit includes first, second and third transistors, a relay, and first, second, and third resistors. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to a first power supply, the collector of the first transistor is connected to a first contact of the relay, a second contact of the relay is grounded; the collector of the third transistor is connected to the first power supply via the third resistor, and the emitter of the third transistor is grounded. The first and second resistors are connected in series between the positive electrode of the second power supply; the base of the second transistor is connected to a node between the first and second resistors, the collector of the second transistor is connected to the base of the third transistor, and the emitter of the second transistor is connected to the first power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7515389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for safely disconnecting electric drives, wherein disturbances of the electric drive which are independent from the driving and lifting speed are recognized in a delay-free manner by retaining the safety function and are used for disconnecting the electric drive. The signals of the sensors (7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2) are detected in a redundant manner and are redundantly compared to preselected threshold values in evaluation devices (2.1, 2.2) such that the electric drive (12) is safely disconnected in a redundant manner without using mechanical position devices if the preselected threshold value of the electric drive (12) is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Kleine, Andreas Kruschinski, Frank Demelius
  • Patent number: 7483254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic controlled operating mechanism, in particular, relates to a control circuit of a bistable permanent magnet operating mechanism. The control circuit comprises a permanent magnet operating mechanism and a pulse signal control circuit connected to pulse coils of the permanent magnet operating mechanism. The pulse signal control circuit comprises a switch-off energy storage circuit, a switch-on energy storage circuit, a switch-off contact switch, and a switch-on contact switch. With the switch-off contact switch and switch-on contact switch, the pulse coils of the permanent magnet operating mechanism are connected in the circuit in such a way that they are in series connection for switch-on and in parallel connection for switch-off. This reduces the relatively high running speed in earlier switch-on period, to reduce switch-on noise and prolong the service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Guangshun Wang
  • Patent number: 7459910
    Abstract: A contact welding detecting device includes: a relay including a first contact for permitting and breaking transmission of a first DC input potential to a first output and a second contact for permitting and breaking transmission of a second DC input potential; a relay open/close control unit that simultaneously controls to open and close the first and second contacts when welding of at least one of the first and second contacts is detected; a first potential difference detection unit that detects a potential difference between a first point at an input side of the first contact and a second point at an output side of the second contact; and a second potential difference detection unit that detects a potential difference between a third point at an output side of the first contact and a fourth point at an input side of the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kawamura, Kuniyuki Niwa, Sutemaro Kato
  • Publication number: 20080266742
    Abstract: A circuit and related methods for use in a hybrid power switching device are provided that include at least one electromechanical relay having a coil and a contact, the electromechanical relay defining a release time and a sticking time during an on-to-off transition. At least one solid state switch is electrically connected to the contact, and a timing circuit is electrically connected to the electromechanical relay and the solid state switch. The timing circuit includes a capacitor electrically connected to a control signal input and at least one resistor electrically connected to the capacitor and to the solid state switch, wherein the capacitor and the resistor are sized such that the capacitor discharges through the resistor to activate the solid state switch for a period of time that is longer than the electromechanical relay release time and sticking time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Lawrence J. Glentz, Keith D. Ness
  • Publication number: 20080266743
    Abstract: A lighting control system comprises a plurality of toggle switches, a plurality of pushbuttons, a plurality of timer circuits, a plurality of relays, and a plurality of photocells to control a first plurality of lights, a second plurality of lights, a third plurality of lights and a fourth plurality of lights. The toggle switches and pushbuttons either control the lights directly or activate the timers to control the lights. The relays may be energized to switch on the lights. The photocells may be used to control the lights that are located in an outside setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Tann
  • Patent number: 7348690
    Abstract: An electronic control that monitors the switching means used to operate transducers to detect conditions that can cause improper transducer operation. In the application the unenergized state of the transducer is always safe. Should a switch in the transducer circuitry be in an erroneous state, the control uses another switch to prevent improper operation of the transducer without requiring the involvement of the operator. Monitoring enables the control to prevent transducer operation before failures allow hazardous operation. Any switching means, activated by the control, an override, or both may be monitored as long as its intended state is known to the control. The control can also open the transducer circuitry when an externally controlled switch in the transducer circuitry changes state at a destructive rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Wade Muldoon
  • Patent number: 7313854
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tactile sensor, which is capable of implementing a wide range of senses, including sensing contact pressure (vertical force and horizontal force) with an external object and heat caused by the contact pressure, comprises forming a side block formation pattern of a force sensor and forming a piezo-resistor formation pattern of a heat sensor; forming a piezo-resistor and depositing an oxide film on the piezo-resistor; forming contact holes and forming a line hole formation pattern; forming a metal line, a temperature measurement metal line, and a heater; depositing an oxide film on the metal line, the temperature measurement metal line, and the heater, and forming a load block on the oxide film; and forming a side block by etching a bottom surface of the wafer on which the load block is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Jong-ho Kim, Dae-im Kang, Yon-kyu Park, Min-seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20070242407
