Safety And Protection Of Systems And Devices Patents (Class 361/1)
  • Publication number: 20140092499
    Abstract: A display panel driver circuit includes multiple drivers adapted for cooperatively driving a display panel and each operable under a protection mode, and an overheat protection device including multiple protection circuits, each of which controls a respective one of the drivers to operate under the protection mode in response to receipt of an enable signal, an interface circuit which transmits the enable signal to each of the protection circuits in response to receipt of a warning signal, and multiple temperature detection circuits, each of which is able to detect a temperature associated with a respective one of the drivers, and outputs the warning signal to the interface circuit based on the temperature thus detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ILI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Kang Cheng, Feng-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 8666026
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for providing notifications of hazardous ground conditions in telecommunication equipment. A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a control module positioned within a chassis at a network facility. The control module communicates with a plurality of access modules through a backplane of the chassis. At least one of the modules, such as the control module, comprises a voltage sensing element, control logic, and a user interface. The voltage sensing element is configured to measure a potential voltage difference between chassis ground and digital ground and determine whether such voltage difference is hazardous. The control logic is configured to monitor the voltage sensing element and provide an alarm via the user interface when the hazardous condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ADTRAN, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon R. Brethour
  • Publication number: 20140049858
    Abstract: A method is provided for eliminating an electrical short circuit that can be caused by a filamentary tin crystal in an electronics assembly in particular of a motor vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to providing the electronics assembly, that includes, but is not limited to electrical components with connectors and conductor paths for connecting the components. The components have configurable inputs and outputs. At least two of the inputs and outputs of the electrical components are configured so as to form an input connector and an output connector so that in the event of the electrical short circuit caused by the filamentary tin crystal, a short circuit current flows between the input connector and the output connector, which short circuit current is high enough to destroy the filamentary tin crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mario KASPER, Christian STEINERT
  • Patent number: 8650528
    Abstract: It is possible to improve workability of a design work by handling electric information between one object and other objects associated with the object. A plurality of objects are inputted and electric information is inputted to the objects. Among the objects, mutually connected objects are virtually made into a single object. According to electric information in each of the objects, i.e., the virtually unified single object and the other objects excluding the virtually unified single object, objects having the common electric information are connected by straight lines. According to the straight lines, a figure connecting the objects is inputted. A condition for connecting the objects in the figure is inputted. According to the condition, circuit parts are built and signal information is set in a terminal of the circuit parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zuken Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8648851
    Abstract: An LCD device having improved reliability is disclosed. The LCD device includes an LCD panel comprising a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines crossing the plurality of gate lines, a bottom cover disposed under the LCD panel, a top case encompassing an edge portion of an upper surface of the LCD panel and coupled to the bottom cover, a control PCB disposed on a lower surface of the bottom cover, a data driving PCB disposed at a side of the LCD panel and supplying a data signal to the plurality of data lines, a plurality of chip-on-films (COFs) connected the data driving PCB and the LCD panel, a plurality of flexible flat cables (FFCs) connected the data driving PCB and the control PCB, and a protection tape in which an adhesive material is coated on a surface other than areas corresponding to the FFCs and a plurality of grooves corresponding to the FFCs are formed at a side of the protection tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8634169
    Abstract: An anti-lightning automatic switch for a satellite television receiver comprises a housing, external terminals which are connected with external cables are respectively arranged at two ends of the housing, wherein an on-off interface is arranged at the other end of the external terminal on one side, and internal cable is connected to the other end of the external terminal on the other side; and a guide rail unit is arranged in the housing, a driving mechanism is mounted on the guide rail unit, the driving mechanism is connected with the external terminal on the other side through the internal cable, a control circuit board and a motor controlled by the control circuit board are arranged on the driving mechanism, and a contact which is used in combination with the on-off interface is mounted at one end of the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hangzhou Cheele Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Li
  • Patent number: 8624748
    Abstract: A floating roof monitoring system is disclosed. According to embodiments, the floating roof monitoring system includes a monitoring device and a floating roof tank. The monitoring device can generate a current for a monitoring loop that includes one or more electrical connections between the monitoring device and the floating roof tank. A resistance value for one or more points within or along the monitoring loop can be determined and monitored. The monitoring device can determine, based upon the resistance value, if an action is to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Alltec Corporation
