Continuous Patents (Class 361/74)
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Patent number: 11749484Abstract: An arc flash mitigation system includes a main circuit protector such as a high amperage overcurrent protection fuse, and an arc flash mitigation network connected in parallel to the main circuit protector. The arc flash mitigation network includes at least one semiconductor switch operable to provide a shunt current path to a low amperage arc mitigation fuse for a faster response time to certain circuit conditions than the main circuit protector otherwise provides. The semiconductor switch may be a silicon controller rectifier operatively responsive to a voltage drop across the main circuit protector in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventor: Michael Henricks
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Patent number: 11108226Abstract: The present embodiments relate to methods and apparatuses for providing fault protection in a power controller such as a voltage regulator, and particularly protection against reverse over current fault conditions. Some embodiments are capable of distinguishing between different types of reverse over current conditions, such as a high-side short or a normal over voltage condition. In these and other embodiments, fault protection is performed in favor of a load connected to the voltage regulator, rather than components of the voltage regulator itself.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Intersil Americas LLCInventors: Chun Cheung, Mir Mahin, Paul Dackow
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Patent number: 8693701Abstract: Existing ANC headsets have active noise reduction circuitry and a power supply in the headset. Alternate ANC headsets rely on ANC circuitry in the player and have non-standard connectors meaning that they cannot be used with any other players. An audio headset (90) having an encoder (54) and active noise cancellation audio processing device (80) having a decoder (32) are described. The encoder (54) enables the audio headset to be used in enhanced (ANC) mode when connected to a compatible audio processing device and in normal mode when connected to a non-compatible audio processing device since a standard audio jack plug can be used. Similarly the decoder (62) in the active noise cancellation audio processing device (80) enables the active noise cancellation audio processing device to be used in enhanced mode when connected to a compatible audio headset and in normal mode connected to a non-compatible audio headset since a standard audio socket can be used.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Shawn Scarlett, Jan-Paul Paulus Huijser
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Patent number: 8575879Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, a machine-readable medium operable in a controller, and apparatus for controlling a multi-phase inverter that drives a multi-phase electric machine. When a sensor fault is detected, a phase current angle is computed based on the feedback stator currents, and used to estimate an angular velocity and an angular position of a rotor of the multi-phase electric machine. When the estimated angular velocity of the multi-phase electric machine is less than a transition angular velocity threshold, an open-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling all switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to be open. By contrast, when the estimated angular velocity is greater than the transition angular velocity threshold, a short-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling selected switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to connect all phases of the multi-phase inverter to a single bus (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian A. Welchko, Min Dai
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Patent number: 8482139Abstract: A flash memory card and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The card includes a semiconductor package fabricated to receive a single-sided or double-sided lid. A surface of the semiconductor package may be formed with holes, trenches and/or pockmarks. After the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks are formed, a lid may be attached to the package surface in an injection molding process. During the injection molding process, the molten plastic flows into the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks to interconnect with the surface of the semiconductor package. Thus, when the molten plastic hardens, the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks ensure that the lid remains firmly attached to semiconductor package.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.Inventors: Che-Jung Chang, Chin-Tien Chiu, Cheeman Yu, Hem Takiar, Jack Chang Chien, Ning Liu
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Patent number: 8143858Abstract: When a battery pack, comprising an overcurrent protection section for stopping, when a current greater than a first threshold value passes, a current supply, is connected to a power supply terminal of an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus draws a current greater than the first threshold value. Thereafter, an output current and output voltage of the battery pack are detected, thereby measuring a time period from when a current drawing section draws the current greater than the first threshold value to when the battery pack stops the current supply. When the measured time period is within a first predetermined time range, the battery pack is permitted to supply an electric power. On the other hand, when the measured time period is not in the first predetermined time range, the battery pack is prohibited from supplying the electric power.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Tsugawa, Takeshi Nabesaka
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Patent number: 8121318Abstract: The two channel audio surround sound circuit with automatic level control includes a right amplifier, a left amplifier, a right automatic level control and a left automatic level control. A right input is coupled to a positive input of the left amplifier through the right automatic gain control. The right input is coupled to a negative input of the right amplifier and coupled to the output of the right amplifier with one resistor. A left input is coupled to a positive input of the right amplifier through the left automatic gain control. The left input is coupled to a negative input of the left amplifier and coupled to the output of the left amplifier with another resistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventors: Paul R. Ambourn, Earl J. Slafon
