With Differential Sensing In A Single Phase System Patents (Class 361/45)
  • Patent number: 12292475
    Abstract: A High Frequency ground fault circuit interrupter (HF-GFCI) resistant to high frequency nuisance tripping with end-of-life self-testing is provided. The HF GFCI includes a circuit breaker and a relay circuit for controlling the circuit breaker. The HF-GFCI also includes a fault detecting circuit and latch circuit. Also provided is an isolation circuit for isolating the latch circuit and the fault detecting circuit during self-test; and a self-test circuit for testing the latch circuit and the fault detecting circuit. The HF-GFCI provides an end-of-life circuit for disabling the HF-GFCI if self-test fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Tower Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Victor V Aromin
  • Patent number: 12266917
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can include a current transformer (CT) comprising a single core, a first winding wound around the single core, and a second winding wound around the single core. The GFCI can include a ground fault (GF) detection module operatively connected to the first winding to receive signals from the first winding and configured to determine whether a line-to-ground fault exists. The GFCI can also include a GN stimulus operatively connected to the second winding to provide a GN stimulus signal to the second winding. The GFCI can also include a grounded neutral (GN) detection module operatively connected to second winding and configured to receive signals from the second winding to determine whether a neutral-to-ground fault exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Riehl, Joseph Hall, Juan Ignacio Melecio, Jeremy D. Schroeder, Jacob B. Guelff
  • Patent number: 12237660
    Abstract: A leakage current detection and interruption device includes a switch module configured to control electrical connection between input and output ends of power supply lines; a leakage current detection module configured to generate a leakage fault signal in response to a leakage current in the power supply lines; a leakage-responsive drive module configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection in response to the leakage fault signal; a fault-responsive drive module configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection in response to a fault in the leakage-responsive drive module; and a self-test module configured to generate a self-test signal and to generate a self-test fault signal in response to a fault in the leakage current detection module and/or the leakage-responsive drive module. By providing the fault-responsive drive module, the device can automatically disconnect the electrical power when the leakage-responsive drive module has a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 12206233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of leakage protection, in particular to a leakage current detection circuit and a device thereof. The connected S1 inductive terminal and the S2 inductive terminal can be signal-connected, and the driving module detects whether the S1 inductive terminal and the S2 inductive terminal are connected by a signal. There is a connection signal to judge whether there is leakage, and the drive module turns the switch module on or off to control whether the circuit breaker generates a circuit breaker signal, and then the main switch S can be disconnected when leakage occurs to ensure the safety of electricity use. There is no need to set up a transformer. Reduced volume, simple circuit structure, and easier production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: DongGuan City TuoCheng Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juntuo Yang, Dong Wei
  • Patent number: 12191653
    Abstract: A temporary power delivery system includes a power source, a booth stringer, and a portable GFCI device. The GFCI device is receives current from the power source by a first terminal and delivers current to the booth stringer by a second terminal. An electronic processor of the GFCI device compares a combined magnitude of current flowing through first and second phase conductors of the GFCI device to a magnitude of current flowing through a neutral conductor of the GFCI. The electronic processor also compares a first voltage between the first phase conductor and neutral conductor to a second voltage between the second phase conductor and neutral conductor. A circuit breaker of the GFCI device is opened if a difference between the combined magnitude of phase conductor current and neutral conductor current exceeds a first threshold or a difference between the first voltage and second voltage exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Itzler, Nicole Gay
  • Patent number: 12180597
    Abstract: An example test station assembly of a cathodic protection monitoring assembly includes a face plate including a plurality of openings. In addition, the test station assembly includes a plurality of test posts to pass through the plurality of openings. Further, the test station assembly includes a plurality of electrically non-conductive identification indicators to connect to the plurality of test posts on the face plate. Each of the plurality of identification indicators including one or more identifying characteristics to identify a corresponding voltage source of a plurality of underground voltage sources associated with an at least partially buried structure, a cathodic protection system for the buried structure, or the cathodic protection monitoring assembly. Still further, the test station assembly includes a plurality of electrical conductors to electrically connect the plurality of test posts to the plurality of underground voltage sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Ryan Grant Ell, Brandon Daniel Hall
  • Patent number: 12140634