    Inventor: James Stuart Grasty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8604931
    Abstract: A security access device for a portable electronic device comprises a plurality of security access buttons recessed into depressions on at least a portion of the external surface of the security access device. More than one security access button requires continual contact of a pad of at least two digits of at least one hand or up to four digits of both hands of a user of the electronic device for safe operation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Carlos J. Veloso, Jose V. Veloso, Robert A. Riker
  • Patent number: 8583954
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to coupling and decoupling a power source of a device with circuitry within the device. For example, in aspects of this disclosure, when a short develops within the device, a switch circuit may decouple the power source from the some of the circuitry within the device. Decoupling the power source when a short develops may extent the operational time of the power source, and may reduce thermal excursion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Dinsmoor, Joel A. Anderson, Matthew J. Michaels, Timothy J. Denison, Michael E. Newell
  • Publication number: 20130258529
    Abstract: Methods and systems to detect and control plasma fires are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first optical fiber proximate a conductor through which electricity is to flow and a sensor to identify a change in a signal received via the optical fiber. The change is associated a physical change in the optical fiber or a casing surrounding the first optical fiber. The example apparatus also includes a controller to control a flow of electricity through the conductor based on the change in the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Galen Duff Carroll
  • Patent number: 8537022
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tony-Sheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20130222950
    Abstract: A device is presented. The device includes a first circuit coupled to first and second power rails of the device. The first circuit is subject to a latch up event in the presence of a latch up condition. The latch up event includes a low resistance path created between the first and second power rails. The device also includes a latch up sensing (LUS) circuit coupled to the first circuit. The LUS circuit is configured to receive a LUS input signal from the first circuit and generates a LUS output signal to the first circuit. When the input signal is an active latch up signal which indicates the presence of a latch up condition, the LUS circuit generates an active LUS output signal which creates a break in the low resistance path to terminate the latch up event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Da-Wei LAI, Mahadeva Iyer NATARAJAN
  • Patent number: 8508332
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for controlling access to a restricted area containing machinery. The method comprises receiving from a communications device a location identifier associated with said restricted area and a further identifier, verifying said location identifier and said further identifier, and controlling access to said restricted area based upon said verifying. Controlling access to said restricted area comprises providing a control signal to a controller associated with said restricted area. The controller is arranged to control said machinery in response to said control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek W. Jones, Anthony C. Day, Derek Sawyer, Julian Poyner
  • Patent number: 8503136
    Abstract: A protecting circuit for reducing leakage currents comprises a first PMOS transistor (P-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), a second PMOS transistor, a first NMOS transistor (N-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), and a second NMOS transistor. The first PMOS transistor is coupled between a first voltage node and a node, and comprises a first gate coupled an input node. The second PMOS transistor is coupled between the node and an output node. The first NMOS transistor is coupled between the output node and a ground node, and comprises a third gate coupled to the input node. The second NMOS transistor is coupled between the input node and a second gate of the second PMOS transistor, and comprises a fourth gate coupled to a second voltage node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Che-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 8494178
    Abstract: Methods and techniques to implement a digital signal processor for avoidance of audio feedback are disclosed, in particular, audio signal processing systems that reduce the requirement for physical segregation of sound acquisition and diffusion zones. In a more general aspect, the components and techniques described herein provide a for a sound space and sound processing equipment such that sound travelling electronically in a loop through the sound processing equipment that is output into a physical sound diffusion zone, received at the input to the sound processing equipment, and then re-amplified, etc. is attenuated over that loop by frequency modification. The frequency modification is such that, at least for some signals, on each pass through the loop, the sound processing equipment will attenuate or amplify individual sub-bands of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal that is received at the input of the sound processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Loren Carpenter, Lanny Smoot, Alex Stahl
  • Publication number: 20130182360
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the moisture to which an electronic device is exposed may alter or vary operation of the electronic device. Operation of the electronic device may be altered or varied to provide a notification that the electronic device has been exposed to moisture. When an electronic device is exposed to moisture, an operational mode of the electronic device may be changed. A change in the operational mode of the electronic device may include termination of the supply of power to one or more components, which may protect those components. Programs or apps that provide a user of the electronic device with information regarding exposure of the electronic device to an amount of moisture that meets or exceeds a moisture response threshold are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: HZO, INC.
