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: 6822841Abstract: A circuit board includes a power switch operable so as to generate a trigger signal upon actuation, a card slot adapted for connecting with a video card, and a controller coupled electrically to the power switch and the card slot. The controller detects connection of the video card to the card slot and further detects operating voltage of the video card. The controller inhibits the power switch from generating the trigger signal upon detection that the operating voltage of the video card that is connected to the card slot is higher than a predetermined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Aopen IncorporatedInventors: Ting-Yu Chang, Chih-Hung Wu
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Patent number: 6813128Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying potential problems within systems having rotating biased components. The system employs diagnostics to the rotating biased components to provide status feedback to the machine's control unit when any type of bias fault has occurred. The system then responds to this fault signal making it possible to stop operation and alert the machine operator. The present invention also discloses a method for detecting open load, over load, shorted load and intermittent contact with the load or arcing conditions, as well as power supply output failure in a bias system. A digital signal that may be may be sensed by interrupt or sampling methods and filtered appropriately with software is provided to a machine control system. The result is that bias failures may be detected automatically by machine control. The system also provides a method to alert the operator service personnel on which area of the machine to service.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLCInventors: Charles H. Hasenauer, Joseph J. Furno
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Patent number: 6778365Abstract: A charging circuit, and method of performing the same, having a primary switching circuit that controls the transfer of energy between windings in a transformer based upon a reconstruction of a secondary winding current, in a primary winding side of the transformer, without directly sampling the secondary winding current, such that the secondary winding is isolated from the primary winding. The reconstruction of secondary winding current is performed by sampling a voltage across the primary winding reflected from the secondary winding, and integrating the sampled voltage using a current source driven according to the sampled voltage and a capacitor. The primary switching circuit operates to turn on an energizing of the primary winding when the integrated sampled voltage indicates that the flux density of the transformer, after a transfer of energy between primary and secondary windings, lowers to a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Dan Mulhauser
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Publication number: 20040125523Abstract: A method for driving a neutral point clamped three-level inverter is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, DC current is received at a neutral point-clamped three-level inverter. The inverter has a plurality of nodes including first, second and third output nodes. The inverter also has a plurality of switches. Faults are checked for in the inverter and predetermined switches are automatically activated responsive to a detected fault such that three-phase electrical power is provided at the output nodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: John Edwards, Longya Xu, Brij B. Bhargava
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Patent number: 6744612Abstract: The invention relates to an inrush current protection circuit for a power supply. The power supply includes a rectification circuit coupled to a main body of the power supply through an energy-storage capacitor. The main body of the power supply is provided with a reference voltage, and the setup time of the reference voltage is greater than a threshold value. The inrush current protection circuit includes a current limiting resistor coupled between a negative terminal of the rectification circuit and a ground terminal of the energy-storage capacitor for preventing the generation of an inrush current the instant that the power supply is powered on, and a switch coupled in parallel with the current limiting resistor and which is controlled by the reference voltage. When the reference voltage is set up, the switch switches from an open state to a short state, so as to bypass the current limiting resistor.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Chin-Hou Chen
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Patent number: 6724602Abstract: A method and apparatus for fault condition protection for a lighting control circuit is presented. The method consists of a hybrid software and hardware solution to take advantage of the useful attributes of both. In the event of a fault condition being detected the software set driving signals to the light are rapidly blocked via hardware. In the event the fault condition persists, software modifies the driving signals to the light.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Demetri Giannopoulos
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Patent number: 6707658Abstract: A surge protection and reset circuit is provided for resetting a microprocessor to maintain a discharge lamp under a normal operating condition when the microprocessor is crashed owing to the cross talk or radiation effect in igniting a discharge lamp. The surge protection and reset circuit includes a ballast electrically connected to the discharge lamp for igniting the discharge lamp, a starting control circuit electrically connected to the ballast for triggering the ballast to ignite the discharge lamp and powering the ballast, a microprocessor electrically connected to the starting control circuit for initializing the starting control circuit when the microprocessor receives a lamp-state signal and a reset signal, and a reset circuit having an output terminal electrically connected to the microprocessor for providing the reset signal to reset the microprocessor when the reset circuit receives the lamp-state signal from a lamp-state terminal of the ballast.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chao, Sung-Wen Chang, Ming-Yu Chang