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having first and second pads; an output transistor; and a current control circuit having first and second resistors, a control signal generation circuit, first and second switching circuits. The first or second resistor is disposed between the first or second pad and the output transistor. The control signal generation circuit generates a control signal to the output transistor based on a voltage of both ends of the first or second resistor. The first or second switching circuit is disposed between both ends of the first or second resistor and the control signal generation circuit. The first or second switching circuit is controlled to be in an on-state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Arashima, Shouichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 7146257
    Abstract: An electric power plant general control system for controlling power generating units. A generating unit (GU2) can operate part of the auxiliaries based on an automation command outputted from a unit computer (UC2) having a sequence function portion. The generating unit operates the remaining part of the auxiliaries based on an operation command outputted from an operation board (OB2) without a sequence function portion, the operation board disposed separately from the unit computer. A general automation computer (GAC) is connected with an upper system of the unit computer, and an operator command is inputted from an interactive apparatus (I/F4). The general control system is provided with a mock-up portion (Moc) equivalent to the sequence function portion disposed on the side of the auxiliaries controlled by the automation command outputted from the unit computer. The operation signal from the general automation computer is outputted to the unit computer and the operation board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshihiko Tanaka, Hiroshi Fukuda, Jin Murata, Toshihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6978745
    Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes first and second voltage sources, and a plurality of valve actuator subsystems coupled therebetween. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch configured to selectively control application of voltage to the valve actuator to thereby selectively control energization of the valve actuator. The system also includes a dissipation switch operatively coupled with the valve actuator subsystems, the dissipation switch being selectively operable to control dissipation of energy from any of the valve actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 6971346
    Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and plural valve actuator subsystems coupled between the first voltage source and the second voltage source. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch. One of the actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the first voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the second voltage source. Another of the valve actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the second voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the first voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 6948461
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine provide valve actuation that selectively couples an energy storage device to a launching coil to recover energy stored in the magnetic field and valve spring of the launching coil, decouples the energy storage device during a valve opening or closing event to control energy supplied to the catching coil, and couples the energy storage device to the catching coil to transfer energy from the storage device to the catching coil to provide a repeatable soft landing. A nonlinear feedback controller incorporates a feedforward system with an observer to control the rate of energy into the magnetic field of the catching coil while compensating for system losses and work to overcome gas forces within the combustion chamber. Feedback linearization techniques improve stability of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Allan J. Kotwicki
  • Patent number: 6788017
    Abstract: A period adjustment circuit of disconnection and restart IC comprises a second capacitor, which is connected to a resistor and a transistor connected in parallel. One end of the resistor is connected between the disconnection and restart IC and the first capacitor. When lockup of a fan motor occurs, in addition that an IC current source charges the first capacitor, the second capacitor also charges the first capacitor via the resistor until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a disconnection voltage. The IC then enters into the disconnection state, and the voltages of the two capacitors are equal so that the second capacitor no longer charges the first capacitor. Next, the IC current source simultaneously charges the first and second capacitors until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a system reset voltage. The first capacitor is then discharged to a restart voltage by the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Feeling Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Teng-Tsai Lin, Ping-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 6785111
    Abstract: Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic equipment. It has been known to start a fire when it occurs when a motor vehicle's gasoline tank is being filled. A device for detecting, alarming, and/or neutralizing an electrostatic charge can help avoid these problems. A variable capacitor, the capacitance of which is made to vary periodically, is used to detect electrostatic charge. A first electrode of the capacitor is the object for which electrostatic charge is important. The capacitor's electrode is one by which the capacitance is varied. An amplitude of a signal from the electrode can be shown to be proportional to the electrostatic charge on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Edward G. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6784571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic safety switching device having at least a first and a second signal processing channel. The channels can be supplied with input signals for signal processing, and they provide redundantly processed output signals. According to one aspect of the invention, the signal processing channels are arranged monolithically on a common semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structures of each signal processing channel are spaced apart physically by a multiple of their width from the semiconductor structures of every other signal processing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Roland Rupp, Hans Schwenkel
  • Patent number: 6611416
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring main contacts and auxiliary contacts of a power contactor is disclosed. The apparatus includes four circuits, the first of which has an on state in which a coil of the contactor is energized, and an off state. The first circuit switches from the off state to the on state when a power source is electrically connected to the first circuit if an additional signal is also present, and then remains in the on state until the power source is disconnected. The second circuit prevents the additional signal from being received by the first circuit when the auxiliary contact is in a position indicating that one of the main contacts is welded. The third circuit causes the first circuit to be disconnected from the power source when the fourth circuit provides a signal indicating that one of the auxiliary contacts is welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Cleereman, William J. Mayer, David S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6515586
