Ground Fault Protection Patents (Class 361/42)
  • Patent number: 12132445
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a detection device for detecting a fault current (Ifault) at a PV generator and/or at DC lines of a PV installation assigned to the PV generator. The PV generator has at least one first PV string and a second PV string, which are connected to a PV inverter of the PV installation via in each case two DC lines. In this case, the detection device has at least one current transformer and an evaluation circuit connected to the at least one current transformer. The current transformer can be used jointly by the first PV string and the second PV string, wherein a measurement signal of the jointly usable current transformer represents a difference between a first summation current (Isum,1) flowing from the first PV string towards the ground potential (PE) and a second summation current (Isum,2) flowing from the second PV string towards the ground potential (PE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Martin Sabban
  • Patent number: 12100563
    Abstract: An arc detection system includes an obtainer and a determiner. The obtainer obtains a measurement result for current flowing in a power supply line to which power is supplied from a DC power source. The determiner determines, based on a component of a specific frequency band in the measurement result for the current obtained by the obtainer, whether an arc fault has occurred. The determiner determines that the arc fault has occurred when a specific time for which the component of the specific frequency band is at least a threshold is longer than an occurrence time in which an arc can occur when a device is attached to or detached from the power supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Kidera, Tatsuo Koga, Takahiro Ohori
  • Patent number: 12088089
    Abstract: A system and method for nuisance-trip decision management in an electric power system using data analytics comprising, a protection system, PS, and at least one electrical protection circuit, EPC. The PS comprising, a plurality of sensors configured to measure data; a memory configured to store an updated data of nuisance-trip events and a plurality of nuisance-trip parameters detected or generated on the electric power system over a period; a processor configured to perform hybrid machine learning (HML) based on the measured data from the plurality of sensors for a nuisance-trip condition and communicate with a neighboring PS; a protection microcontroller configured to allow or avoid tripping at least one electronic tripping circuit provided in the at least one EPC by communicating with the processor and the neighboring PS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Mayukha Pal, Alok Kumar Bharati, Satish Shamsundar Belkhode
  • Patent number: 12088080
    Abstract: An arc detection device includes: a current detector that includes a magnetic core penetrated by first and second paths each connecting a DC power source and a device, and detects a current flowing through each of the first and second paths in accordance with a magnetic field generated at the magnetic core; a low impedance circuit having a lower impedance than the DC power source and the device, the low impedance circuit being connected to the first path and the second path to cause a high frequency component to bypass one of the first path or the second path; and an arc determiner that determines an occurrence of an arc based on a current detected by the current detector. In the magnetic core, a direct current flows through the first path in a direction opposite to a direction in which a direct current flows through the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Ohshima, Tatsuo Koga, Keita Kanamori, Kazunori Kidera
  • Patent number: 12081014
    Abstract: A power supply system to provide power to a load connected between first and second connectors. The system includes a generator that produces an alternating current generator output and a rectifier that receives the alternating current generator output and converts it into a direct current output and provides the direct current (DC) output between the first and second connectors. The system also includes a filter connected to the rectifier and between the connectors and that smooths the DC output. The filter includes a midpoint configured to be connected to ground. The system also includes a fault clearing source connected to the first connector that provides a clearing voltage to the first connector when a ground fault occurs on the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: William S. Heglund
  • Patent number: 12066485
    Abstract: A circuit fault detection apparatus includes an AD conversion circuit, a corrector, a threshold value setting device and a fault detector. The AD conversion circuit detects a voltage corresponding to a current flowing through a circuit fault detection element connected to the electric circuit or a voltage applied to the circuit fault detection element, and converts the voltage to a digital value. The corrector corrects the digital value or a measurement value as a voltage value representative of the digital value to a corrected measurement value. The threshold value setting device sets a threshold value closer to a normal value side than a limit value of the corrected measurement value determined based on a convertible range of the AD conversion circuit. The fault detector detects whether the fault occurs in the electric circuit, based on comparison between the threshold value and the corrected measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nakano, Yohei Nakakura
  • Patent number: 12043124
    Abstract: A vehicle power system includes at least one main switch to electrically connect a traction battery and electric machine, at least one DC charge switch to electrically connect the traction battery and a DC charge port when the at least one main switch is closed, and a controller to, while the DC charge port is disconnected from a DC power source, sequentially close the at least one DC charge switch and then the at least one main switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Lynn Briggs, Yuan Zhang, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Wai Hwa Fong