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Patent number: 6686697Abstract: A circuit protects a light element and prevents a breakdown of a laser diode (LD) when electric static discharge (ESD) occurs. The circuit protects the light element in a drive to control an operation of the light element, which radiates light onto a disc. Here, the drive includes a switch between an active node of the light element and a predetermined potential so that the switch is short-circuited in a normal state, but is open when the drive operates. The light element is protected from static electricity or a surge voltage in a manufacturing process thereof or under a user environment. As a result, the probability that the light element is broken down is remarkably reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myoung-cheol Cho, Byung-ryul Ryoo, Kyung-ui Park, Ui-yol Kim, Pyong yong Seong
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Patent number: 6678130Abstract: An electronic circuit consists of a voltage regulator and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) shunt. The voltage regulator maintains a prescribed voltage for the voltage supply of the chip. The ESD shunt protects the chip circuitry from undesirable levels of current or voltage. The voltage regulator and the ESD shunt share the functionality of a single, very large transistor. This combination results in a circuit with a smaller area, much smaller than if the two circuits had been built separately. With the reduction in area, both circuits can be manufactured on a single chip.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Ratner, Hyoung Jo Youn, Leandro A. Chua, Jr.
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Patent number: 6671195Abstract: An alternator system having an alternating current voltage source includes a rectifier coupled to the voltage source, a sensor coupled to the voltage source and an engine and a control circuit coupled to the voltage source, the rectifier and the sensor. The control circuit provides control signals to the rectifier and the voltage source. The alternator system further includes a fault protection controller coupled to an output of the alternator system and coupled to the control circuit. The rectifier operates such that the alternator system provides a load match which results in output power levels which are relatively high compared with output power levels of conventional alternator systems and the fault protection controller operates under fault conditions (e.g. load dump), and overrides the other controllers in the alternator system based on output voltage when a load dump occurs.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: David J. Perreault, Vahe Caliskan
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Patent number: 6657838Abstract: An LCD backlight inverter has a buck switch for determining power supply to a DC/AC converter for converting voltage, the buck switch being connected between a supply voltage input terminal and the DC/AC converter. An overvoltage protection circuit is connected to an input terminal of said DC/AC converter for dividing voltage while providing a current path at the time of the initial drive. A first comparing block compares the dimension of a feedback signal with the dimension of a first reference voltage, the feedback signal representing the voltage according to an on/off status of the backlight. A second comparing block compares the dimension of the voltage divided in the overvoltage protection circuit with the dimension of a second reference voltage. A switching controlling block receives comparison signals from the first and second comparing blocks for controlling an on/off status of the buck switch according to the comparison signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byoung Own Min
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Publication number: 20030202302Abstract: A surge protector for portable personal computers, or notebooks, of the shunting type, employs two differently rated metal oxide varistors in a manner enabling operation with several differently rated AC power services. The surge protector is designed to provide an optimum effective clamping voltage with a low let-through voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: William R. Manning, Ronnie L. Bell, Clint D. Veino
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Patent number: 6614636Abstract: An input/output filtering system having a single-phase tri-mode over-voltage protection and disconnect circuit for use with peripheral devices. The system prevents the accidental reversal of the line wire with the neutral wire from adversely affecting at least one peripheral device and the overheating and destruction of MOVs in the over-voltage protection circuit. In the event of a sufficiently high voltage causing excessive heating of the MOVs, the hot line will be disconnected from the peripheral device through the use of fuses placed beside each MOV. An audible alarm indicates that a protection device has absorbed an excessive energy. The system further employs an input filter and a plurality of output filters. Such filtration is applied to that noise which travels through an Internet line as well as through a basic power line.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Monster Cable Products, Inc.Inventor: Richard N. Marsh