    Abstract: A framework for continuously monitored remote power shutdown. In accordance with one aspect, a monitoring circuit (107, 207) is coupled to a power removal circuit (101). The monitoring circuit (107, 207) may generate an output signal indicative of circuit integrity based on one or more electrical characteristics of the power removal circuit (101). A notification system (110) may further be coupled to the monitoring circuit (107, 207). The notification system (110) may generate a notification (112) based on the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Eric Arnsdorff, Ryan Hurrell, Garrett Sexton
  • Patent number: 12113351
    Abstract: A circuit breaker for protecting against a short circuit and over current. The circuit breaker includes a current sensing circuit configured to determine an input voltage. The circuit breaker also includes a control circuit configured to set a threshold voltage. The circuit breaker further includes a comparison circuit configured to compare the input voltage to the threshold voltage. The circuit breaker, in addition, includes a voltage output circuit configured to output an output voltage based on the comparison circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Gemstone Lights
    Inventor: Dallen Tate Leavitt
  • Patent number: 12104777
    Abstract: An illumination system has a controller stack that includes multiple power conversion and LED driver assemblies and a pole-mounted backplane that provides power and communication connections. The pole-mounted backplane further acts as a heat-sink and efficiently transmits excess heat to the pole on which the controller stack is mounted. The controller stack and its components include weathertight housings and connectors for outdoor applications, and it includes a master, which monitors the system operation and can switch to a backup LED driver based upon its monitoring of system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: M3 Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Nolan, Joseph R. Casper
  • Patent number: 12084171
    Abstract: A detection method for detecting a blocked or unlocked state of a parking brake member including a bistable linear electromagnet connected both to a power supply component arranged to generate a control voltage and to a current sensor arranged to measure the control current. The detection method includes controlling the power supply component to generate a test voltage across terminals of a coil and thus generate a test current flowing in the coil, the test voltage having an amplitude less than a predetermined voltage threshold so that a test magnetic field generated by the test current does not move a shuttle, acquiring measurements of the test current as produced by the current sensor, analyzing the measurements of the test current, and detecting the blocked or unlocked state of the parking brake member based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Brian Goyez, Guillaume Durand, Eric Clairardin
  • Patent number: 12081011
    Abstract: An arc fault protective wiring device disposed in an electrical distribution system is disclosed, the device including a pulse frequency digitizer, the pulse frequency digitizer being configured to receive a plurality of pulses, each pulse being representative of an instance that the derivative of the current through a neutral conductor exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the pulse frequency digitizer further being configured to produce a digital signal, the digital signal being representative of the instances at which a frequency of the plurality of pulses exceeds a predetermined threshold; and at least one processor configured to trigger a trip mechanism to electrically decouple a line terminal from a load terminal based, at least in part, on the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Haines, Thomas N. Packard, Anthony M. Testani, Michael F. McMahon
  • Patent number: 12036875
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection apparatus for an electric vehicle including a battery and a chassis, includes a battery voltage sensor; a first series circuit including a first resistor and a first switch connected in series between a first node connected to the battery's negative terminal and a second node connectable to the chassis; a second series circuit including a second resistor and a second switch connected in series between the second node and a third node connected to the positive terminal; a voltage divider connected in parallel to the first series circuit, and including third and fourth resistors connected in series through a fourth node; an analog-digital converter generating a digital signal indicating voltage between the first and fourth nodes; and a control unit determining occurrence of an electric leakage of the battery based on a voltage measured by the analog-digital converter in an electric leakage detection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG Energy Solution, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Hyeok Ham
  • Patent number: 12034295
    Abstract: A device comprises a processor, a memory for storing instruction code that is executable by the processor, and power supply circuitry. The power supply circuitry is in communication with the processor. The power supply circuitry comprises voltage regulator circuitry, a capacitor, a current limiter, and a switch. The voltage regulator circuitry comprises an input electrically coupled to a voltage source and an output configured to provide a regulated voltage output. The capacitor is configured to store energy derived from the voltage source. The capacitor comprises a first node electrically coupled with the output of the voltage regulator circuitry. The current limiter is in electrical communication with a second node of the capacitor and configured to limit inrush current through the capacitor during a start-up phase of the power supply circuitry. The switch circuit is in electrical communication with the second node of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Appleton Grp LLC