    Inventors: Blake Stevens, Max Sorenson
  • Patent number: 8482884
    Abstract: A device is provided for the prevention of damage due to the continued supply of a utility to an appliance, the device comprising: 1) a detector which detects circumstances of present or impending emergency and responds by sending a detector signal to 2) a receiver which receives a signal from the detector and in response emits a receiver signal; 3) a transmitter which receives the receiver signal and in response signals a 4) restrictor to attenuate or quench a utility supply to an appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: William J. Hennessey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8471507
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an electrical power conversion system includes: a motor; an inverter circuit that outputs three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, W-phase) alternating currents to the motor; a current sensor that detects each of the three-phase alternating currents; and a control circuit that controls the inverter circuit based on a torque command value and values detected by the current sensor, so that the three-phase alternating currents outputted from the inverter circuit are formed as sine waves; and wherein the control circuit includes: a current component extraction unit that, based on the values detected by the current sensor, for each phase, extracts current components superimposed upon each of three-phase alternating currents; and an AC current abnormality detection unit that detects abnormality of an AC current flowing to the motor, based on the phases of the current components for any two phases among the three-phase alternating currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Akaishi, Yasuo Noto, Koichi Yahata, Hirokazu Matsui
  • Patent number: 8466689
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a capacitor bank comprising a plurality of capacitor strings connected in parallel, each capacitor string comprising a plurality of capacitors connected in series is provided. The method includes energizing the capacitor bank. The method includes determining dissipation factors of each of the plurality of the capacitor strings. The method further includes comparing each of the determined dissipation factors with an expected dissipation factor and estimating a health state of the plurality of the capacitor strings based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined and expected dissipation factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karim Younsi, Yingneng Zhou, Samar Shaker Soliman
  • Publication number: 20130128392
    Abstract: The invention converts the electrical circuitry in a premises for use as a power generation bus to which one or more power generating devices may be connected using a standard electrical outlet, without the need for a separate dedicated circuit or any additional electrical wiring and continuing to operate as a traditional power bus, while preventing electrical circuitry from being overloaded. Embodiments of the power generation bus allow power generating devices to be conveniently plugged anywhere within premises, conveniently moved from location to location within premises, or conveniently moved from premises to premises as needed. Embodiments of the power generation bus dramatically reduce installation time, installation expense and inspection requirements for a power generating device, thereby lowering the fixed cost and overall payback period of a power generating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Chad Maglaque
  • Patent number: 8435427
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and materials that have varistor properties and are suitable for use in electrical stress control devices and surge arrestor devices. The compositions and materials include a polymeric material and calcined calcium copper titanate filler material and have a reversible non-linear current-voltage characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dipankar Ghosh, Kenton D. Budd, Nanayakkara L. D. Somasiri, Ge Jiang, Bradley L. Givot
  • Patent number: 8436352
    Abstract: Whether there is a defect such as chipping of a die or separation of a resin in a wafer level package is electrically detected. A peripheral wiring is disposed along four peripheries of a semiconductor substrate outside a circuit region and pad electrodes P1-P8. The peripheral wiring is formed on the semiconductor substrate and is made of a metal layer that is the same layer as or an upper layer of a metal layer forming the pad electrodes P1-P8, or a polysilicon layer. A power supply electric potential Vcc is applied to a first end of the peripheral wiring, while a ground electric potential Vss is applied to a second end of the peripheral wiring through a resistor R2. A detection circuit is connected to a connecting node N1 between the peripheral wiring and the resistor R2, and is structured to generate an anomaly detection signal ERRFLG based on an electric potential at the connecting node N1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ON Semiconductor Trading, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneda, Koji Ishida
  • Publication number: 20130107410
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for measuring the loss factor of an insulator (2) for medium or high voltages, equipped with a tap adapter (3) forming a point for picking up an electrical signal (4), comprises: a reference capacitor (9) having a first electrode (10), which can be connected to the tap adapter, and a second electrode (11); a first voltage detection module (12) operatively connected to the first electrode (10) of the reference capacitor (9) for detecting a signal representative of the voltage applied to the reference capacitor (9); an active electronic device (13) connected to earth and to the second electrode (11) of the reference capacitor (9) and configured to keep the potential of the second electrode (11) at a predetermined reference value; a second voltage detection module (14) operatively connected to an output of the active electronic device (13) in order to detect a signal representative of the electric current that flows through the reference capacitor (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TECHIMP TECHNOLOGIES S.R.L.