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Publication number: 20030151868Abstract: An over-voltage protection device (51) for a secondary battery is disclosed which includes an outer casing (52) with plastic cover (53), terminals (56, 57, 58) and a piezoelectric actuator (54). Piezoelectric actuator (54) has first and second electrodes which are electrically connected to terminals (56, 57) respectively. Terminal (58) has a stationary electrical contact (60) mounted therein. The piezoelectric actuator (54) is cantilever mounted within casing (52) with a movable contact (61) mounted on its distal end that is positioned to be in engagement with stationary contact (60). When an over-voltage is applied between terminals (56, 57), it causes a displacement of the distal end of piezoelectric actuator (54) and correspondingly of the disengagement of movable contact (61) from stationary contact (60).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Masao Inae, Kohya Baba
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Patent number: 6601002Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Michael G Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
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Patent number: 6598195Abstract: A sensor in an engineering system can be tested to detect, isolate and accommodate faults. Initially, a modeled sensor value of each actual sensor value is generated as a function of a plurality of other sensors. An absolute value of a difference between the actual sensor value and the modeled sensor value is then computed and compared to a predetermined threshold. A sensor fault is detected if the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold. Once a sensor fault is detected, it is isolated using hypothesis testing and maximum wins strategies. After the fault is isolated, the fault is accommodated by substituting the modeled sensor value for the actual sensor value.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sridhar Adibhatla, Matthew William Wiseman
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Patent number: 6597553Abstract: A voltage driver having a pass transistor using a sensing diode and disabling transistor to sense and disable the driver during a short circuit condition. No current sense resistors or other devices in series with the pass transistor are used. During a short circuit condition, the collector-emitter (or drain-source) voltage of the pass transistor prevents the sensing diode from conducting which causes the disabling transistor to remove the control signal to the pass transistor. This latches the driver output off, protecting the driver from the short circuit condition. Recycling the control signal unlatches the protection, allowing another attempt to turn on the driver.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Jason M. Chilcote, Peter G. Hancock
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Patent number: 6583973Abstract: An interface device adapted to be connected between an electrical circuit and a monitor. The invention of a common terminal, “n” number of sensing terminals, “n” number of sensing impedances, and “n” number of load terminals. Each load terminal is in electrical communication with the common terminal through a separate sensing impedance. Each sensing impedance is substantially less than the aggregate electrical circuit load side impedance between the sensing impedance and ground when the invention is connected in series between the supply side and load side of the electrical circuit. Each load terminal is substantially the same electrical point as only one sensing terminal. In one embodiment, the invention incorporates various protective elements including: a supply side electrical circuit protective element; a load side electrical circuit protective element; and a monitor circuit protective element.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Juri Pärn
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Publication number: 20030112566Abstract: A voltage driver having a pass transistor using a sensing diode and disabling transistor to sense and disable the driver during a short circuit condition. No current sense resistors or other devices in series with the pass transistor are used. During a short circuit condition, the collector-emitter (or drain-source) voltage of the pass transistor prevents the sensing diode from conducting which causes the disabling transistor to remove the control signal to the pass transistor. This latches the driver output off, protecting the driver from the short circuit condition. Recycling the control signal unlatches the protection, allowing another attempt to turn on the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Jason M. Chilcote, Peter G. Hancock
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Patent number: 6560087Abstract: An electronic signal filter is provided that includes a metal housing which has been adapted to be electrically grounded, and a circuit board positioned within the housing. The circuit board includes a first area and a second area, and has an electrically conductive trace formed on a portion of a top surface of the circuit board that provides electrical communication between the first and second areas of the circuit board. The filter further includes a metal shield connected to the housing, located between the first and second areas of the circuit board. The metal shield extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board and has a slot formed therein for receiving the portion of the circuit board on which the electrically conductive trace is formed. The slot is dimensioned to provide a space between the metal shield and the conductive trace.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Eagle Comtronics, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Zennamo, Jr., Joseph N. Maguire, William Louise, Dale W. Marland
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Patent number: 6549385Abstract: A test circuit for a withstand voltage tester, which includes a high voltage source, an overload-protective current detection device having one end connected to the high voltage source and an opposite end connected to the sample to be tested, and a second current detection device connected to the circuit of the high voltage source and the overload-protective current detection device, the second current detection device having a switch connected to the high voltage source, and detector means connected to ground to detect a high voltage, such that when the human body touches the test circuit and receives a high voltage through the ground, the detector means detects the presence of the high voltage, and outputs a signal to the switch upon such detection, causing the switch to cut off the circuit between the high voltage source and the test sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Associated Research, Inc.Inventors: Roger A. Bald, Pin-Y Chen
