With Specific Voltage Responsive Fault Sensor Patents (Class 361/88)
- With resistor sensor (Class 361/91.2)
- Including time delay (Class 361/91.3)
- Including photo-coupling (e.g., photo-receptors, photo-emitters, etc.) (Class 361/91.4)
- Including P-N junction (e.g., a diode, a zener diode, or transistor) (Class 361/91.5)
- Protection by snubber circuitry (Class 361/91.7)
- Protection for thyristor (Class 361/91.8)
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Patent number: 8208235Abstract: A load control device comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, and the bidirectional semiconductor switch further comprises two field effect transistors (FETs) in anti-series electrical connection. In the event that one of the FETs fails in a shorted state, and if the load control device is using a phase control dimming technique to control the load, the load control device may provide an asymmetric waveform to the electrical load. In order to determine whether this asymmetric waveform is present, a microprocessor of the load control device use voltage thresholds and/or offsets to monitor the voltage across the FETs. Thus, the microprocessor is operable to detect a fault condition of the load control device wherein the fault condition may comprise an asymmetry condition, or more particularly, a failure condition of one of the FETs.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: Neil Orchowski
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Patent number: 8199449Abstract: A monitoring device for protecting against contact or access to a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of high-voltage components and an electronic control unit connected to a low-voltage vehicle electrical system battery. Power actuators for actuating at least one electric machine are connected to a high-voltage battery by way of a power switch. The high-voltage components are monitored by way of a looped circuit and deactivated if the looped circuit is broken. A sensor that is sensitive to magnetic field changes is disposed in or at a removable contact connection of the electric machine or the electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the looped circuit. A control component of the electronic control unit activates a discharge unit for discharging an energy storage device upon receiving a sensor signal generated by the sensor when the contact connection is broken.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH, Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Christian Kuschnarew, Volker Hartmann, Volker Albert, Matthias Ebert
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Patent number: 8184417Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard analog input modules according to the requirements of the application. The termination board may selectively receive a single analog input signal from a remote device and transmit the signal to corresponding channels on two analog input modules or, alternately, receive two analog input signals and transmit each signal to one of the two corresponding channels. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety module monitors and tests each of the analog input channels on the input modules, verifying proper operation of the modules. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
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Patent number: 8183870Abstract: A battery system utilizes a plurality of transformers interconnected with the battery cells. The transformers each have at least one transformer core operable for magnetization in at least a first magnetic state with a magnetic flux in a first direction and a second magnetic state with a magnetic flux in a second direction. The transformer cores retain the first magnetic state and the second magnetic state without current flow through said plurality of transformers. Circuitry is utilized for switching a selected transformer core between the first and second magnetic states to sense voltage and/or balance particular cells or particular banks of cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Francis J. Davies
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Patent number: 8179649Abstract: A protection circuit for a control board is provided. The protection circuit is suitable for being disposed on a light on tester that may output a test voltage to a display module. The protection circuit includes a control device and a voltage stabilizer. The control device includes a first switching element and a control element. The control element enables the first switching element to output an operating voltage. The voltage stabilizer includes a second switching element and an operation module. The operation module may control the second switching element according to the operating voltage, so as to switch on or switch off an input of the test voltage to the display module.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Ping Chen
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Patent number: 8174808Abstract: A load driving device according to an aspect of the present invention may includes an output transistor and a load connected in series between first and second power supply lines, a protection transistor connected between a gate of the output transistor and the second power supply line, the protection transistor turning on the output transistor when a polarity of a power supply connected between the first and second power supply lines is reversed, and a resistor arranged on a line, which supplies a voltage to a back gate of the protection transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Akihiro Nakahara
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Patent number: 8174809Abstract: Arrangements (1) are provided with electrical elements (11,21) for, in a feeding mode, receiving feeding signals and, in a non-feeding mode, not receiving the feeding signals, and with circuits (12,22) for, in the feeding mode, detecting malfunctions of the electrical elements (11,21). The circuits (12,22) comprise active switches (13,23) for, in response to detection results, deactivating the electrical elements (11,21) in both modes, in other words in the feeding mode as well as the non-feeding mode. The electrical elements (11,21) for example comprise light emitting diodes, incandescent lights or loudspeakers etc. The active switches (13,23) for example comprise bistable micro-relays or semiconductor switches such as non-volatile power semiconductor switches such as one time programmable flash power MOSFETs etc. Preferably, the arrangements (1) are integrated arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Georg Sauerlander, Gian Hoogzaad