    Inventors: John Michael Dimacuha Gayondato, Jonathan Art Fulgencio Recaflanca, Ohvid Bartocillo Granaderos, Archie Boy Mendoza Magsombol
  • Patent number: 12027968
    Abstract: An in-wall power adapter configured to apply power to a device is described. The in-wall power adapter may comprise a plurality of contact elements including a first contact element configured to receive a power signal, a second contact element configured to receive a neutral signal, and a third contact element configured to receive a ground signal; an outlet having a plurality of terminals for receiving prongs of a plug; a recess of the in-wall power adapter having a second plurality of contact elements configured to receive power; and a module having a third plurality of contact elements adapted to be coupled to the second plurality of contact elements; wherein the module comprises a voice activated user interface adapted to receive input information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventor: John J. King
  • Patent number: 12013302
    Abstract: A multipoint contact detection device includes at least two capacitive or inductive sensitive structures associated with respective primary detection zones of a surface that a person is likely to contact. The sensitive structures are positioned with a separation that is small enough between them to define at least one intermediate detection zone that the person is likely to contact while exerting a capacitive or inductive disturbance on the adjacent sensitive structures. The device also includes a processing circuit configured to detect, for each sensitive structure, a disturbance induced by the person coming into proximity or into contact and locating the region or regions of the surface with which the person comes into contact relative to the primary detection zones and the one or more intermediate detection zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Florian Porte, Raphaƫl Morvillier, Christophe Prat
  • Patent number: 11994565
    Abstract: A potential difference early-warning circuit, comprising: a sensing resistor (R2), (PCB GND); a first MOS (M1), a drain of the first MOS being connected to the sensing resistor (R2), and a source of the first MOS (M1) being connected to a safety ground (GND); an operational amplifier (U1A), a positive input end of the operational amplifier being connected to one end of the sensing resistor (R2), and a negative input end of the operational amplifier (U1A) being connected to the other end of the sensing resistor (R2); a second MOS (M2), a gate of the second MOS (M2) being connected to an output end of the operational amplifier (U1A), and a source of the second MOS (M2) being connected to the signal ground; and a controller, a first input end of the controller being connected to the drain of the second MOS (M2), and an output end of the controller being connected to the gate of the second MOS (M2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: INSPUR SUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jie Cui, Lemei Bao
  • Patent number: 11982721
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to detecting leakage current in a powered electrical system. Leakage current is detected by comparing a high-frequency response signal with a high-frequency reference signal. A high-frequency excitation signal is coupled, via an inducer, into the powered electrical system at a first location. The high-frequency response signal is sensed, via a signal sensor, at a second location of the powered electrical system. Because the electrical dynamics of the powered electrical system can change in response to system degradation that results in leakage current, changes in the high-frequency response signal can be indicative of leakage. Thus, the high-frequency response signal is compared, by a controller, with a high-frequency reference signal. The high-frequency reference signal can be a high-frequency response signal obtained at a reference time, at which the powered electrical system is operating without leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Magdi A. Essawy, Dennis A. Quy
  • Patent number: 11923796
    Abstract: An apparatus for switching and/or protection of a load connected to said apparatus, said apparatus (1) comprising: a power switch (5) through which the connected load receives an electrical current; a sensor component (4) connected in series with said power switch (5) and adapted to generate directly an electrical voltage drop corresponding to a current rise speed of the electrical current flowing via the sensor component (4) and via the power switch (5) to said load; and a driver circuit (6) adapted to detect an occurring overcurrent depending on a voltage drop generated by said sensor component (4) with or without a voltage drop along the power switch (5) and to switch off said power switch (5) upon detection of an overcurrent within a switch-off period to protect said power switch (5) and said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Future Systems Besitz GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Steinberger, Hubert Lenker, Peter Spiel
  • Patent number: 11899045
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a capacitor voltage sensor that measures voltage on a power line coupled through a switch to a primary coil of a transformer. The method includes measuring a control voltage on a secondary coil of the transformer and measuring voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is known to be closed. The method identifies a calibration factor that when multiplied by the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is closed makes the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor substantially equal to the control voltage. The method subsequently measures voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed during operation of the transformer, and multiplies the subsequently measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed by the calibration factor to obtain a measured voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: David G. Porter