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Patent number: 6489748Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a set of logic cards that enables approximately twice as much power to be supplied to the logic cards than would normally be available using conventional power supply systems and methods. The system includes a system backplane having a split power plane, wherein each half of the split power plane receives power from a separate power supply circuit. Preferably, the power supply circuits comprise circuit portions of a power entry module (PEM), which typically is connected to a pair of service points provided by a DC or an AC power source. The PEM and system backplane include circuitry to enable a single backplane to be powered by two separate power supplies, thereby providing the system backplane and the set of logic cards with approximately twice as much power than could normally be provided by a single service point.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Katsuhiro Okamura
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Publication number: 20020145839Abstract: A system and method for distributing power to an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, a power laminate may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated circuit for which power is to be distributed may be electrically coupled to the PCB. The power laminate may include one or more power planes and one or more reference (i.e. ground) planes, with each pair of power/reference planes separated by a dielectric layer. The power laminate may also include a connector or other means for receiving power from an external power source. The power laminate may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, thereby enabling it to provide power to the integrated circuit. The power laminate may also include a voltage regulator circuit, and a plurality of decoupling capacitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Larry D. Smith, Istvan Novak, Michael C. Freda
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Patent number: 6437607Abstract: Non linear circuit for open load control in Low-Side Driver type circuits, including at least two power transistors, scaled according to an area ratio 1 to M, with M>1, wherein the power transistor having the smaller area is controlled by a circuit input signal while the transistor having the larger area is controlled by an output value of an AND type logic gate, managed by a control circuit, that is regulated by the output value of a voltage sensor, placed in parallel with the power transistor having the larger area, and by the output value of a current sensor, placed in series with the power transistor having the smaller area, so that, when a current flowing in the power transistor having the smaller area is less than a predetermined value of the threshold current, the control circuit signals the open load on an output pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Andrea Milanesi
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Publication number: 20020101696Abstract: Current flowing through a cold cathode tube is detected and converted to a voltage with a resistor, and is fed to a tube current control circuit. The tube current control circuit drives a drive circuit to control a voltage applied to a piezoelectric transformer. Current from a constant-current source is used to charge a fault protection capacitor. A transistor is allowed to conduct while current flows through the cold cathode tube so that a voltage is developed in a resistor, and thereby, an electric charge is prevented from being stored in the fault protection capacitor, thereby stopping the operation of a fault protection circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Noma, Yasuyuki Morishima
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Patent number: 6426603Abstract: Problems associated with delta motors and motor controllers being subjected to overcurrent conditions as well as with time consuming troubleshooting are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically inhibits operation of the delta motor when it detects permanent single phase wiring errors that occur during the installation process.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Siemens Energy & AutomationInventor: Lynn Stewart Johnson
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Patent number: 6424511Abstract: A battery disconnect device includes a housing with a trip/sense circuit, a sealed solenoid and two bars. The solenoid includes a spring loaded contactor disposed in a sealed chamber which normally bridges the bars and is constructed to provide a very low resistivity between the bars. When a coil of the solenoid is activated, in response, for example, to a low battery voltage, the contactor moves away from the bars and is kept in an open position by a magnet. The contactor can be closed or returned to the original position by a manual push button or by a close circuit operated from a remote switch. Additionally the contactor may be opened by using a remote button to act as an anti-theft device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Purisys, Inc.Inventor: Aharon Y. Levinas
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Patent number: 6396282Abstract: In a method for testing the ground contact of parts of a networked system in which data are sent and received via at least one line, at least one line at each part is connected via a resistance arrangement to a common potential of the parts and is connectable via a controllable switch to a further potential. The voltage across the resistance arrangement is compared with a predetermined potential when the line is at one potential in a steady state, and the state of the ground contact of the part is deduced from a comparison of the voltage across the resistance arrangement with the predetermined potential.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Juergen Minuth, Juergen Setzer, Guenther Schwarz, Max Reeb