    Inventors: Stefano Rolli, Gianpaolo De Robertis, Stefano Serra, Gian Carlo Montanari
  • Publication number: 20130100557
    Abstract: A protecting circuit for reducing leakage currents comprises a first PMOS transistor (P-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), a second PMOS transistor, a first NMOS transistor (N-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), and a second NMOS transistor. The first PMOS transistor is coupled between a first voltage node and a node, and comprises a first gate coupled an input node. The second PMOS transistor is coupled between the node and an output node. The first NMOS transistor is coupled between the output node and a ground node, and comprises a third gate coupled to the input node. The second NMOS transistor is coupled between the input node and a second gate of the second PMOS transistor, and comprises a fourth gate coupled to a second voltage node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Che-Min LIN
  • Patent number: 8423321
    Abstract: An electronic module for level measurements, pressure measurements or density measurements is disclosed. In the module, a safety-relevant function is transferred into an area that is categorized as safety-uncritical. In order to prevent malfunctions, a diagnostic function is performed in the safety-critical area of the electronic module in order to check the transferred function. This diagnostic function is also checked with respect to its effectiveness during the safety-oriented operation. Suitable measures can be initiated in case an error is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Martin Gaiser, Juergen Haas, Juergen Lienhard, Juergen Motzer
  • Publication number: 20130088798
    Abstract: A safety device for a high-voltage component including a cover that covers at least a part of the high-voltage component, a low-voltage circuit that controls a conduction/shut-off state of an electric circuit for supplying power to the high-voltage component, and a selecting unit that selects the conduction/shut-off state of the low-voltage circuit by an operation accompanying an attachment/removal work of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Ikeno, Junka Iwasaki, Hiromasa Minami
  • Patent number: 8410745
    Abstract: When a short-circuit failure of any of switch portions (13) including switch elements (11) and parallel-connected feedback diodes (12) of an inverter circuit (7) is detected during the operation of a motor (1), a switch portion (13) where the short-circuit failure has occurred is checked for whether it is on the positive polarity side or the negative polarity side. The switch elements (11) are so controlled that all the switch portions (13) on the same polarity side as where the short-circuit has occurred are brought into a conducted state and all the others are disconnected. This prevents a large electric current from flowing into each switch portion of the inverter circuit without requiring any switch to block the power distribution between a motor and the inverter circuit when a short-circuit failure of the switch portion of the inverter circuit occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Hosoda, Yuji Saito, Yasuyuki Danjo, Hideki Inoue, Tetsu Sugiyama, Junji Kato
  • Patent number: 8405937
    Abstract: A method and a system control platform doors that are disposed at a distance to each other corresponding to a train to be entered via the platform. In order to actuate platform doors in a simple manner such that the door system of a platform is highly available, the platform doors are divided into a plural number of groups, that adjacent platform doors are associated with different groups. Each group may be connected to at least two controllers via one respective transfer medium, that control signals of at least one controller are transferred to the platform doors via the transfer media, such that in case of failure of one controller, the functions of the failed controller are transferred to the at least second controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kay Holger Liesenberg, Klaus-Peter Linzmaier
  • Patent number: 8405936
    Abstract: A power diverter has a first terminal for interposition between a signal input and a signal output. A MEMS switch is coupled to the first terminal and has a MEMS switch control input. A MEMS protection switch is coupled to the MEMS switch and has a protection switch control input. The switch control inputs are configured to receive control signals for selectively placing the power diverter in i) an ON state in which signal power at the signal input is diverted from the signal output via the MEMS switch and the MEMS protection switch, ii) an OFF state in which signal power at the signal input is not diverted from the signal output, and in which the MEMS switch mitigates an insertion loss and distortion imparted by the MEMS protection switch to a signal path between the signal input and the signal output, and iii) an intermediary state in which the MEMS protection switch reduces current flow through the MEMS switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Ehlers, Dean B. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20130057408
    Abstract: Systems for detecting arcing faults inside a utility meter are disclosed. In one embodiment, an arc detection system for a utility meter is disclosed including: a photoreceptor sensor configured for placement within a utility meter housing; and a computing device communicatively connected to the photoreceptor sensor, the computing device adapted to monitor arcing events within the utility meter housing by performing actions comprising: obtaining illumination data about an area within the utility meter housing from the photoreceptor sensor; and analyzing the illumination data to determine whether an arcing event has occurred within the utility meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Brian Matthew Aiken