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Patent number: 8054014Abstract: In a control system and a method for operating a permanent-magnet electrical machine, when the electrical machine is switched off after one of a functional computer and a monitoring computer of the control system has identified a fault, in order to reduce the braking torque of the electrical machine, which is switched-off but still rotating an output stage of the control system is subjected to a three-phase short circuit if the rotation speed D1 does not fall below a definable limit value GR1 or if a voltage U_DC of the output stage (2) exceeds a limit value Umax, and when the rotation speed D1 is below the definable limit value GR1 and a voltage U_DC of the output stage does not exceed a limit value Umax, all the circuits breakers (2o1, 2o2, 2o3, 2u1, 2u2, 2u3) of the output stage (2) are opened in order to fully disconnect the electrical machine from the output stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Lothar Rehm, Thomas Raumer
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Patent number: 7944660Abstract: Electrical distribution systems implementing micro-electromechanical system based switching devices. Exemplary embodiments include a method in an electrical distribution system, the method including determining if there is a fault condition in a branch of the electrical distribution system, the branch having a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switches, re-closing a MEMS switch of the plurality of MEMS switches, which is furthest upstream in the branch and determining if the fault condition is still present. Exemplary embodiments include an electrical distribution system, including an input port for receiving a source of power, a main distribution bus electrically coupled to the input port, a service disconnect MEMS switch disposed between and coupled to the input port and the main distribution bus and a plurality of electrical distribution branches electrically coupled to the main distribution bus.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Charles Stephan Pitzen
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Patent number: 7821755Abstract: A resettable short circuit protection configuration includes a power input terminal, a power output terminal, a first electrically controlled switch, which has a control end and two conducting ends, the two conducting ends being respectively electrically connected to the power input terminal and the power output terminal, a second electrically controlled switch, which has a control end and two conducting ends, the two conducting ends being respectively electrically connected to the power input terminal and the control end of the first electrically controlled switch, a first resistor, which has two opposite ends respectively electrically connected to the control end of the first electrically controlled switch and a grounding terminal, and a second resistor, which has two opposite ends respectively electrically connected to the control end of the second electrically controlled switch and the power output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yung-Chih Huang, Ta-Te Hsieh, Chieh-Jung Li
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Patent number: 7615861Abstract: A flash memory card and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The card includes a semiconductor package fabricated to receive a single-sided or double-sided lid. A surface of the semiconductor package may be formed with holes, trenches and/or pockmarks. After the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks are formed, a lid may be attached to the package surface in an injection molding process. During the injection molding process, the molten plastic flows into the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks to interconnect with the surface of the semiconductor package. Thus, when the molten plastic hardens, the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks ensure that the lid remains firmly attached to semiconductor package.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: SanDisk CorporationInventors: Che-Jung Chang, Chin-Tien Chiu, Cheemen Yu, Hem Takiar, Jack Chang Chien, Ning Liu
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Patent number: 7403837Abstract: A portable device (1) with at least one optical output device (2) for displaying at least process data of a machine, a robot or a technical process, with at least one input device (3) for at least intervening in the operating functions of the device (1) and/or for operating the machine or robot or technical process, and having a safety switch device (12) for preventing the output of undesirable, unintended control commands for the machine, robot or technical process. The output devices (2) and input devices (3) are connected to a control device (14), which is accommodated in a housing (7) that is unbreakable as far as possible and at least one communication interface (17) is provided to an external control device disposed at a distance away. Several of the input and output devices (2, 3) are functionally combined by means of a touch-sensitive screen (4) in the form of a touch-screen (5) and the touch-sensitive screen (4) extends across substantial regions of the surface of the housing (7).Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: KEBA AGInventors: Dieter Graiger, Hans-Peter Wintersteiger, Martin Danner
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Patent number: 7090501Abstract: A connector system includes a circuit board having a plurality of holes extending therethrough. First and second connector bodies, each having a front wall, are positioned on first and second sides of the circuit board, respectively. The front walls of the connector bodies have a plurality of signal pin openings aligned with the circuit board holes. A plurality of signal pins extend through the signal pin openings of the first and second connector bodies and through the circuit board holes. At least one of the plurality of circuit board holes has a diameter larger than a diameter of the signal pin extending therethrough, such that walls of the at least one circuit board hole are spaced apart from the signal pin extending therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard J. Scherer, Jerome P. Dattilo, Frank J. Cuzze