  • Patent number: 11874339
    Abstract: In an insulation resistance detection apparatus, a voltage determiner determines whether a detection voltage, which has changed by at least a preset value, becomes stable at around a changed voltage value. A resistance determiner determines a value of an insulation resistance between a ground portion and a power-supply path based on a currently sampled value of the detection voltage instead of a moving average in response to determination that the detection voltage, which has changed by at least the preset value, becomes stable at around the changed voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Kubokawa, Masakazu Kouda, Toru Wakimoto, Yusuke Shindo, Akira Sumi
  • Patent number: 11867761
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a safety fault interrupter circuit. The safety fault interrupter circuit includes a safety fault monitor coupled to a first bias node and configured to selectively assert a fault interrupter signal based at least in part on a first bias voltage and a first power consumption. The safety fault interrupter circuit also includes a power fault monitor for the safety fault monitor, wherein the power fault monitor is coupled to a second bias node and is configured to selectively assert the fault interrupter signal based at least in part on a second bias voltage and a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert Mason Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 11852662
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for circuit for detecting an open-wire condition for a differential input. Embodiments include a sensor, and a line replaceable unit (LRU) coupled to the sensor, wherein the LRU comprises a differential amplifier to provide a sensor output. Embodiments can also include a synchronous demodulator coupled to an output of the differential amplifier through an alternating current (AC) coupling network, wherein the synchronous demodulator is configured to receive the differential amplifier output and a reference signal at the synchronous demodulator signal input and reference input, and provide a synchronous demodulator output voltage to indicate an open-wire condition. Also provided are embodiments of a method for detecting an open-wire condition for a differential input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gordon Elliott Winer
  • Patent number: 11831149
    Abstract: To recognize a fault in an arrangement including a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with a DC voltage line and a secondary winding coupled magnetically to the primary winding, and including an evaluation unit that processes a secondary signal on the secondary winding, a signal component at at least one frequency is determined from the secondary signal and a signal level of the signal component is compared with a signal threshold. The fault is detected when the signal level falls below the signal threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Hofer, Stefan Breuer, Christian Fasthuber, Walter Spitzer, Andreas Hofer
  • Patent number: 11831150
    Abstract: A temporary power delivery system includes a power source, a booth stringer, and a portable GFCI device. The GFCI device is receives current from the power source by a first terminal and delivers current to the booth stringer by a second terminal. An electronic processor of the GFCI device compares a combined magnitude of current flowing through first and second phase conductors of the GFCI device to a magnitude of current flowing through a neutral conductor of the GFCI. The electronic processor also compares a first voltage between the first phase conductor and neutral conductor to a second voltage between the second phase conductor and neutral conductor. A circuit breaker of the GFCI device is opened if a difference between the combined magnitude of phase conductor current and neutral conductor current exceeds a first threshold or a difference between the first voltage and second voltage exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Itzler, Nicole Gay
  • Patent number: 11831139
    Abstract: Circuit interrupting devices are provided. One circuit interrupting device includes a fault sensor configured to output a sensor signal; a voltage sensor configured to sense a reference voltage; and a controller configured to determine an occurrence of an actual fault based on the sensor signal and the reference voltage. The circuit interrupting device further includes an amplifier configured to receive the sensor signal and the reference voltage and output an amplified signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the reference voltage and the amplified signal and output respective digital signals corresponding to the reference voltage and the amplified signal; and a line interrupt assembly configured to interrupt current flow through a conductive path when a characteristic of the sensor signal exceeds an actual fault threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Michael Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 11830692
    Abstract: A state of a tripping solenoid in a circuit breaker is determined by a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around a hollow body of a solenoid. The secondary coil is positioned within magnetic coupling distance from the primary coil and is configured to produce a sensing voltage based on the primary coil voltage. A ferromagnetic plunger positioned in the hollow body, is configured to slide axially to a tripped position to trip the circuit breaker when a trip voltage is applied to the primary coil. A plunger position detecting circuit connected to the secondary coil, is configured to detect the position of the plunger in the hollow body of the solenoid based on the sensing voltage. A reduction or absence of the sensing voltage indicates a faulty or broken connection in the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonardo Rangel Martinez, Skylar Frances Wetzel, Juan Ignacio Melecio Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11821940