  • Patent number: 8385028
    Abstract: A galvanic isolator having a split circuit element, a polymeric substrate, a transmitter and receiver is disclosed. The split circuit element has first and second portions, the first portion being disposed on a first surface of the substrate and the second portion being disposed a second surface of the substrate. The transmitter receives an input signal and couples a signal derived from the input signal to the first portion. The receiver is connected to the second portion of the circuit element and generates an output signal that is coupled to an external circuit. The galvanic isolator can be economically fabricated on conventional printed circuit board substrates and flexible circuit substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Julie E. Fouquet, Gary R. Trott
  • Patent number: 8351168
    Abstract: A circuit comprises a switch, a driver circuit, and an open circuit detector. The switch has a first current electrode coupled to a power supply terminal, a second current electrode coupled to supply a current to a load, and a control electrode. The driver circuit has an input for receiving a control signal, and an output coupled to the control electrode of the switch. The open circuit detector has a first terminal coupled to receive a voltage from a bootstrap capacitor, a second terminal coupled to the power supply terminal, and a control terminal coupled to the driver circuit. The open circuit detector detects an open circuit, and in response, provides a signal at the control terminal for causing the driver circuit to open the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Sicard
  • Patent number: 8344701
    Abstract: A method for preventing fake charging of an electronic apparatus is provided. The method includes: providing a power management table for setting function units for each power range; activating a fake charging preventing function according to a predetermined condition or an activating operation of users; detecting power of the electronic apparatus every a first predetermined time interval; determining a current power range the detected power falls into; determining whether the current power range is changed; beginning to time when the current power range is changed; activating function units which are disabled and whose power range is the current power range when the timing reaches a second predetermined time interval and the detected power is still in the current power range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua-Dong Cheng, Han-Che Wang
  • Publication number: 20120320477
    Abstract: An integrated circuit chip including a plurality of parallel wells of alternated conductivity types formed in the upper portion of a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, and a device of protection against attacks including: between the wells, trenches with insulated walls filled with a conductive material, said trenches extending from the upper surface of the wells to the substrate; and a circuit capable of detecting a modification of the stray capacitance formed between said conductive material and a region of the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Mathieu Lisart, Alexandre Sarafianos
  • Patent number: 8325052
    Abstract: An over-current protection apparatus includes a first connector connected to a power supply, a second connector connected to a motherboard. A non-inverting input terminal of a comparator receives a voltage from a power supply and compares the received voltage with a preset voltage, when the received voltage is greater than the preset voltage. The comparator outputs a high level signal to control a first electrical switch to be turned on and a second electrical switch to be turned off. A clock pin of a flip-flop receives a high level signal from the second electrical switch, and an output terminal of the flip-flop outputs a low level signal to a third electrical switch, to control the third electrical switch to be turned off. A control pin of a first connector is disconnected to a control pin of a second connector and the power supply does not provide voltages to a motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo Deng
  • Publication number: 20120300347
    Abstract: A safety mechanism for a solar cell group, the safety mechanism constituted of: a signal receiver arranged to assert a permissive signal indicative of reception by the signal receiver of a predetermined signal; an electronically controlled switch arranged to provide in a closed state an effective short circuit across the output of the solar cell group responsive to the absence of the asserted permissive signal of the signal receiver; and a power harvester in communication with the solar cell group and arranged to provide electric power to the signal receiver when the electronically controlled switch is the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSEMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn Anthony FAHRENBRUCH, Bruce FERGUSON, Ekrem CENGELCI
  • Publication number: 20120275066
    Abstract: A grounding system for a photovoltaic or solar cell array includes a strap positioned over adjacent solar module frames and a grounding clip positioned between the adjacent solar module frames and a docking support surface. The grounding clip has two regions of upwardly and downwardly extending protrusions and a through-hole disposed between the two regions. Each protrusion has a serrate portion adapted to penetrate through anodized layers of the solar module frames and the docking support surface for the solar module frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BLUE SUNNY SKIES LLC
    Inventors: Edward Joseph O'Brien, Michael J. Moulder, Kenneth A. Layre
  • Patent number: 8284536