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Patent number: 8169252Abstract: A low voltage drop unidirectional electronic valve constituted of: a first terminal; a second terminal; a first electronically controlled switch coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a first charge pump arranged to close the first electronically controlled switch when the voltage potential at the first terminal is greater than the voltage potential at the second terminal by a first value. The first charge pump is arranged in a closed loop with the first electronically controlled switch so as to continuously maintain the voltage potential at the first terminal greater than the voltage potential at the second terminal by the first value.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Microsemi CorporationInventors: Shawn Anthony Fahrenbruch, George Liu
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Patent number: 8166222Abstract: An integrated circuit includes USB communication circuitry for communicating via a USB interface. The USB transceiver circuitry transmits data to and from the integrated circuit over the USB interface. The USB transceiver circuitry further provides protection to internal circuitry of the integrated circuit from a 5 volt short circuit on the USB interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Akhil Garlapati, Bruce Philip Del Signore
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Patent number: 8143867Abstract: In an electric supply device of the present invention, since a semiconductor element T1 is interrupted before a drain voltage V1 of the semiconductor element T1 is lower than an in-phase input minimum voltage, a load circuit can be assuredly protected. Further, assuming that a first decided voltage is L-V1 and a second decided voltage V3, when the voltage V1 becomes “V1<L-V1”, a retry operation is carried out. When the number of times of “V1<L-V1” reaches N1 times, or when the number of times of “L-V1<V1<V3” reaches N2 times, an interrupted state of the semiconductor element T1 is held to protect the load circuit. Further, when the voltage V1 suddenly drops due to an imperfect contact of a connector 11, a minimum value of the voltage V1 is not a stable value and the interrupted state of the semiconductor T1 is not held.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Shunzou Ohshima
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Patent number: 8125191Abstract: An early warning method for an abnormal state of a lithium battery and a recording medium applicable to a portable electronic device are provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of curves of voltage against electric quantity is obtained according to different predicted average current consumptions of the portable electronic device. An operating average current consumption and an operating electric quantity from a first voltage to a second voltage are obtained when the lithium battery at an operating test state in a unit time. One of the curves of voltage against electric quantity is searched, and a warning electric quantity is obtained in a range from the first voltage to the second voltage. The warning electric quantity is compared with the electric quantity, so as to provide an early warning of an abnormal state.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.Inventor: Chien-Chen Chen
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Patent number: 8125345Abstract: A system is provided in which the voltage phases, neutral, and ground are monitored and an alarm is generated if specific trigger conditions are met. These conditions are indicative of a possible loose neutral, loose wiring, or general over/under voltage condition. Specific algorithms can be used to determine the possibility of a loose wiring condition, and if limits are met, various alarm modes are started.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Power MonitorsInventors: Walter Curt, Christopher Mullins
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Publication number: 20120035824Abstract: In an electric circuit whose behavior is changed corresponding to a peripheral environment, an abnormality detection device can surely detect abnormality in the electric circuit even in a state where a value of the peripheral environment cannot be specified. An abnormality detection device according to the present invention detects abnormality in a detection circuit (112) which detects a specific kind of physical quantity. The abnormality detection device includes an abnormality detection part (220a) which changes magnitude of a power source voltage (Vcc?) which is supplied to the detection circuit (112), and detects abnormality in the detection circuit based on an output signal (Vo2) from the detection circuit at a power source voltage (Vc2) after the change.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: BOSCH CORPORATIONInventors: Williamson Sy, Daichi Tajiri, Kenji Yurue, Yasuaki Kurita, Juergen Stegmaier, Mustafa Abu Whishah, Takeo Akita, Minoru Takasaki, Tohru Hasegawa, Takuya Okada, Isamu Hitomi
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Publication number: 20120026633Abstract: Illustrative circuits and methods are provided. Circuitry is configured to detect a decrease in a monitored voltage at greater than a threshold rate. A fuse is deliberately blown in response to the detection. Power control circuitry is disabled and prevented from resuming normal operations by way of control signaling. The blown fuse ensures that at least one control signal is maintained until the blown fuse is replaced by service personnel. Shunt circuitry optionally discharges storage capacitors of the power control circuitry. Sensitive electronic components are protected against over-voltage or overcurrent damage in accordance with the present teachings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Sam Babb