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 11799279
    Abstract: A ground fault sensing circuit system includes a current transformer having a first winding and a second winding on opposite halves of the current transformer, outputting first and second signals, each winding coupled to a processor that determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, the current transformer has a third winding wrapped continuously around both halves of the current transformer, overlapped with the first and second windings, the third winding outputting a third signal coupled to the processor, which determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first, second, and third signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Schroeder, Juan Ignacio Melecio
  • Patent number: 11764551
    Abstract: A multipolar electrical protection system including a plurality of devices for switching an electric current. Each switching device has a plurality of compartments each comprising an extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts that are connected to upstream and downstream connection terminals, the separable electrical contacts being movable between open and closed positions under the action of a tripping device. The switching devices are separate from one another, while the upstream terminals of each device are connected by a first connector in order to keep them at one and the same electrical potential and the downstream terminals of each device are connected by a second connector in order to keep them at one and the same electrical potential. The switching devices are controlled by one and the same common tripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Marc Rival, Cyril Domenech, StƩphane Dye, Daniel Rota
  • Patent number: 11754655
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for calibration of a current transformer. In some examples, one or more electrical elements may be affected in order to set a calibration of the current transformer. A calibration circuit of the current transformer may be permanently or non-permanently affected according to a calibration code in order to set the calibration of the current transformer. For example, one or more fuses may be burned to lock in a certain configuration of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: David Braginsky, Dor Yairi, Ilan Yoscovich
  • Patent number: 11726125
    Abstract: A main electrical cabling is subject to variations in ambient temperature over its length. A detection system for detecting a fault in the main electrical cabling able to cause a serial arc, or heating within a connection, includes a monitor electrical cabling placed alongside the main electrical cabling and a controllable current generator injecting, at the input of the monitor electrical cable, a current proportional to the current flowing through the main electrical cabling. The main and monitor sets of electrical cabling being joined at the output, an electronic circuitry measures the difference between the electrical potential at the input of the main electrical cabling and that at the input of the monitor electrical cabling and detects a fault in the main electrical cabling when the difference of the electrical potentials exceeds a predefined threshold. A fault in the main electrical cabling is detected despite the variations in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Patrick Oms
  • Patent number: 11721508
    Abstract: Ground-fault circuit interrupter positioned between energy controlled supply circuit and load circuit which includes fault detection circuit that senses ground path current leakage to the load circuit, fault processing circuit that detects presence of fault and generates fault output signal when fault detected, and control circuit switch connected to fault processing signal output, wherein control circuit switch is opened by presence of fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from supply circuit. Preferably fault processing circuit and control circuit are optically linked, such that when fault is detected, control circuit switch is opened by optical fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from the supply circuit. Circuit interrupter may couple another circuit interrupter via power distribution control unit, optionally manageable remotely via automated control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Telefus, Stephen C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 11705714
    Abstract: A switching apparatus includes first and second electric terminals, and first and second electric branches comprising one or more switching devices. The second electric branch is electrically connected in parallel with said first electric branch between said first and second electric terminals. The switching apparatus comprises a current blocking circuit adapted to block a current along said second branch. The current blocking circuit includes a first switching device of solid-state type and a first electronic circuit electrically connected in parallel to said first switching device of solid-state type. The switching apparatus further comprises a current limiting circuit adapted to limit a current flowing along said second electric branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Strassel, Antonello Antoniazzi, Markus Abplanalp, Thierry Delachaux
  • Patent number: 11685269
    Abstract: A detection device includes a detection mat having a plurality of detection coils, and at least one pair of groups of detection coils, the pair of groups of detection coils includes first and second groups of detection coils. The first and second group of detection coils comprises first and second first and second impedance values. The detection device includes one or more drive sub-systems and a comparison sub-system. The drive sub-systems are operatively coupled to the detection mat and configured to excite at least one pair of groups of detection coils. The comparison sub-system is operatively coupled to the detection mat and configured to receive a differential current signal from the pair of groups of detection coils, the comparison subsystem is configured to generate a control signal based on the differential current signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Viswanathan Kanakasabai, Deepak Aravind, Suma Memana Narayana Bhat, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 11681310
    Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Eizips, Shmuel Arditi
  • Patent number: 11581726
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a self-check chip of a leakage protector. The self-check chip includes a power-on reset circuit, used for resetting the self-check chip after being powered-on; a reference voltage module, used for providing a reference voltage for a comparator module; a bias circuit, used for providing direct-current bias for the reference voltage module, the comparator module and a ring oscillator; the comparator module, used for monitoring an open-circuit condition of a trip coil and the change of a thyristor anode voltage and generating a power frequency clock; the ring oscillator, used for providing a clock for a counting module and a digital processing module; the counting module, used for generating a self-check signal, a leakage trigger signal, a PHASE pin detection signal and a reset signal of the counting module and the digital processing module; a trip enabling signal generation module; and the digital processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yan Han, Mohan Yu, Zhijie Cheng
  • Patent number: 11575255
    Abstract: A temporary power delivery system includes a power source, a booth stringer, and a portable GFCI device. The GFCI device is receives current from the power source by a first terminal and delivers current to the booth stringer by a second terminal. An electronic processor of the GFCI device compares a combined magnitude of current flowing through first and second phase conductors of the GFCI device to a magnitude of current flowing through a neutral conductor of the GFCI. The electronic processor also compares a first voltage between the first phase conductor and neutral conductor to a second voltage between the second phase conductor and neutral conductor. A circuit breaker of the GFCI device is opened if a difference between the combined magnitude of phase conductor current and neutral conductor current exceeds a first threshold or a difference between the first voltage and second voltage exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Itzler, Nicole Gay
  • Patent number: 11557918
    Abstract: A wall outlet inductive charger includes a base connected to a set of terminals for receiving power supply conductors. A faceplate is connected to the base. The faceplate includes a charging portion. A device support extends from the faceplate. A charger housing is connected to the base and positioned between the base and the faceplate. A charging pad including an inductive coil is positioned in the charger housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Sorin Mortun
  • Patent number: 11509127
    Abstract: A device, system, and method is disclosed for improving safety of a power system. For example, a differential current may be detected using at least one sensor by temporarily enabling sampling of current flowing through one or more conductors. Additionally, current flow may be temporarily altered in order to sample current in a system. The measurements may be handled locally and/or remotely and appropriate actions may be taken to enhance the overall safety of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SolarEdge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzachi Glovinsky, Ilan Yoscovich
  • Patent number: 11476662
    Abstract: An arrangement contains a polyphase transformer which has primary windings and secondary windings. The secondary windings are connected to form a star circuit, the star point of which is connected to earth potential by means of an overvoltage-limiting device. The overvoltage-limiting device has a first overvoltage-limiting component. A switch, which electrically bridges the first overvoltage-limiting component in its closed state, is assigned to the first overvoltage-limiting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Priebe, Christian Schacherer, Roland Schuster
  • Patent number: 11469556
    Abstract: Current leakage interrupter, having a shell consisting of an upper shell and a lower shell, a PCB inside the shell, a detection device and a trip device mounted to the PCB, power lines electrically connected to the trip device through the detection device, and pins electrically connected to the trip device. The lower shell has pin holes; front ends of the pins extend out of the pin holes. A reverse hook is provided at an inner side of the lower shell at an edge of each pin hole to fix onto a first side of a rear end of a corresponding pin; a second side of the rear end of each pin is extended and bended into a bended portion; a supporting seat is also provided at the inner side of the lower shell at the edge of each pin hole to support the bended portion of the corresponding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Hin Yeung Li
  • Patent number: 11444448
    Abstract: An leakage current detection and protection device includes a leakage current detection module for detecting a leakage current on the power supply lines and generating a detection feedback signal in response thereto, a self-test module for testing whether the leakage current detection module is faulty, and a trip module for disconnecting the power supply lines in response to the self-test fault signal. The self-test module includes a simulated leakage current trigger circuit for generating a simulated leakage current trigger signal, a simulated leakage current generating circuit for generating a simulated leakage current signal in response to the simulated leakage current trigger signal, a trigger signal turn-off module for turning off the simulated leakage current trigger signal in response to the detection feedback signal, and a fault signal generating module for detecting a fault in the leakage current detection module and generating a self-test fault signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 11411259