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Patent number: 6329892Abstract: A relay includes contacts residing within a glass tube. A coil surrounding the tube and a switch are connected in parallel between two terminals of the relay. A current source supplies a current to the coil and switch. When the switch is open, substantially all of the current passes through the coil and the coil produces a sufficient amount of magnetic flux to close the relay's contacts. When the switch closes, it shunts a sufficient amount of the current away from the coil to reduce the magnetic flux it produces below the level needed to keep the contacts closed. The current source is sized so that the coil requires relatively few turns, thereby allowing the relay to be relatively thin. The coil is formed by a conductor embedded in an insulating substrate surrounding the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventors: Paul Dana Wohlfarth, Robert R. Hale, Travis Scott Ellis
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Patent number: 6313636Abstract: A method for determining switchgear-specific data at contacts in switchgear and/or operation-specific data in a network connected to the switchgear includes detecting a so-called contact follow-through travel at a switching path as an equivalent criterion for an erosion of contacts, particularly for contactor contacts. A resilience change during a shutdown cycle is measured, can be used to determine the erosion and can be converted into a remaining contact life for the contacts. Accurate measurement of the armature movement from a start of the armature movement to a start of contact opening is required for that purpose. Switching states of a switching device and of the electrical network are additionally detected from signals for resilience detection. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Fritz Pohl, Norbert Elsner
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Patent number: 6291944Abstract: An electronic ballast having a through-lamp ground fault sensor that may also function as an end-of-lamp-life sensor is disclosed. The electronic ballast has an inverter that receives power from a dc power supply, and delivers a high-frequency output voltage to a resonant tank circuit through a dc blocking capacitor. The ground fault sensor includes a filter circuit connected to a voltage sensor circuit. An input terminal of the filter circuit is connected to the resonant tank so as to be in communication with a voltage signal that exists between a ballast output terminal and a dc power supply output terminal. The filter provides a filtered voltage signal by attenuating high frequency ac voltage components of the voltage signal, and passing low frequency ac voltage components, such as a 60 Hz signal, and possibly also passing a dc voltage component. A through-lamp ground fault will generate a voltage signal at the power line frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bryce L. Hesterman, Ali Fawaz
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Publication number: 20010006447Abstract: The protection circuit for a power supply unit comprises a switching stage, at which at least two output voltages to be monitored are connected, these voltages being isolated from one another by means of resistors. Arranged here in the connection path of the output voltages is a diode, which turns on and thereby triggers the switching stage in the event of a fault, when there is a drop in one of the output voltages. In this way, the switching stage provides information which acts on a control loop of the power supply unit, so that the power supply unit switches off. The protection circuit also includes a passive network with a resistor and a capacitor, which prescribes a time constant, after which the protection circuit permits renewed starting of the power supply unit. The switching stage may be realized, for example, by a transistor stage, which provides the information signal for the event of a fault for the power supply unit when turning on occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventors: Eugen Kizmann, Reinhard Kogel, Jean-Paul Louvel
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Patent number: 6252312Abstract: A circuit configuration for a direct-voltage power pack of an electronically controlled switching device, particularly of a small programmable control system, which is externally supplied with voltage, having an arithmetic-logic unit, signal inputs and signal outputs. This circuit has a back-up supplier for the backup supply of the supply voltage and a detector for detecting the input voltage which is not backed up, the detector interacting with the arithmetic-logic unit in such a way that, in response to any voltage failure, the signal inputs are reliably prevented from being read in.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Rolf Hubert, Horea Stefan Culca
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Patent number: 6222441Abstract: An improved circuit and method for connecting a device to an actuator-sensor interface (“ASI”) bus. The circuit provides the proper AC and DC coupling between the device and bus during normal operation, while providing AC and DC decoupling in the event of a short circuit or when the device is disconnected. The circuit accomplishes these goals while advantageously eliminating some of the components used in prior art circuits.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Richard Hirschmann GmbH & Co.Inventor: Martin Siegwarth