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Patent number: 8102684Abstract: A circuit arrangement for limiting excessive voltages by a forward delay time of a first diode is described. The first diode is alternately switched in a non-conducting direction and a conducting direction by switching a circuit element. The first diode is series-connected to a first capacitor and a pre-charging circuit is provided for the first capacitor, the pre-charging circuit charging the first capacitor while the first diode is switched in the non-conducting direction. The pre-charging circuit charges the first capacitor more strongly than an excessive voltage of the first diode with regard to the amount.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Weinmeier
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Patent number: 8102191Abstract: Plurality of current mirror circuits CM1 to CM5 at which the same amount of current I1 flows in the circuits. Transistors Qa4/Qb5 are ON state when it is in the steady state. Transistors Qa5/Qb7 turn ON and transistors Qb6/Qa6 turn OFF when a voltage generation circuit 3 applies a voltage more than predetermined value V12 to node N3. Therefore node N3 becomes fixed voltage V12. On the other hand, voltage generation circuit 3 applies a voltage less than predetermined value V23 to node N3, transistors Qb5/Qa6 turn ON, and transistors Qa5/Qb7 turn OFF. Accordingly, the node N3 becomes fixed voltage V23.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Satake, Takeshi Miki
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Publication number: 20110279939Abstract: An electrical circuit comprising a power supply, a load, first and second trunks disposed therebetween and control means adapted to control the electrical status of the first and second trunks, in which the control means comprises monitoring means adapted to monitor the current and/or voltage of the first and second trunks and to detect current and/or voltage events which are indicative of faults occurring thereon, and isolation means adapted to isolate the first or second trunk when the monitoring means detects a current and/or voltage event which is indicative of a fault occurring thereon, in which the first and second trunks are electrically connected and arranged in parallel such that the power supplied to the load is distributed substantially equally between them, and in which the control means comprises compensation means adapted to prevent the isolation means from isolating one of said first or second trunks when a current and/or voltage event which is indicative of a fault occurs thereon which is causType: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: PEPPERL + FUCHS GMBHInventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll
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Publication number: 20110248676Abstract: An improved battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; a protection circuit module for controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of connection members for applying voltages output from the plurality of battery cells to the protection circuit module, at least one of the connection members having a damping resistive component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Dae-Won Kim
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Patent number: 8031448Abstract: A system, apparatus and a method are described that provide a voltage clamp for a single-supply system. In particular, a negative voltage clamp prevents a negative over-voltage in a system having only a positive independent voltage source. For example, certain analog-to-digital converters and other circuits allow input signals below the negative supply, or ground in single-supply systems, either by direct sampling or using input attenuation resistors. The negative clamp allows the circuit to provide accurate negative over-voltage protection and the absence of this claim would result in over-voltage protection in positive voltage directions only.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Skrenes, David Maes
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Patent number: 8015395Abstract: A personal computer and methods of reconfiguration are described. An implementation of a personal computer may comprise a processor portion running a diagnostic application. A field programmable gate array in communication with the processor portion may be provided. A configurable non-volatile computer memory in communication with the field programmable gate array and wherein the field programmable gate array is programmed to reconfigure the non-volatile computer memory may be provided. Methods of reconfiguration of a personal computer are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: RMT, Inc.Inventors: Shane Lewis, Justin Dyster, Layne N. Phillips, Michael Stimpson
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Publication number: 20110205679Abstract: A protection circuit 10 provided with a current regulating section 14 with a first end connected to a power source line VDD and a second end connected to an input terminal 116A of an inverter 116. The current regulating section 14 applies a voltage of less than a threshold value voltage to the input terminal 116A when a surge current having predetermined frequency characteristics flows from the first end in a particular flow path, by generating induced electromotive force so as to generate a magnetic field to cancel out the magnetic field occurring due to the surge current, thereby impeding flow of the surge current. The current regulating section 14 applies a voltage of the threshold value voltage or greater to the input terminal 116A when a driving current not having the frequency characteristics flows in from the first end.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Chikashi Fuchigami