  • Patent number: 12046893
    Abstract: A leakage current detection and interruption device for power cord includes a switch module, a leakage current detection module, an open circuit detection module, and a trigger module. The switch module controls the electrical connection between input and output ends of the power cord. The leakage current detection module has two leakage current detection lines to collect leakage current on the power supply lines of the power cord. The open circuit detection module is coupled to the leakage current detection module, and generates an open-circuit fault signal when an open circuit exists in at least one of the two leakage current detection lines. The trigger module is coupled to the switch module and the open circuit detection module, and receives a leakage fault signal and/or the open-circuit fault signal, and in response thereto, drives the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input and output ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 12042147
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises staples deployable into the tissue. The end effector further comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an identifying characteristic of the staple cartridge, an impedance sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an impedance of the tissue, and a processing unit in communication with the impedance sensor. The processing unit is configured to determine a property of the tissue based on an output of the impedance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cllag GmbH International
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 12038487
    Abstract: A disconnection detecting system for detecting disconnection of any of a plurality of wires included in a cable is provided. The disconnection detecting system includes: a bending mechanism configured to periodically apply force to the cable so as to cause the cable to reciprocate between a first bending state to be bent in one direction of clockwise and counterclockwise directions and a second bending state to be bent in the other direction; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure a resistance value of the cable, which varies on a time series basis in accordance with the reciprocation of the bending mechanism, and extract a component of a bending frequency for reciprocating between the first and second bending states once from frequency components included in time-series variation in the resistance value of the cable. The disconnection is detected on a basis of amplitude of the component of the bending frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: PROTERIAL, LTD.
    Inventor: Izumi Fukasaku
  • Patent number: 12021370
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device including a phase conductor, a neutral conductor, an interrupter configured to disconnect the phase conductor and the neutral conductor from a load, and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of current flowing through the phase conductor and the neutral conductor. The circuit interrupting device further includes a microcontroller that includes an electronic processor and is electrically connected to the first sensor and the interrupter. The microcontroller is configured to generate a reference signal, receive a first signal from the sensor, determine whether a difference between a voltage of the first signal and a voltage of the reference signal exceeds a threshold, determine whether the microcontroller has performed a ground fault self-test, and activate the interrupter when the difference exceeds the threshold and the microcontroller has not performed the ground fault self-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Brower, James Casey Musson, William Vernon Miller, III, Joseph Michael Meady, Joseph Edgar Dupuis, Brian S. Chia
  • Patent number: 11989871
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises processing circuitry configured to receive a first model and a second model; determine difference information that is representative of a difference between the first model and the second model and/or between the first task and the second task and/or between the first domain and the second domain; and generate a third model using the first model, the second model and the difference information, wherein the generating of the third model comprises training the third model to perform both of the first task and the second task and/or to operate on both the first domain and the second domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Henry, Aneta Lisowska
  • Patent number: 11990015
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing point heat detectors based on surface mounted thermistors are described herein. One circuit board for a point heat detector of a fire sensing system includes a circuit board body having number of corners, at least one hole provided in the circuit board body proximate to one of the corners, and a surface mounted thermistor mounted on at least one corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiatti, Andrea Frison, Arturo Paderno, Daniele Iurissevich, Fabio Bellemo, Massimo Bressanutti, Maurizio Berliavaz, Stefano Pecorari
  • Patent number: 11972675
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of output pins. Each of the output pins is electrically connected to an input pin of a buzzer and to a buzzer driver. The buzzer driver is configured to cause the buzzer to emit an audible sound. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of ground switches. Each ground switch is configured to connect a corresponding output pin of the plurality of output pins to ground when closed. The semiconductor device further includes a current generator that is configured to supply a test current to a given output pin of the plurality of output pins and a clamp switch that is configured to connect the given output pin to an analog-to-digital converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics America Inc.