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Patent number: 6173216Abstract: As a variation of the non-orthogonal filter, a phasor estimate is computed by using an N-point window. An aspect of the sub-window cosine filter is to repeat the basic cosine filter for only selected points of the window. In the end, a least-squares fit is used to obtain an estimate for the phasors components. Previous cosine techniques use a data window whose length is greater than 1 cycle while the present invention requires only 1 cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.Inventors: Khoi Vu, David G. Hart, Damir Novosel
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Patent number: 6154687Abstract: A high sample rate cosine filter eliminates DC components by summing them such that they sum to zero. A non-orthogonal cosine filter is also provided. When the cosine filter is applied for N=4 samples per cycle, the samples are separated by 90 degrees. However, at higher sampling rates, it is not necessary to wait for 90 degrees to estimate the phasor value. Non-orthogonal components are used to estimate the phasor value. The time delay associated with the cosine filter is reduced in the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.Inventors: David G. Hart, Damir Novosel, Robert A. Smith
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Patent number: 6111736Abstract: A static relay with semiconductors for insertion into AC electric circuits. The relay includes devices for determining when the state of the relay is in the operating phase and in additional states corresponding to the relay destroyed, the electric circuit deenergized and the relay disconnected from the electric circuit. These devices are wired to the terminals of the relay. The device may be used for determining the opening and closing of electric circuits operating in an AC mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Crouzet AotomatismesInventor: Gerard Jean Blain
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Patent number: 6078490Abstract: A method is provided for treating materials, especially organic materials, with pulsed electrical fields, wherein the method includes the step of applying an agile pulse sequence having at least three pulses to a material, wherein the agile pulse sequence has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. When biological cells are treated to form pores in an electroporation procedure, the induced pores are sustained for a relatively long period of time, and viability of the biological cells is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Cyto Pulse Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Walters
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Patent number: 6072674Abstract: Problems associated with delta motors being subjected to increased torques and overcurrent conditions resulting from inaccurate swapped wiring configurations in a delta motor system are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically inhibits operation of the delta motor when it detects that the fault contactor connections and the motor controller connections to a delta motor have been swapped or reversed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Lynn Stewart Johnson
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Patent number: 6052061Abstract: A circuit for performing a switching of a protection line between a common section and a channel section includes a common section and a channel section connected by signal lines. The common section has a working interface circuit and a protecting interface circuit. The channel section only has a working interface circuit. The working interface circuit of the common section is operably connected to the working interface circuit of the channel section by a working cable. The protecting interface circuit of the common section is connected to the working interface circuit of the channel section by a protecting cable. When a disconnection or a slip of the working cable occurs, a signal from the working interface circuit of the common section is transmitted and inputted into the protecting interface circuit via the protecting cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1996Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Daiichiro Yamauchi
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Patent number: 6046514Abstract: A bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices. Each of the energy storage devices coupled to a common series connection has an associated bypass unit connected thereto in parallel. A current bypass unit includes a sensor which is coupled in parallel with an associated energy storage device or cell and senses an energy parameter indicative of an energy state of the cell, such as cell voltage. A bypass switch is coupled in parallel with the energy storage cell and operable between a non-activated state and an activated state. The bypass switch, when in the non-activated state, is substantially non-conductive with respect to current passing through the energy storage cell and, when in the activated state, provides a bypass current path for passing current to the series connection so as to bypass the associated cell. A controller controls activation of the bypass switch in response to the voltage of the cell deviating from a pre-established voltage setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Hydro-Quebec CorporationInventors: Jean Rouillard, Christophe Comte, Dominik Daigle
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Patent number: 6038114Abstract: Problems associated with delta motors and motor controllers being subjected to increased motor torques and overcurrent conditions as well as with time consuming troubleshooting are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically inhibits operation of the delta motor when it detects common wiring errors that occur during the installation process.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Lynn Stewart Johnson