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Patent number: 7990670Abstract: A protective circuitry (20) is connected between a power input port (11) and an electronic component (12) of an electronic device. The protective circuitry includes a field effect transistor (21) and a detection unit (25). The field effect transistor has a gate and a drain both electrically connected to an anode of the power input port, and a source electrically connected to a cathode of the power input port via the electronic component. The detection unit has two conductive pads spaced to each other. One pad is electrically connected to the gate and the other pad is electrically connected to the cathode of the power input port.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventor: Chien-Chih Chen
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Patent number: 7990671Abstract: An overvoltage protection control circuit includes a voltage conversion circuit, a voltage comparison circuit, and a switching circuit. The voltage conversion circuit generates a first voltage and a second voltage based on a power supply voltage. The voltage comparison circuit generates a control signal based on a comparison between the first voltage and the second voltage. The switching circuit determines whether to apply the power supply voltage to a chip in response to the control signal. The overvoltage protection control circuit is formed inside the chip.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dae-yong Kim
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Patent number: 7969700Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a structure for the electrical protection of photovoltaic facilities in the event a photovoltaic generator (G1-Gp) is connected with its polarity reversed, for what it includes a protection cell that comprises two connection points (1, 2) at which the photovoltaic generator is connected (G1-Gp), at least one device (D) in charge of reducing the voltage of the photovoltaic generator (G1-Gp) in the event of polarity reversion, which is connected in parallel between the aforementioned two connection points, at least one element (M) of breakage and/or protection of the photovoltaic generator (G1-Gp) serially connected to the preceding elements, minimizing the loading on the aforementioned break and/or protection elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Ingeteam Energy, S.A.Inventors: Javier Coloma Calahorra, Julián Balda Belzunegui, Luis Muguerza Olcoz
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Patent number: 7940502Abstract: There is provided a backlight unit having a protection circuit using a center-tap, the backlight unit including: a current balancing unit including a plurality of primary coils individually transmitting the lamp driving power from an inverter unit to the lamps, and a plurality of secondary coils each formed of one conductor having a center-tap, and receiving an electromagnetically induced voltage from each of the plurality of primary coils, the one end and the center-tap of each of the plurality of secondary coils connected in series with the one end and the center-tap of the neighboring secondary coil to form at least one closed loop and maintain current transmitted to each of the lamps balanced; a sensing unit sensing a variation in current of the closed loop and a variation in current of the primary coil from the current balancing unit; and a determination unit determining whether each of the lamps performs an abnormal operation or not.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyo Young Kim, Jong Rak Kim, Sung Hun Oh
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Publication number: 20110098899Abstract: A protective circuit arranged on a printed circuit board has two conductor loops. At least one supply voltage track, at least one semiconductor switch with at least one terminal and at least one control component with at least one terminal are arranged on the printed circuit board. A first terminal of the control component and a first terminal of the semiconductor switch are connected electrically.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Matthias Fuchs, Marco Junglas, Lutz Muders, Benedikt Ohlig
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Publication number: 20110069420Abstract: A controller chip provides protection to a power converter by using a high-voltage start-up device in the controller chip, without additional pins or external elements of the controller chip. A JFET is used as the high-voltage start-up device connected between a high-voltage pin and a power input pin of the controller chip, to charge a power capacitor connected to the power input pin at power on. The controller chip monitors the voltage at the power input pin and turns off the JFET once the voltage at the power input pin increases to reach a threshold. Thereafter, the source voltage of the JFET will reflect the voltage at the high-voltage pin, and a protection circuit monitors the source voltage of the JFET to trigger a protection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: RICHPOWER MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: KUO-CHIN CHIU, CHIH-FENG HUANG
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Patent number: 7907376Abstract: A load control device includes a control circuit and a protection circuit. The control circuit controls driving of an electric load. The protection circuit monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the control circuit and stops control of driving the load by the control circuit, when the power supply voltage drops below a threshold value. The protection circuit provides the threshold value with a hysteresis characteristic having a width determined by a product of a wiring resistance of a path for supplying a driving current to the load and a maximum value of the driving current.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masao Yamada, Satoshi Yoshimura