    Inventors: Lokesh Kumath, Muthukumaran Chandrasekaran, Harley Franklin Burger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11973333
    Abstract: A method for determining phase locking of critical arc light includes: step 1: monitoring and collecting light radiation intensity of an arc inside a switch cabinet in real time, and converting the collected light radiation intensity into an electrical signal; step 2: extracting a power-frequency fundamental wave of the electrical signal, comparing an amplitude of the power-frequency fundamental wave of the electrical signal with a first threshold, and generating a pre-warning signal based on a comparison result of the first threshold; step 3: comparing the amplitude of the power-frequency fundamental wave of the electrical signal with a second threshold voltage, and generating a control signal based on a comparison result of the second threshold voltage and a protection time threshold; and step 4: protecting the switch cabinet under the critical arc light environment based on the pre-warning signal and the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Wuxi Power Supply Branch of State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Miao, Ping Chen, Yin Gu, Xi Wu, Jun Qin, Bin Fei, Junfeng Wu, Zhaoyun Leng, Ming Ren
  • Patent number: 11973336
    Abstract: A plug has a power supply module, a leakage detection module, a timing module, an input terminal for external power supply and an output terminal for outputting voltage, a current loop is formed between the input terminal and the output terminal, the power module is connected to an external power source through the input terminal, the power module includes a rectifier unit D3 and a power control unit, the input of the rectifier unit D3 and the input terminal are electrically connected. The invention has the function of automatically disconnecting the line output when the line has leakage, protecting the plug and the externally connected electrical appliances, and at the same time, it can automatically perform self-checking at regular intervals to check whether the leakage protection function can be used normally, thereby improving the plug's reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventors: Juntuo Yang, Dong Wei
  • Patent number: 11973343
    Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ami Hazani
  • Patent number: 11942896
    Abstract: A device (9) for protecting a direct current electrical system (1) having one or more modules (2) from electric arcs comprises: a first sensor (10) provided with a first ring of ferromagnetic material configured to generate a first signal, representing a oscillating component of a current flowing through a cable inserted into the ring; a conditioning stage (12), having a bandpass filter, for conditioning the first signal; a first threshold comparator (13); a counter (15); a processor (14); a second sensor (19), configured to generate a second signal representing a direct current component of the current flowing through the cable; a second threshold comparator (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SOCIETA' ELETTRICA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Euro Marangoni, Armando Randi, Carlo Bambi
  • Patent number: 11913999
    Abstract: A method is for detecting a ground fault in a load zone that can be connected to a direct-current network. The load zone includes a first load zone line connectable to a first main line of the direct-current network via a circuit breaker, and a second load zone line connectable to a second main line of the direct-current network via an interrupter switch. In an embodiment of the method, at least one line voltage at a load zone line is continually measured. If a ground fault is not detected at any main line of the direct-current network before the load zone is connected, the interrupter switch is closed while the circuit breaker is open, and a ground fault in the load zone is inferred if at least one line voltage does not significantly change after the interrupter switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hubert Schierling, Benno Weis
  • Patent number: 11909197
    Abstract: A motor drive device includes a reactor, a converter circuit, a capacitor, an inverter circuit, and overcurrent determination units. The converter circuit converts a first AC voltage output from an AC power supply into a DC voltage. The capacitor smooths a second voltage on the DC side of the converter circuit. The inverter circuit converts DC power stored in the capacitor into AC power. One of the overcurrent determination units determines overcurrent based on a detected value of the first AC current, flowing between the AC power supply and the converter circuit. Another overcurrent determination unit determines overcurrent based on a detected value of the second DC current, flowing between the converter circuit and the capacitor. The converter and inverter circuits stop operating when the determination result of one of the overcurrent determination units indicates an overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Ichiki, Takuya Shimomugi, Koichi Arisawa, Keisuke Uemura, Kenji Iwazaki
  • Patent number: 11897343
    Abstract: In earth leakage detection device, one end of coupling capacitor is connected to a current path of power storage unit connected to load in a state of being insulated from the ground. Voltage output unit generates a periodically changing periodic voltage, and applies the periodic voltage to the other end of coupling capacitor via first resistor. Second resistor and third resistor are connected in series between a node between coupling capacitor and first resistor and a predetermined fixed potential. Voltage measurement unit measures a voltage at a voltage dividing point between second resistor and third resistor. Earth leakage determination unit determines presence or absence of an earth leakage between the current path of power storage unit and the ground based on the measured voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11894668