    Abstract: A luminaire can comprise an electronic circuit, such as an LED driver or electronic ballast. A surge protection device in the current path between a power supply and the luminaire components can be configured to protect the electronic circuitry by absorbing and/or redirecting energy of a surge by switching into a low-impedance state while maintaining the protected circuitry (including its internal protective components, if any) in a high-impedance state. The surge protection device can comprise a MOV stage and a filter stage, for example. The surge protection device can be configured as a replaceable module, with the luminaire including an assembly designed to receive the module and allow for easy replacement over the useful life of the other components. Use of fuses or thermal components may cause the surge protection device to interrupt power flow if protection is lost due to internal failure, indicating when module replacement is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Minarczyk, Robert Scites, Yaser Abdelsamed
  • Patent number: 8285402
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling a process are provided. The control device apparatus includes an input section configured to receive input signals from a controlled process, a first output section communicatively coupled to the input section wherein the first output section is configured to transmit the received input signals to a controller, and a second output section communicatively coupled to the controller, the second output section is configured to transmit control signals from the controller to the controlled process. The apparatus further includes a safety logic block communicatively coupled to the input section in parallel with the received input signals that are transmitted to the controller, the safety logic block is configured to generate a safety output signal using the received input signals, the safety logic block is further configured to transmit the safety output signal to the controlled process independent of the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: GE Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry Lueckenbach, Edwin Thurnau, Marcel Van Helten
  • Patent number: 8278882
    Abstract: A charging monitor has a switch disposed between a load section having a storage battery and an external AC power supply supplying a current to the load section via a plurality of lines and interrupts the supply of the current from the external AC power supply to the load section; a current detection circuit; a suppression circuit that suppresses a DC component contained in the detection signal; a filter circuit that filters a plurality of frequency components contained in the detection signal so that attenuation increases as a frequency becomes high; a rectifier smoothing circuit that rectifies and smoothens an output signal; and an electric leakage determination circuit that detects an electric leakage and shuts off the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Gotou, Hiroaki Koshin, Hiroshi Ooya
  • Patent number: 8278862
    Abstract: Motor control systems comprise a motor control circuit, a processing circuit operably coupled to the motor control circuit, and a current sensor operably coupled to the processing circuit. The current sensor may be configured to sense a current and to convey a signal to the processing circuitry proportional to an amount of current sensed. The processing circuitry may be configured to sample the signal to obtain a plurality of current values, to store the plurality of current values and to generate an operation profile from the plurality of current values. Folding partitions comprising motor control systems are also disclosed, as well as methods of monitoring an operation of an electric motor and of monitoring for an obstruction of a folding partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Publication number: 20120229031
    Abstract: A converting controller comprises a power pin, a ground pin, at least one input pin, at least one output pin, at least one set pin and a failure generating circuit. The power pin is adapted to be coupled with a power source to receive electric power for operation, and the ground pin is adapted to be grounded. The input pin is adapted to receive a corresponding input signal and the output pin is used to output a corresponding output signal. The set pin is adapted to set a corresponding operating parameter of the converting controller. The failure generating circuit is coupled with and uses one of the input pin and the set pin as a protection output pin. The failure generating circuit modulates the level of the protection output pin to be a protection logic level when the converting controller is under a protection state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GREEN SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shian-Sung SHIU, Li-Min LEE, Chung-Che YU
  • Patent number: 8264280
    Abstract: Detection accuracy of a short circuit state in a load driving circuit is improved thereby operation efficiency of a motor may be enhanced. A gate control circuit 25 turns off NMOS transistors Q1 and Q4, turns on an NMOS transistor Q3, and turns on and off an NMOS transistor Q2 intermittently so as to control rotation of a motor 10. A detection circuit 30a detects a voltage Va at a connection node a between the NMOS transistor Q2 and the motor 10 a predetermined time after the NMOS transistor Q2 is turned on. A control circuit 20 turns off the NMOS transistor Q2 so as to cut off a current from a power supply to the motor 10 if the voltage Va at the connection node a is within a range in which the motor 10 is determined to be short-circuited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Oku
  • Publication number: 20120206840