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Publication number: 20110058296Abstract: A load control device comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, and the bidirectional semiconductor switch further comprises two field effect transistors (FETs) in anti-series electrical connection. In the event that one of the FETs fails in a shorted state, and if the load control device is using a phase control dimming technique to control the load, the load control device may provide an asymmetric waveform to the electrical load. In order to determine whether this asymmetric waveform is present, a microprocessor of the load control device use voltage thresholds and/or offsets to monitor the voltage across the FETs. Thus, the microprocessor is operable to detect a fault condition of the load control device wherein the fault condition may comprise an asymmetry condition, or more particularly, a failure condition of one of the FETs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: Neil Orchowski
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Patent number: 7903379Abstract: A cascode I/O driver is described that includes a barrier formed in the shared region between the two transistors. The barrier region allows the I/O driver to be designed to primarily meet I/O requirements. Accordingly, improved operating speeds are achieved. An system is described that includes an I/O driver in parallel with an ESD device. In an embodiment, the I/O driver may assist the ESD device in discharging electrostatic, after the ESD begins conducting.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Chaine, Manny K. F. Ma
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Patent number: 7900077Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one load, a control circuit, and a power supplying apparatus including a control-use power supply part, at least one load-use power supply part, and a power supply control part. The control-use power supply part supplies first electric power to the control circuit, and stops supplying the first electric power and outputs a first detection signal when detecting a first abnormal operation state. The at least one load-use power supply part supplies second electric power to the respective at least one load, and stops supplying the second electric power and outputs a second detection signal when detecting a second abnormal operation state. The power supply control part causes the control-use power supply part to stop supplying the first electric power according to the first detection signal, and causes the at least one load-use power supply part to stop supplying the second electric power according to the second detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Kentaroh Hara
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Patent number: 7899630Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge TechInventor: Erran Kagan
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Patent number: 7898782Abstract: An inverter detects whether a fault that an over current is supplied to a load is generated when the inverter supplies AC power and operates the load, and uses a voltage between a collector and an emitter of a switching element for detecting whether an over current is supplied to the load. The inverter cuts off a switching control signal, switches DC power by a plurality of switching elements supplying AC power to the load, detects the generation of the fault by a plurality of fault detecting units using the voltage of both ends of the collector and the emitter of a plurality of switching elements, generates the switching control signal by a controlling unit that outputs the switching control signal to a switching operation unit, and detects the generation of a fault by any of the plurality of fault detecting units.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong hyun Park
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Patent number: 7890232Abstract: A first processing circuit determines a collision of a vehicle based on an output from a sensor for detecting a collision of the vehicle. A second processing circuit outputs a signal to deploy an airbag based on an output from the first processing circuit. A communication unit controls information communication between the first processing circuit and an electronic control unit outside the airbag system. A first power supply unit generates a first driving voltage for driving the first and second processing circuits based on a voltage of an outside power supply. The first power supply unit includes backup power supply unit that supplies a backup voltage when the voltage of the outside power supply falls. A second power supply unit supplies a second driving voltage to the communication unit based on an output of the first power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Hiroyuki Komaki, Yasushi Tani, Kazuaki Matsuda
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Patent number: 7876543Abstract: A gas discharge lamp power supply having a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending from the base, and opposed first and second end walls extending from the base between the opposed side walls. The first end wall has a sloped wall extending angularly between the side walls, and two input terminals are mounted on the sloped wall. In another embodiment, the power supply has a control with a nonvolatile memory for storing an error code in response to a detected fault condition, thereby permitting the error code to be displayed upon power being removed from and then, subsequently reapplied.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: FRANCE/ A Scott Fetzer CompanyInventors: William T. Hopkins, Anthony W. Banks, Alan M. Smith, Louis B. Pickvet, Robert L. Towe, Charles A. Schlemm
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Publication number: 20110007442Abstract: Provided is a protection circuit that is connected between a power supply terminal and an output terminal, and turns off an output transistor when an abnormality occurs in a system, the output transistor outputting a current to a load connected to the output terminal, the protection circuit including: a first discharge unit that is connected between a gate electrode of the output transistor and the power supply terminal, and discharges an electric charge of the gate electrode until a potential of the gate electrode becomes equal to a power supply potential, when an abnormality occurs in the system, and a second discharge unit that is connected between the gate electrode and a source electrode of the output transistor, and discharges the electric charge of the gate electrode until the potential of the gate electrode becomes equal to an output potential, when an abnormality occurs in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventors: Jun Fukuhara, Tsuyoshi Mitsuda