    Abstract: The invention is directed to provide a battery pack in which a current sensor is eliminated and the whole size is reduced. In order to solve the problem described above, a battery pack of the invention includes a battery group in which a plurality of battery cells (lithium ion battery 11, 12) are connected in series, a resistor (bus bar 20) connected in series to the battery group, cell voltage detection lines (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104) arranged at both ends of the battery cells (lithium ion battery 11, 12) and the resistor (bus bar 20), and a battery controller connected to the cell voltage detection lines (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104), in which one cell voltage detection line (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104) adjacent to the battery cell (lithium ion battery 11, 12) includes a terminal which is branched and connected to the battery controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Machida, Tatsumi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11391768
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ determination of arc location within a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide. At least one pair of sound vibration transducers are coupled to positions within the waveguide from which data is collected. When a threshold level of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is exceeded, then transducer data is processed to determine time-of-flight (TOF), to then compare data between transducers, to identify the faster longitudinal component with speed of sound in the material of the waveguide, from which longitudinal position information about the arc is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: James Rosenzweig, Nathan Majernik
  • Patent number: 11391773
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit for detecting leakage current to determine whether an electric leakage occurs in an electric line based on an induced voltage input from a leakage current detection unit 20 installed in the electric line, and an earth, leakage circuit breaker having the semiconductor integrated circuit. A semiconductor integrated circuit 100 for detecting leakage current includes: a signal amplification unit 110 configured to amplify the induced voltage; an interruption determination unit 130 configured to compare an output voltage output from the signal amplification unit with a preset reference voltage, and output an interruption signal for interrupting a power supply to the electric line; a flare current stabilization (FCS) circuit 150 for a signal amplification unit connected to the signal amplification unit; and a flare current stabilization (FCS) circuit 170 for an interruption determination unit connected to the interruption determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SUNNYIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sun-Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 11385300
    Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Chad Mittelstadt, Randall J. Gass, Douglas P. Vanwaart, Jason Potratz
  • Patent number: 11373825
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is provided. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is located in close proximity to a section of conductor that generates heat. An energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches a latch releasing a spring to open a main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh T. Kinsel, Joselito Endozo, Russell Thomas Watford
  • Patent number: 11348743
    Abstract: The utility model discloses an automatic balance apparatus with a double-moving-contact spring leaf in a socket, which may ensure that two moving contacts are in good contact with corresponding stationary contacts. The automatic balance apparatus includes a lifting slide block, where the lifting slide block is provided with a lifting base below the spring leaf, a balance warped plate corresponding to an arrangement direction of moving contacts is movably disposed in the lifting base, and upward protruding portions are respectively disposed on two sides of the top surface of the balance warped plate. The utility model is particularly applicable to various ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU BAREP INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiangang Chen, Xiaobo Zheng, Feng Zhao
  • Patent number: 11324542
    Abstract: A device is provided for generating RF power for an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the circuit provides the electrosurgical current according to a specified set of predefined parameters. The invention further includes at least one read and write RFID that reads information from a RFID tag. The circuit changes the parameters based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Alan G Ellman, Alfredo Micalizzi
  • Patent number: 11264791
    Abstract: A protective wiring device disposed in an electrical distribution system, the device comprising: a plurality of line terminals comprising a line-side phase terminal and a line-side neutral terminal; a plurality of load terminals comprising a load-side phase terminal and a load-side neutral terminal; a line conductor electrically coupling the line-side phase terminal to the load-side phase terminal; a neutral conductor electrically coupling the line-side neutral terminal to the load-side neutral terminal; a controller configured to transmit wirelessly data derived from signals present on at least one of the line conductor or the neutral conductor and to receive wirelessly receive at least one command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Testani, Joshua P. Haines, Thomas Cunningham