    Abstract: A wiring device including an interrupting device and a controller. The interrupting device electrically connecting one or more line terminals to one or more load terminals when the interrupting device is in a reset condition and disconnecting the line terminals from the load terminals when the interrupting device is in a tripped condition. The controller has an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to monitor a current of the one or more line terminals, identify a presence of an in-rush condition, wherein an in-rush of the current exists when the one or more cycles of current conform with a decay progression envelope, and prevent the tripped condition upon identifying the in-rush condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: William Vernon Miller, III
  • Patent number: 11894302
    Abstract: A conducting busbar (2, 4) suitable for use in a semiconductor power module (8) is provided. The busbar (2, 4) comprises a main plate (210, 410), one or more legs (220, 420) extending from the main plate (210, 410), and one or more feet (230, 430) formed at the free end of the legs (220, 420). According to the invention, the intersection line (L) between at least one of the legs (220, 420) and the associated foot (230, 430) forms an offset angle (?) with respect to the longitudinal direction (X) of the main plate (210, 410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Tønnes
  • Patent number: 11863063
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes: a power converter connected to an alternate-current power supply; a direct-current capacitor connected to a direct-current side of the power converter; a first alternate-current switch connected between the power converter and the alternate-current power supply; an inrush current suppressor connected in parallel to the first alternate-current switch, between the power converter and the alternate-current power supply, and including a charging resistance or a charging reactor; a second alternate-current switch connected in parallel to the first alternate-current switch and in series to the inrush current suppressor, between the power converter and the alternate-current power supply; and a control device configured to control the power converter so that the first alternate-current switch is open, the second alternate-current switch is closed, and a voltage applied to the direct-current capacitor reaches a voltage that is equal to or exceeds a preset voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Issei Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 11862906
    Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle including a circuit board defining a first plane and a solenoid having a central axis perpendicular to the first plane. The electrical outlet receptacle further including a reset plunger with a portion extending through the first end of the solenoid and axially movable therein, and an armature movable axially along the portion of the reset plunger extending through the solenoid. Wherein the armature includes a slanted projection configured to contact a cam surface of a slide mechanism and provide the downward force on the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David Ridgeway, Kenny Padro
  • Patent number: 11855442
    Abstract: A grounded neutral fault detector that includes induction circuits and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to determine a frequency of a test signal by measuring load noise based on a first leakage signal corresponding to a first current imbalance between the line conductor and the neutral conductor for the load without the test signal being injected, analyzing a frequency spectrum of the load noise, and selecting the frequency of the test signal. The controller is further configured to inject the test signal at the selected frequency to the neutral conductor, measure impedance of a current loop formed by a potential grounded neutral fault based on a second leakage signal corresponding to a second current imbalance with the test signal being injected, and determine a grounded neutral fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: John Paul Filipetti, Cecil Rivers, Jr., Lucas James McPhee
  • Patent number: 11843237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting an electric arc in an electronic assembly, having: a transmission unit for generating an output signal, and an evaluation unit for receiving the output signal, where the transmission unit and the evaluation unit are connected to one another, where the transmission unit comprises an oscillator unit that generates an output signal having a frequency and/or an amplitude, and where the evaluation unit is configured to detect deviations, caused by an arc, in the output signal from the transmission unit. There is in particular a provision to implement the oscillator unit by way of a modified Pierce oscillator having an inverter, where the quartz is replaced by a detector coil. The invention furthermore relates to an electronic assembly of a motor vehicle having an apparatus to be controlled, in particular having a heating apparatus and having said device, and to a method for detecting an electric arc in an electronic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Jürgen Scherschmidt
  • Patent number: 11843236