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Patent number: 5986361Abstract: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10 or 210) is described. The apparatus includes a liquid storage container (12), a propellant container (16), a control circuit (34 or 42) and an ejector (28). In a second embodiment, the liquid and propellant are in the same container (212). The control circuits control the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard, to control insects.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State UniversityInventors: James Ray Miller, Michael John Ulczynski, Brian L. Wright
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Patent number: 5977815Abstract: A CMOS circuit (10), which is integrated in a semiconductor substrate, comprises a principal circuit part (12), which includes the major part of the circuit components in a well isolated from the substrate by a substrate diode. The CMOS circuit furthermore comprises a power output stage (16) driving an inductive load (26, 28). A sensor (18) is connected with one output (22, 24) of the power output stage (16) and on detection of a voltage biasing the substrate diode (30, 32) in the conducting direction produces a switching signal at the output. On occurrence of the switching signal produced by the sensor (18) a controllable switch (20) disconnects the supply voltage from the principal circuit part (12). In its own separate well (46) a status memory (14) is formed on the substrate adjacent to the principal circuit part (12), such status memory (14) comprising memory elements for storage of status data of the principal circuit part (12) on disconnection of the supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland, GmbHInventors: Kevin Scoones, Guenter Heinecke, Erich Bayer
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Patent number: 5962932Abstract: A power supply apparatus 10 with circuit load sensor provides an extension cord 20 having first and second ends extending from an enclosure 30. Within the enclosure, a power supply indicator circuit 40 lights an LED in response to the plug of the extension cord being inserted into a live outlet. Also within the enclosure, a power consumption indicator circuit 60 lights an LED in response to consumption of power by a load plugged into the socket of the extension cord. A nominal voltage drop across a TRIAC 70, carried in-line with the neutral conductor within the enclosure, triggers the power consumption indicator circuit when the load draws current.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Darryl Matlo
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Patent number: 5963410Abstract: A voltage value of an impulse voltage repetitively applied on a test-piece coil is increased in accordance with time elapse. A terminal voltage applied on both ends of the test-piece coil is monitored to detect an electric breakdown of the test-piece coil. Upon detecting such a breakdown, application of the impulse voltage is immediately stopped to prevent the test-piece coil from being unnecessarily damaged. Meanwhile, a voltage value of the impulse voltage is measured quantitatively at the time the electric breakdown is detected and the measured data is stored in a memory, so that the memorized data can be used later as a breakdown voltage value.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Iijima, Masahiro Tsubokawa
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Patent number: 5962936Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply device for LCD backlight converter in which a Zener diode is placed between an input of power adapter and an input of backlight converter, and a p-type MOSFET is placed between the power adapter and a cell to be used as a switch. When the power adapter provides power, the voltage level of the power is decreased by the Zener diode. When the cell provides power, the power provided to backlight converter is approximately equal to the power stored in the cell. The ratio of the input voltage of power adapter to the input voltage of the cell is decreased to extend supplying period of the cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Twinhead International Corp.Inventor: Henry Yeh
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Patent number: 5945797Abstract: Problems associated with time consuming troubleshooting of an incorrectly wired delta motor system are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically detects when each of the three phase lines of a three phase power source have been connected to both ends of one of the three windings in a dead ended winding configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Lynn Stewart Johnson
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Patent number: 5939868Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling integrated circuit supply voltages includes, according to one embodiment, a primary voltage regulator and a secondary voltage regulator. The primary voltage regulator supplies one of either a first voltage or a second voltage to a first plurality of inputs of an integrated circuit. The secondary voltage regulator conditionally supplies a third voltage to a second plurality of inputs of the integrated circuit in the event the primary voltage regulator supplies the first voltage, with the third voltage being substantially the same as the second voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Jerald Nevin Hall, Thomas A. Rampone, Kirk Tyler Byers
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Patent number: 5933309Abstract: An electronic module tester measures the difference between the voltage provided by the tester during testing and the voltage actually delivered to an electronic device. The difference corresponds to a voltage drop associated with the contamination contact resistance. This resistance builds up on contact surfaces of the tester as many modules are inserted and extracted. One power line and one ground line from the electronic module are isolated and connected to a voltmeter for a direct measurement of voltage on the device. A comparison is made with the power supply voltage provided by the tester to the device under test. A voltage difference exceeding a predetermined value initiates further action prior to continued testing, such as contact cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Douglas G. Smith