    Abstract: A thermal protection system for an electrical system having a control system and an electrical outlet connected to an electrical power source includes an electrical cord having a plug attached thereto that is configured to electrically connect with the outlet. A non-contact temperature sensor is disposed within the plug and configured to measure a temperature of the outlet. The temperature sensor is in communication with the control system and configured to send a signal to the control system to effect a reduced flow of current through the outlet and plug when the temperature sensor indicates that a predetermined condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Goelz, David A. Hein
  • Patent number: 8242901
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a fieldbus system, in particular for use in an explosion-hazard area. The fieldbus system, in at least one embodiment, has a plurality of bus line sections with bus lines; an isolating element, by which in each case two of the plurality of bus line sections are coupled to one another and which galvanically isolates the bus lines of the two bus line sections from one another such that this prevents any direct current flowing between the bus lines of the two bus line sections and communication signals are transmitted between the two bus line sections; and a supply source for each of the bus line sections, in order to provide an electrical power supply for field devices which can be connected to the respective bus line section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Indefrey, Maximilian Korff, Andreas Schiff, Bernhard Wiesgickl
  • Patent number: 8228647
    Abstract: An electrical power diagnostic system includes a system housing, a power saw management system, and a user interface. The system housing is electrically connected with the power unit of the power saw, wherein the system housing includes a control panel provided thereon for allowing a user to adjust an operational parameter through the control panel. The power saw management system includes a control processor mounted within the system housing to electrically communicate with the power saw, wherein the control processor is pre-programmed to manage operational parameters of the power saw and supervise actual operation of the power saw machine and the saw blade in such a manner that when abnormal operating condition of the power saw machine is detected, the control processor is adapted to selectively adjust the operational parameters of the power saw machine for stopping the abnormal operating condition from continuously happening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Wy Peron Lee
  • Publication number: 20120170157
    Abstract: A battery management and protection system can include various features to improve safety-critical and other functions. Among the features that can be included in some implementations are automatic loading of safety or other parameters during start-up of the system; a centralized timekeeper and an event system that can trigger actions in the system independently of a central processing unit; use of the same modules for both automatically-controlled safety-related measurements and firmware-controlled measurements; enhanced diagnostic features, and a sleepwalking feature that allows certain modules in the system to continue to perform various functions even when the module or the system is in a low-power sleep mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Eivind Holsen, Andreas Onsum, Odd Jostein Svendsli, Arne Aas
  • Publication number: 20120161973
    Abstract: An electric receptacle apparatus with a replaceable protection module is disclosed. The electric receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle module and a protection module. The receptacle module has a body, am accommodation portion, a power input interface and a power output interface. The accommodation portion is installed inside the body and has a plurality of conductive jacks, wherein the conductive jacks are electrically connected with power input interface and the power output interface respectively. The protection module has a casing, a switch unit, a protection circuit and a plurality of conductive terminals, wherein the switch unit connects with protection circuit and the conductive terminals. Whereby, when the protection module is recessed in the accommodation portion, the conductive terminals are plugged in the conductive jacks and the switch unit controls the power input interface to be electrically connected with or electrically disconnected from the power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-HUI HSU
  • Publication number: 20120162828
    Abstract: A battery management and protection system can include various features to improve safety-critical and other functions. Among the features that can be included in some implementations are automatic loading of safety or other parameters during start-up of the system; a centralized timekeeper and an event system that can trigger actions in the system independently of a central processing unit; use of the same modules for both automatically-controlled safety-related measurements and firmware-controlled measurements; enhanced diagnostic features, and a sleepwalking feature that allows certain modules in the system to continue to perform various functions even when the module or the system is in a low-power sleep mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ATMEL Corporation
    Inventors: Eivind Holsen, Andreas Onsum, Odd Jostein Svendsli, Arne Aas
  • Publication number: 20120154957
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a trip mechanism and at least one capacitor configured to store electrical energy and to provide the electrical energy to the trip mechanism. The circuit protection device also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one capacitor and configured to measure a charge property of the at least one capacitor, compare the measured charge property to a threshold, and output a signal indicative of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Benjamin Williams