    Abstract: An arc detection system for an aircraft high voltage and direct current electrical circuit which includes a sensor sensing high-frequency magnetic fields created by current pulses, a signal conditioning block, a database including a time threshold, status signals of events occurring in aircraft normal operation procedures, a processing unit configured to calculate a statistical dispersion of the high-frequency magnetic fields of the current pulses of the signals measured by the sensor, calculate a threshold under no-arc conditions as a function of the previous measured signals, check if the signals measured by the sensor are above the threshold under no arc-conditions during the time threshold, if positive, check if any status signal of events due to normal operation procedures has been activated, and if negative, activate the operation of an electrical protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAU
    Inventors: Guillermo Robles, Juan Manuel Martínez Tarifa, Daniel Izquierdo Gil, Gabriel Barroso De María, Manuel Gómez De La Calle
  • Patent number: 11831138
    Abstract: A fault-arc identification method, device and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method comprises: performing sampling on a target arc at a high frequency, and obtaining a high-frequency sampling signal (S11); preprocessing the high-frequency sampling signal, and obtaining a processed sampling signal (S12); performing feature extraction on the processed sampling signal, and obtaining a target arc feature (S13); and inputting the target arc feature to a neural network model, obtaining a target output result, and determining, according to the target output result, whether the target arc is a fault-arc (S14). Performing sampling on a target arc at a high frequency can obtain more arc features from the target arc. Moreover, since a neural network model has favorable data classification capability, using a neural network model to perform determination with respect to the target arc can improve the accuracy and reliability of a fault-arc detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: QINGDAO TOPSCOMM COMMUNICATION CO., LTD
    Inventors: Huarong Wang, Jianhua Wang, Yue Ma
  • Patent number: 11828815
    Abstract: An AC/DC leakage detection method, which supports the detection of DC leakage and AC leakage. A DC leakage current and a low-frequency leakage current are measured by means of magnetic modulation technology, an AC signal is measured in the form of pure induction, and two detection modes are performed in a time-sharing manner. A collected leakage signal is converted into a digital signal through an AD converter. By means of the method of the present invention, the processing of a leakage signal is divided into three channels for respectively processing DC leakage, low-frequency AC leakage, and high-frequency AC leakage. The overall effective value of residual current is calculated by integrating results of DC detection and AC detection. The method of the present invention supports the detection of a suddenly increased current; and when there is a suddenly increased current, detection mode switching is performed by detecting the current sudden change of the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: QINGDAO TOPSCOMM COMMUNICATION CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zhen Liu, Jianhua Wang
  • Patent number: 11813946
    Abstract: An electrical system can include a power supply configured to provide electrical power to components at a time at which the electrical system experiences an electrical fault. The electrical system can include a first battery electrically coupled in parallel to a second battery via an electrical bus, whereby the first and second batteries can provide electrical power to a first electrical load and a second electrical load. Upon experiencing a fault, a first circuit element can electrically decouple the first battery and the second battery by opening a circuit provided by the electrical bus, thereby isolating the first battery from the second battery. Next, the battery experiencing the fault can include a second circuit element that can electrically decouple the battery experiencing the fault from a respective electrical load, while the battery isolated from the fault can continue to provide electrical power to components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Robert Ng, Kyle Matthew Foley, Bryan Booth, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
  • Patent number: 11810744
    Abstract: In an electrical distribution system including a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) and one or more downstream mechanical circuit breakers (CBs), a solid-state switching device in the SSCB is repeatedly switched ON and OFF during a short circuit event, to reduce a root-mean-square (RMS) value of the short circuit current. The resulting pulsed short circuit current is regulated in a hysteresis control loop, to limit the RMS to a value low enough to prevent the SSCB from tripping prematurely but high enough to allow one of the downstream mechanical CBs to trip and isolate the short circuit. Pulsing is allowed to continue for a maximum short circuit pulsing time. Only if none of the downstream mechanical CBs is able to trip to isolate the short circuit within the maximum short circuit pulsing time is the SSCB allowed to trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Kouroussis, Ryan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11802920