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Patent number: 6917856Abstract: It is constructed so as to detect a joint movement position of a robot arm by a position detector and a joint movement speed is calculated from change amounts of the joint movement position and elapsed time and is compared with an allowable movement speed and unlocking and locking of a brake are controlled so that the joint movement speed of an arm at the time of brake unlocking becomes within a constant value even when a shape, an attitude and a load condition of the robot arm vary. Therefore, movement work of the arm by the brake unlocking can be performed alone and a robot with high safety can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Murata
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Patent number: 6778370Abstract: A recloser is monitored and adaptively controlled so that it will operate in a manner responsive to prevailing conditions as either a recloser or as a sectionalizer. The prevailing conditions that are determined are those that will affect the operation of the recloser, such as the number of faults, the fault current versus time, or the presence of reverse power.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Carl J. LaPlace, David G. Hart, William M. Egolf
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Patent number: 6735533Abstract: A recloser trips on one phase for single-phase only fault conditions, two phases for two-phase fault conditions, or all three phases for three-phase fault conditions. During power delivery, the recloser monitors the three phases of a power line (e.g., phases A, B, and C). If a fault is detected on one phase, then a timer is started and subsequently decremented. If the timer finishes counting down while the fault is still present, then it is determined if any of the other two phases are timing a fault. If so, then those phases having a fault are tripped. Thus, only the faulted phase(s) is (are) tripped.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Graeme N. McClure, Carl J. LaPlace, David G. Hart, William M. Egolf
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Patent number: 6735534Abstract: A recloser trips on one phase for single-phase only fault conditions, or all phases for multi-phase fault conditions. During power delivery, the recloser monitors the three phases of a power line (e.g., phases A, B, and C). If a fault is detected on one phase, then a timer is started and subsequently decremented. If the timer finishes counting down while the fault is still present, then it is determined if any of the other two phases are timing a fault. If so, then all three phases are tripped; otherwise, only the faulted phase is tripped.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Graeme N. McClure, Carl J. LaPlace, David G. Hart, William M. Egolf
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Patent number: 6388852Abstract: A power line flicker protection circuit, used to protect electronic equipment, features the following: A transformer (T1), provides power to the DC power supply (FIG. 2), and signaling to the auto reset watchdog circuit (FIG. 3) and the timer circuit (FIG. 4). The auto reset watchdog circuit monitors the AC signal, and upon interruption or flicker, sends a reset signal to the timer circuit. The timer circuit controls a control relay (S1), which in turn controls the 120 Vac power to the load. When the reset signal is received, the AC power to the load is removed, protecting the load. After a set time interval, after the AC power is back to normal, the AC power is automatically reconnected to the load.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Gerry Bobash
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Patent number: 6356806Abstract: A method for handling the voltage drop, at least in the control unit of a robot with a PC control is provided that minimizes the time of a plant stoppage and avoids wasteful process interruptions. The PC control has a real time operating system for the time critical control and regulation of the robot movement and a standard PC operating system for communication with an operator. In the case of a voltage drop a battery/accumulator operation takes place with running robot movement and optionally application operations broken off or ended in a clearly defined manner. Then, working processes of the control are terminated. The contents of the working memory at the termination time concerning the real time operating system and robot control programs are stored, particularly as an image, in at least one mass memory. For restarting the robot after such a stoppage thereof the standard PC operating system is loaded in the conventional manner into the working memory and started.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Franz Grob, Stefan Sturm, Carsten Spie&bgr;
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Patent number: 6118642Abstract: An electronic regulator for driving a power device connected to an output load having a first portion and a second protection portion, the first portion including a controlled switching element connected upstream of the power device and controlled by a timer adapted to be operated in a short circuit or overload situation of the device, such that the load current can flow in the power device in a pulsed state clocked by the timer.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: STMicroelectronics, S.r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Benenati, Sergio Pioppo
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Patent number: 5379178Abstract: In the case of a method and a device for triggering an electromagnetic consumer (1), which is connected in series to a switching means (2), the voltage applied to the switching means (2) is fed to a voltage comparison means (12) and compared there to the voltage of a reference voltage source (13). Dependent upon this voltage comparison, an output signal is produced at the output terminal of the voltage comparison means (12), which serves to switch over a suppressor device (4).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Herbert Graf, Juergen Schwenger, Werner Zimmermann, Bernd Wichert, Thomas Bielesch