    Abstract: A tactile sensory system comprising a floor covering integrated with a tactile sensory layer to form a tactile sensory surface is described. The tactile sensory layer has a plurality of sensors. The system also comprises a controller connected to the tactile sensory surface to track a person or object. In one embodiment, the tactile sensory surface is flexible and is manufactured in bulk on a roll, so that it is adjustable in both length and width. Any type of sensors can be used, including pressure sensors, force sensors, force and position-sensing resistors, proximity sensors, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ben S. Wymore
  • Patent number: 6507468
    Abstract: A controller has two shunt lines connected in parallel with safety relays. For testing their switching capability, the safety relays are reversed to their idle positions and the change in voltage is monitored on their idle contacts. If voltage is missing, an error signal is issued. During the test, the parallel shunt line is closed so that the safety power line is not interrupted. Switching amplifiers having a response and action time which is a fraction of the preset response time of the safety relays control the safety relays. For testing the electrical control, the drives of the safety relays are switched to currentless and the change in voltage is monitored on the drives. If the change in voltage is inadequate, an error signal is issued. The safety relays remain in their operating positions during the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Gestra GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Klattenhoff, Joachim-Christian Politt, Guenter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6487062
    Abstract: An electric circuit is provided for an inductive load including a first relay and a second relay for connecting the inductive load with a power supply. Both relays are connected to the inductive load so as to be activated when the voltage drop across the inductive load is to be interrupted and/or inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Kjeld Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 6483688
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling a valve assembly in applications where electrical isolation of the two control signal supply lines is required to prevent damage of control circuits caused by a reverse polarity feedback signal or other transient signal. The circuit includes a solenoid having a coil. The coil has a first end and a second end. The circuit also includes a first switching circuit electrically connected to the first and second ends of the coil to allow current to pass therethrough in a first direction to move a permanent magnet against a pushpin a first axial direction. The circuit further includes a second switching circuit electrically connected to the first and second ends of the coil to allow a current to pass therethrough in a second direction to move the permanent magnet away from the pushpin in a second axial direction. Further, when either switching circuit is allowing current to flow through the coil, it electrically isolates one negative control source from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020085333
    Abstract: An inexpensive battery-powered switch or irrigation valve controller designed to conserve the life of both the low voltage battery source which operates the processing circuitry of the controller, as well as the high voltage battery source which operates the external switches or irrigation valve solenoids. The high voltage battery source is conserved by maintaining the primary switch-activating capacitor in a discharged state and delaying the charging of this capacitor until just before it is to be discharged. The high voltage battery source is also conserved by isolating it from the primary capacitor immediately prior to discharge, thereby avoiding a draw of energy from the high voltage battery source itself during discharge. The low voltage battery source is conserved through the action of the microprocessor that remains dormant except for periodic sampling. The controller also includes reliable DC circuits for operating remote switches or valve solenoids at distances of up to several miles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: George Alexanian
    Inventors: George Alexanian, Eugene S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6351366
    Abstract: An inexpensive battery-powered switch or irrigation valve controller designed to conserve the life of both the low voltage battery source which operates the processing circuitry of the controller, as well as the high voltage battery source which operates the external switches or irrigation valve solenoids. The high voltage battery source is conserved by maintaining the primary switch-activating capacitor in a discharged state and delaying the charging of this capacitor until just before it is to be discharged. The high voltage battery source is also conserved by isolating it from the primary capacitor immediately prior to discharge, thereby avoiding a draw of energy from the high voltage battery source itself during discharge. The low voltage battery source is conserved through the action of the microprocessor that remains dormant except for periodic sampling. The controller also includes reliable DC circuits for operating remote switches or valve solenoids at distances of up to several miles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: George Alexanian, Eugene S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6301091
    Abstract: A safety relay configuration for linking a power source to a device to be powered via at least one output wherein output contacts all have to be closed to provide power to the device, the configuration including first and second three contact relays or four contact relays, each relay including a first NC contact and at least two NO contacts and, wherein the second relay first contact is linked in parallel with the first relay second contact forming a first parallel configuration, the first relay first contact is linked in parallel with the second relay second contact forming a second parallel configuration, the first parallel configuration is linked in series with the first relay coil between the power source and ground, the second parallel configuration is linked in series with the second relay coil between the power source and ground and the relay third contacts are linked within the outputs between the power source and the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Zomchek, Paul C. Brown, Homer S. Sambar
  • Patent number: RE37777
    Abstract: A manually operable switch apparatus for a machine having at least one mode of operation actuated by a control circuit includes a spaced pair of switches which are simultaneously manually operable without the application of exertive contact by an operator. Preferably, each switch includes an infrared emitter spaced from an infrared receiver, and a single or double pole, double throw relay actuated when the beam between the emitter and receivers are broken, so as to cause actuation of an alternative mode of machine operation. The use of switches which do not require exertive contact obviates the injury to wrist and finger tendons experienced by machine operators when conventional palm buttons are employed on machines requiring repetitive operator manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Herman, Mark C. Matzka