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Patent number: 7869177Abstract: Embodiments of detection circuitry are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Dongho Lee, David E. Smith
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Publication number: 20110002074Abstract: A protection circuit for a control board is provided. The protection circuit is suitable for being disposed on a light on tester that may output a test voltage to a display module. The protection circuit includes a control device and a voltage stabilizer. The control device includes a first switching element and a control element. The control element enables the first switching element to output an operating voltage. The voltage stabilizer includes a second switching element and an operation module. The operation module may control the second switching element according to the operating voltage, so as to switch on or switch off an input of the test voltage to the display module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Ping Chen
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Patent number: 7848071Abstract: A power supply controller can include a switching element electrically connected between a power source and a load, an anomaly detecting circuit capable of outputting an abnormal signal, a power supply circuit which generates a constant voltage, a holding circuit which is activated by being supplied with the constant voltage generated by the power supply circuit, continuously outputs a shutoff signal to cause the switching element to perform a shutoff operation on the basis of the abnormal signal, an output circuit, such that if a first off signal is being inputted from an external source, the first off signal continues for a predetermined period of time after the start of the continuous output of the shutoff signal, outputs a second off signal, and an electrical conduction circuit structured to enable the power supply circuit into conduction in response to an on signal from an external source and enable the power supply circuit out of conduction if the second off signal is outputted.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Takahashi, Masayuki Kato
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Patent number: 7843674Abstract: A motor-drive circuit comprising: a current-passage-control circuit to perform ON/OFF control of a drive transistor connected to a motor coil to pass current through the motor coil; an overcurrent-state-detection circuit to detect whether current passing through the drive transistor is in an overcurrent state where the current exceeds a predetermined threshold value; a charging and discharging circuit to start charging a capacitor in response to detecting the overcurrent state by the overcurrent-state-detection circuit and subsequently discharge the capacitor in response to not detecting the overcurrent state; and an overcurrent-protection-control circuit to stop the ON/OFF control to turn off the drive transistor, for an elapsed charging period for a charging voltage of the capacitor at a predetermined voltage to exceed a threshold voltage, and determine whether to perform such an overcurrent-protection-control as to turn off the drive transistor by detection of the overcurrent state, after the charging periType: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Semiconductor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Uchiyama
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Publication number: 20100283623Abstract: A safety circuit used in low-voltage connecting systems leaves the two low-voltage systems disconnected until it determines that it is safe to make a connection. When the safety circuit determines that no unsafe conditions exist and that it is safe to connect the two low-voltage systems, the safety circuit may connect the two systems by way of a “soft start” that provides a connection between the two systems over a period of time that reduces or prevents inductive voltage spikes on one or more of the low-voltage systems. When one of the low-voltage systems has a completely-discharged battery incorporated into it, a method is used for detection of proper polarity of the connections between the low-voltage systems. The polarity of the discharged battery is determined by passing one or more test currents through it and determining whether a corresponding voltage rise is observed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Jeffrey Baxter, Brent Baxter, Michael Baxter, Ted Holbrook
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Publication number: 20100254053Abstract: A system for protecting a load from a fault on a line comprising: a detection circuit monitoring the line; and a switch interposed between the line and the load; wherein the detection circuit triggers the switch to disconnect the load from the line when the fault is detected. The detection circuit may trigger the switch within one second of detecting the fault. The detection circuit may monitor the line voltage of the line and the fault may be detected when the line voltage exceeds 125% or 130% of the normal voltage. The load may be automatically reconnected to the line when the line voltage drops to within 5% or 10% of a normal voltage. The fault may be any one or more of an open-neutral, an over-voltage, an under-voltage, a phase loss, and an external trigger, such as an access sensor, a smoke sensor, and/or a heat sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventors: Glenn Wilson, Daniel Buchanan
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Patent number: 7804672Abstract: A switched power rail monitor compares voltages provided by a switched power rail and a power source to detect a predetermined differential indicative of a fault at the switched power rail. A switched power rail fault is communicated to a power manager to take corrective action, such as cutting off power to information handling system components. In one embodiment, a pair of bipolar junction transistors monitor the voltage differential to send an enable signal if the differential is within limits and a disable signal if the differential exceeds limits.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Richard Tonry, Nikolai Vyssotski