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Patent number: 5117325Abstract: An electronically controlled recloser for an electrical power distribution system is powered by at least one current transformer coupled to give an output in response to power line current. A voltage is stored on a large and a small capacitor in response to the line current and is compared with a reference voltage for determining the level of line current. When abnormally high levels of current appear on the line, it is opened for a short period of time. The energy stored on the capacitors is supplied to power the recloser during low line current conditions. At an end of a given time period following the opening of said line, the recloser recloses the line. If the abnormal condition persists, the recloser again opens and closes the line. When there is a surge of line current, the large capacitor is effectively removed from the circuit so that a response will not be delayed while the large capacitor charges; therefore, the charge on the small capacitor provide a quick start for immediate response.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1990Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Dunk, Clyde Gilker
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Patent number: 5091816Abstract: A procedure and device for overload and short-circuit protection of output drivers, uses a circuit that functions at several control voltage levels and in which at least one output driver is controlled in a normal situation by a reference value set independently of external control, whereas in a short-circuit or overload situation the driver receives a control voltage for short instants only, and in which the reference value begins to fall rapidly when the load current of the output driver exceeds a set limit.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Kone Elevator GmbHInventor: Asko Juntenen
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Patent number: 4949211Abstract: A bi-level control signal is applied to an FET while the FET's drain-to-source voltage is sensed. The control signal includes a first, relatively low test level followed by a second, relatively higher operating level. The magnitude and duration of the test level are selected to produce a non-destructive current in the FET, even if the load has been shorted. If the value of the sensed drain-to-source voltage is indicative of an abnormal load condition, the FET is turned off. Otherwise, the FET is turned on by the second, relatively higher operating level of the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: Motorola Inc.Inventor: Arthur J. Edwards
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Patent number: 4845594Abstract: A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing. The breaker has auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed. The reclosing relay includes a circuit responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker and another circuit for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1987Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Basler Electric CompanyInventor: Timothy M. Wilkerson
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Patent number: 4538197Abstract: A synchronism check relay includes both a high set and a low set slip cut-off circuit. The low slip cut-off setting is based upon the maximum slip frequency that can be tolerated and still allow reclosing. The high slip cut-off setting is a function of the maximum phase angle difference permissible between the voltages on the bus and line sides of the circuit breaker, and the time that the line is de-energized.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1984Date of Patent: August 27, 1985Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Thomas B. Breen
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Patent number: 4438473Abstract: An intrinsically safe power supply employing a binary current interrupter connected between the power source and the electrical load. Normally the load is situated in a potentially dangerous environment, like a coal mine, and the intrinsically safe power supply at a safe remote location, e.g., on the earth's surface. The interrupter has a pass and switching transistor, current sensor, gating circuitry, a flip-flop switch, and means to delay the turning on of the transistor--but not its turning off. If an overcurrent or overvoltage condition is sensed between the input and output of the intrinsically safe power supply, load current will cease to flow. In normal operation, only the current interrupter pass transistor will open. A reset signal from an oscillator internal of the interrupter may be used to reset the flip-flop after actuation or upon its initial setting, thereby causing the flow of power into the load.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1981Date of Patent: March 20, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventors: James C. Cawley, Michael D. DiMartino, Thomas J. Fisher, Roger L. King, Marcus H. Uhler
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Patent number: 4103316Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the occurrence of possible transient phenomena in the circuit including a power source and its load connected thereto when the supply of electric power from the power source to the load, which has been interrupted, is restarted. The apparatus includes means for detecting the occurrence of the interruption of the power supply and means for memorizing the phase angle of the voltage or current of the power source at the time of the occurrence of the interruption of the power supply to maintain the circuit in off-condition. The apparatus further includes means for detecting the coincidence of the phase angle memorized in the memorizing means with a changing phase angle of voltage or current of the power source after the resupply of the electric power from the source to the load becomes possible whereby, upon detecting the coincidence, resupply of the electric power from the power source to load will be restarted.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1977Date of Patent: July 25, 1978Assignee: Sanki Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiaki Kaneko