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the integrity of a plurality of ground conductors has a plurality of monitors, with a different monitor associated with each ground conductor. Each monitor includes a voltage sensor which monitors voltage on a closed circuit of the monitor. Upon the voltage sensor sensing an unexpected voltage, a transmitter of the monitor issues an “alarm” signal, which may be wireless (e.g., being sent using LoRaWAN protocol). The transmitter may issue other signals, including a periodic “heartbeat” signal to confirm continued operation of the monitor, and a “movement” signal to indicate movement of the monitor. The monitor may be GPS-enabled, in which case each signal may include the GPS coordinates of the monitor. The signals issued by the transmitter may ultimately be analyzed by an operator via a user interface platform, which may simultaneously display information regarding two or more of the plurality of monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Paige Electric Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark D. Ahlers, Julie M. Bushell
  • Patent number: 11791620
    Abstract: A solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with self-diagnostic, self-maintenance, and self-protection capabilities includes: a power semiconductor device; an air gap disconnect unit connected in series with the power semiconductor device; a sense and drive circuit that switches the power semiconductor device OFF upon detecting a short circuit or overload of unacceptably long duration; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that triggers the air gap disconnect unit to form an air gap and galvanically isolate an attached load, after the sense and drive circuit switches the power semiconductor device OFF. The MCU is further configured to monitor the operability of the air gap disconnect unit, the power semiconductor device, and other critical components of the SSCB and, when applicable, take corrective actions to prevent the SSCB and the connected load from being damaged or destroyed and/or to protect persons and the environment from being exposed to hazardous electrical conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Miller, Binesh Kumar, Davide Leoni, Michael J. Harris, Denis Kouroussis
  • Patent number: 11789050
    Abstract: An electrical meter including a housing including a socket interface operable to connect to a facility. The meter further including a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the electrical meter. The meter further including a controller having an electronic processor and a memory. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from the sensor, a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic, determine, based on the signal, presence of a hot socket, and output an alert based on determining presence of the hot socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Aclara Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee McDougall, Jr., Curtis Whitmore Crittenden, Charles Andrew Waters
  • Patent number: 11776430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of researching and developing a seismic fault motion simulation experimental instrument, and particularly relates to a matching box body structure for simulating fault motion and a seismic fault simulation experimental platform, including a left box body and a right box body arranged in a left and right matching manner, wherein the inner cavities of the left box body and the right box body communicate with each other and form an accommodating cavity for accommodating a soil layer, both the left box body and the right box body include a main box body, two sides along the left direction and right direction have openings, and the top side has an opening; and an end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: JIANGHAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Longjun Xu, Xujian Yang, Heng Zhang, Qihan Xu, Lili Xie
  • Patent number: 11769995
    Abstract: An arc fault detection device includes: a first electric line; at least one sensor for monitoring an electric current or voltage spectrum in the first electric line and outputting an analogue HF measurement signal; and an input section connected to the at least one sensor, the input section including: an input bandpass filter connected to the at least one sensor so as to filter the analogue HF measurement signal, a passband of the input bandpass filter having a predeterminable arc-frequency range so as to detect arcing effects; and a sampling mixer connected to the input bandpass filter, the sampling mixer having a sampling frequency lower than twice an upper threshold frequency of the arc-frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Werner Dichler, Krzysztof Kowalów
  • Patent number: 11749984
    Abstract: Output circuit devices for use in electric power systems may include a first output subsystem for transmitting a first signal output via an output port to a component of the electric power system, an input subsystem for receiving and monitoring the first signal output transmitted by the first output subsystem, and a second output subsystem for transmitting another signal output to the component of the electric power system. The second output subsystem is to transmit the signal output in response to an indication from the input subsystem. Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and associated methods may include one or more output circuit devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan J. Penberthy, Brian James Peterson
  • Patent number: 11747878
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an electronic device comprises: an input terminal configured to receive alternating current (AC) power from an external source; an output terminal configured to output the AC power; a solid state relay (SSR) configured to selectively connect the input terminal and the output terminal, the SSR comprising a zero-crossing detector, wherein the zero-crossing detector is configured to detect a zero voltage of a voltage associated with at least one voltage of the input terminal and/or the output terminal; a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the SSR and configured to selectively connect the input terminal and the output terminal; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain a power supply interruption command while supplying the AC power to the output terminal via the bypass circuit, turn on the SSR, based on the obtaining of the power supply interruption command, turn off the bypass circuit, based on the lapse of a first period after turning on the SSR, a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., WoonYoung Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seongwon Lee, Seunghyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 11733060