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Patent number: 7793115Abstract: Method, and apparatus for operating a power feed in a computing system. One exemplary embodiment includes monitoring the power feed to ensure the power level of the entire system never remains above a first power level and only remains above a second power level for a period of time determined by a timer level.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Roger Edward Tipley, Robert A Pereira, E David Neufeld
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Patent number: 7773355Abstract: Improved protection circuits are provided for use as voltage overload protection circuits, ESD protection circuits for RF input pins, and unit protection cells for distributed amplifiers. Preferably, the protection circuits include a positive threshold voltage trigger used to trigger a switch wherein the trigger includes a diode string in series with a resistor and the switch includes a bipolar transistor switch in series with a diode. Alternatively, the trigger includes a diode string in series with a single diode and a single resistor, and is used to trigger a Darlington pair transistor switch in series with a diode. In another embodiment, a Darlington pair transistor switch is triggered by a capacitor. In use with distributed amplifiers, the ESD protection circuits are preferably absorbed inside the artificial transmission lines of the distributed amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Yintat Ma, Guann-Pyng Li
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Publication number: 20100194345Abstract: A voltage detection circuit can include a status sensing network and a comparing network. The status sensing network can simultaneously detect a cell voltage for each battery cell of a plurality of battery cells. The comparing network can simultaneously compare the detected cell voltages with a predetermined voltage threshold by comparing the maximum of the cell voltages with a first (high-voltage) threshold, and by comparing the minimum of the cell voltages with a second (low-voltage) threshold. The comparing network can also generate an indication signal when a cell voltage does not satisfy the respective voltage threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Guo Xing LI
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Patent number: 7741736Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for sensing the voltage at multiple sense points. The present invention acquires optimal feedback from a plurality of sources including those integrated on the same motherboard, for populated or unpopulated connectors and for adapter cards plugged into the connectors, for the purpose of controlling the voltage regulator output. The voltage regulator, connected to a logic system, provides voltage to those connectors needing the voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Raymond M. Clemo, Jimmy G. Foster, Sr., Suzanne M. Michelich, Sheldon J. Sigrist, Jacques B. Taylor
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Patent number: 7723938Abstract: A control system for multiphase rotary electric machines is provided. The control system carries out control of the output of a multiphase rotary electric machine by operating switching elements of an inverter, so that more appropriate measure can be taken when malfunction has occurred in the inverter. A rotary shaft of an internal combustion engine, a rotary shaft of a generator and a rotary shaft of a motor are linked through a torque-splitting mechanism. The control system carries out failsafe processes, at the occurrence of short circuit in a switching element of the inverter, to control load torque of the generator so as to prevent rotation of a rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine in a non-operative state, which rotation is induced by a motive force of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: DENSO CoporationInventors: Hiroya Tsuji, Shingo Kawasaki, Junji Miyachi
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Patent number: 7692908Abstract: Circuits and methods for protecting polarity-sensitive components, such as light emitting diodes, electrolytic capacitors or integrated circuits, operating from a DC current source including a DC motor, an inductor or relay having a positive terminal and a negative terminal for receiving current from the current source, a protection diode connected parallel with the positive and negative terminals of the motor in a reverse bias configuration, at least one polarity-sensitive component connected in parallel with the protection diode and the DC motor, and a polarity protection transistor connected either between the nominally positive current source terminal and the positive motor terminal, or between the nominally negative current source terminal and the negative motor terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: GLJ, LLCInventors: Harry Chen, Eric Junkel
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Publication number: 20100073835Abstract: A remote sensing circuit and a high-power supply apparatus having the remote sensing circuit. The high-power supply apparatus can include a feedback circuit to feedback power output from a high-power supply unit to an input terminal of the high-power supply apparatus. The remote sensing circuit can include a switching unit connected between an output terminal of the high-power generating unit and the feedback circuit of the high-power supply apparatus to open the connection in a normal status and to close the connection in an abnormal status, a load channel to connect the high-power generating unit and a load, and a remote sensing unit having one terminal commonly connected to the load and the load channel and another terminal commonly connected to the switching unit and the feedback circuit to sense power supplied to the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Jee-hoon JUNG