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes a first conductive structure; a second conductive structure movable relative to the first conductive structure in response to an external force acting thereon, wherein the first and the second conductive structures form a first capacitor having a first capacitance that changes with a change in a distance between the first conductive structure and second conductive structure, wherein the first capacitance is representative of the external force; and a diagnostic circuit configured to detect a first leakage current in the capacitive sensor by measuring an first electrical parameter that is affected by the first leakage current and comparing the measured first electrical parameter to a first predetermined error threshold, wherein the diagnostic circuit is further configured to generate a first error signal in response to the measured first electrical parameter being greater than the first predetermined error threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dan-Ioan-Dumitru Stoica, Constantin Crisu, Victor Popescu-Stroe, Bernhard Winkler
  • Patent number: 11715916
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a leakage protective socket, relating to the technical field of electrical equipment protection. The leakage protective socket includes: a socket housing, and a leakage protector and an electrical connection portion arranged in the socket housing. The socket housing includes a support frame for fixing the electrical connection portion, a base for fixing the leakage protector, and a power socket for connecting an external power supply. One end of the electrical connection portion is provided with a wiring end, and the other end of the electrical connection portion is provided with at least one plug-in end. The leakage protector controls the opening and closing of a circuit between the power socket and the wiring end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: YUYAO JIARONG ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jiacan Qian
  • Patent number: 11712966
    Abstract: A circuit breaker for an electric load includes first and second terminals; a number of first separable contacts each electrically connected between one of the first terminals and one of the second terminals; a first mechanism to open, close or trip open the first contacts; a number of second separable contacts each electrically connected in series with a corresponding one of the first contacts; a second mechanism to open or close the second contacts; a processor to cause the second mechanism to open or close the second contacts, annunciate through one of the second terminals a power circuit electrical parameter for the electric load, receive from a number of the second terminals a confirmation from or on behalf of the electric load to cause the second mechanism to close the second contacts, and determine a fault state operatively associated with current flowing through the second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Ronald L. Thompson, Jason-David Nitzberg, David Austin Eldridge, Brandon J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11714140
    Abstract: A ground fault detection device includes: a detection capacitor; a switch group for switching between a first charging path connecting the battery and the detection capacitor, a second charging path connecting the battery, a negative side insulation resistance and the detection capacitor, a third charging path connecting the battery, a positive side insulation resistance and the detection capacitor, and a measurement path for measuring a charging voltage of the detection capacitor; and a controller configured to calculate the insulation resistance based on a charging voltage measured value of the detection capacitor which exists after charging each of the charging paths, wherein after measurement of the charging voltage of the second charging path, the controller is configured to cause the switch group to switch to the third charging path before switching to the first charging path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Mochizuki, Norio Sudo, Haruhiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11714112
    Abstract: A detection apparatus for unbalanced DC link capacitor voltage, the DC link provides a DC voltage and includes a plurality of capacitors coupled in series to two ends of the DC link and a plurality of balanced resistors coupled in series to two ends of the DC link and corresponding to the capacitors. The detection apparatus includes a plurality of sense resistors and a current sensor. One end of each sense resistor is coupled to a common-connected node of two capacitors, and the other end thereof is coupled to a common-connected node of two balanced resistors. The current sensor is coupled to one of the sense resistors and measures a current value of a current flowing through the sense resistor coupled to the current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Li-Ching Yang, Wen-Lung Huang, Sheng-Hua Li
  • Patent number: 11703536
    Abstract: A fault monitoring device may monitor and detect for faults corresponding to a high-side voltage rail, to low-side voltage rail, or internally within a voltage source connected to the high-side voltage rail and the low-side voltage rail. The fault monitoring device may determine sample voltage levels and/or sample resistance values to detect the faults. Also, in various embodiments, the fault monitoring device may perform one or more fault monitoring processes over multiple stages. The fault monitoring device may determine the sample voltage levels and/or the sample resistance values while switching a secondary resistance circuit in different states over the multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Loder, Sándor Hallai, Gábor Nagy, Máté Bérces, Péter Bence Németh
  • Patent number: 11705717
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter is provided, including a main control chip, a tripping unit and a self-test detection unit, wherein the tripping unit is connected with the self-test detection unit at a detection point and coupled with a load circuit; the self-test detection unit is coupled with the main control chip, and configured to detect a signal at the detection point and output the signal to the main control chip; the main control chip is coupled with the self-test detection unit, and configured to in a self-test state, simulate a circuit fault, perform self-test, and determine whether the circuit fault could be detected and an alarm signal response to the circuit fault is generated, based on the signal. A self-test function and alarm function response to a circuit fault in a ground fault circuit interrupter can be tested during a final test of production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Company Limited
    Inventors: Chunyong Wu, Yang Liu, Lei Shen, Shusen Hao
  • Patent number: 11705712
    Abstract: In one example, an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is provided. The AFCI may include a plurality of current arc signature detection blocks configured to output a plurality of corresponding current arc signatures, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive each of the plurality of current arc signature from each of plurality of current arc signature detection blocks, respectively, and generate a first trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to assess each of the current arc signatures, determine whether an arc fault exists based on the assessment, and generate the first trigger signal if an arc fault is determined to exist. A method for detecting an arc fault is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Ze Chen
  • Patent number: 11693062
    Abstract: A method for processing a direct current electric arc and an apparatus, includes: obtaining a first current which is a direct current input current of a direct current cable of a photovoltaic cell system; obtaining a second current, where the second current is a direct current common mode current of a direct current cable or an alternating current common mode current of an alternating current cable; calculating a correlation coefficient between a frequency domain component of the first current and a frequency domain component of the second current; and when determining that the first current meets an electric arc occurrence condition and the correlation coefficient is greater than or equal to a preset coefficient threshold, skipping sending a direct current electric arc fault alarm. The correlation coefficient is used to reflect a proportion of common mode noise generated by the second current, and the preset coefficient threshold is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fangcheng Liu, Kai Xin, Yunfeng Liu
  • Patent number: 11686758
    Abstract: An arc fault detection device for detecting an arc fault in an electric line includes a first terminal and a second terminal for connecting the arc fault detection device to a conductor of the electric line. A sensor is adapted for generating a sensor signal from a current through the electric line; and a controller is adapted for detecting the arc fault from the sensor signal. The sensor includes an inductor connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and a capacitor connected in parallel with the inductor. The inductor and the capacitor form a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency, the resonance frequency determining an impedance behavior of the resonant circuit; wherein the inductor and the capacitor are chosen such that the impedance behavior of the resonant circuit corresponds to a desired impedance behavior over a relevant frequency range of the current through the electric line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Matija Varga, Yannick Maret, Agostino Butti, Antonio Currà, Vittorio Cozzi, Luca Ghezzi
  • Patent number: 11685267
    Abstract: A battery cell with a galvanic cell, a first semiconductor switching element, a first cell connector electrically coupled directly to a first potential connector of the galvanic cell, and a second cell connector electrically coupled to a second potential connector of the galvanic cell via the first semiconductor switching element. The battery cell further has a third cell connector electrically coupled to the second potential connector of the galvanic cell, a second semiconductor switching element, and a fourth cell connector electrically coupled to the first potential connector of the galvanic cell via the second semiconductor switching element. A third semiconductor switching element is connected between the third cell connector and the fourth cell connector which primarily serves to switch individual battery cells out of the system regardless of the (activation or deactivation) state of the predecessor as well as successor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Michael Hinterberger, Christoph Terbrack, Christian Endisch, Julia Stöttner