Overvoltage And Undervoltage Patents (Class 361/90)
  • Publication number: 20140177116
    Abstract: A power-off protection system used in a multi-node system includes a detecting module. The detecting module obtains voltage, current and temperature information of all of the nodes and power supplying units in the multi-node system periodically. A determining module determines if any node from the nodes and power supplying units is abnormal. A control module controls a switch connected with the node that is abnormal to turn off, thereby turning off power source connected with the node that is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PO-WEI WANG, LI-WEN CHANG, CHIH-CHUNG SHIH
  • Patent number: 8743522
    Abstract: A monitoring circuit for use with a monitored circuit having a power supply input and a load output. The monitoring circuit having a biasing module, a reference generator coupled to the power supply input and the biasing module, a comparator coupled to the monitored circuit and the reference generator and an output device coupled to the load output and activated at a predetermined signal threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Ross E. Terratz, Wayne T. Chen, Brett Smith
  • Patent number: 8729884
    Abstract: A voltage measuring circuit includes a voltage measuring port, a voltage reference unit, a first voltage comparing unit and a light emitting diode. The voltage measuring port is for receiving an external voltage to be measured. The voltage reference unit includes a port providing a reference voltage. The first voltage comparing unit includes a reference port connected to the voltage reference unit, a measuring port connected to the voltage measuring port, and an output port for outputting a high/low level voltage when the external voltage is lower/higher than the reference voltage. The light emitting diode includes a cathode connected to the output port of the first voltage comparing unit and an anode connected to an external voltage port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8723571
    Abstract: Integrated circuit and method for generating a clock signal, the integrated circuit comprising (i) a frequency locked loop comprising a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive a control input and to generate a clock signal determined by the control input; and (ii) a microprocessor configured to be powered by a supply voltage and to receive the clock signal generated by the voltage controlled oscillator. The integrated circuit is configured to use the supply voltage as the control input, such that the clock signal is determined by the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nvidia Technology UK Limited
    Inventor: Steve Felix
  • Patent number: 8711534
    Abstract: A battery power management system including a protection switch, a battery set, a high-voltage protection chip, a plurality of voltage-dividing units and a low-voltage measurement chip is provided. The protection switch and the battery set are connected in series between a first power terminal and a second power terminal of the battery power management system. The battery set includes a plurality of battery cells and has a plurality of sensing nodes. The high-voltage protection chip controls the protection switch according to a plurality of first sensing voltages from the sensing nodes. The voltage-dividing units are connected to a part of the sensing nodes and divide a part of the first sensing voltages to generate a plurality of second sensing voltages. The low-voltage measurement chip is connected to the voltage-dividing units and measures electric quantities of the battery cells according to the second sensing voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: uPI Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Sei-Ching Yang, Yu-Te Chou
  • Patent number: 8687334
    Abstract: A controller 43 turns on a semiconductor switch 41 in a normal mode, and turns off the semiconductor switch 41 in a sleep mode. A bypass resistor 5 is connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch 41. A resistance value of the bypass resister 5 is so large as that in the sleep mode, a dark current is supplied to an electronic device 3 via the bypass resistor 5, and if an electric wire downstream of the bypass resistor is short-circuited, an electric current more than a permissive current is prevented from flowing to the electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Ueta, Akinori Maruyama, Yoshihide Nakamura, Yoshinori Ikuta, Hideo Suganuma
  • Patent number: 8689033
    Abstract: A data processing device with a power supply and data signal interface circuit has a switch for connecting an external line and an internal node. The power supply and data signal interface circuit also includes a controller for applying an enabling voltage to the switch enabling the switch to supply current between the external line and the internal node in the presence of power supply to the controller and in the absence of the overvoltage condition on the external line. The power supply and data signal interface circuit also includes a voltage reduction connection from the external line for applying a control voltage to the switch in the absence of power supply to the controller. The control voltage from the voltage reduction connection limits a voltage applied to the internal node through the switch in the presence of the overvoltage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit K. Srivastava, Parul K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 8674742
    Abstract: A second driver is provided in addition to a first driver outputting an output signal in accordance with a voltage of an input signal. When the output signal changes from a first voltage level to a second voltage level in accordance with a voltage change of the input signal, a control part controls the second driver to assist the signal change during a period from a change start time until the output signal exceeds a third voltage level. The control part controls the second driver to suppress the signal change during a period from the time when the output signal exceeds the third voltage level until it reaches the second voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Atsuya Ohashi, Koji Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140063670
    Abstract: A battery protection circuit and a battery pack are disclosed. The battery pack includes the battery protection circuit, which has a switching unit and a control circuit, which controls the switching unit with a control signal. The battery protection circuit also has an external terminal, which is configurable to electrically connect the control signal to a circuit external to the battery protection circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se-Jin Ji
  • Publication number: 20140049868
    Abstract: A control signal protection device having a first operational mode and a second operational mode includes a first terminal pair that connects the signal protection device to a control system and a second terminal pair that connects the converter to a field device. The control system provided a control signal to the control system protection device. The control signal device further includes a power storing element for temporary accumulation of electric energy and a switching circuit for controlling operational mode of the signal protection device. Electric energy is stored in the power storing element in the first operational mode. Electric energy stored in the power storing element is supplied to a positive terminal in the second terminal pair in the second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Seberger
  • Patent number: 8653692
    Abstract: A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Sie Teong Lim
  • Publication number: 20140043715
    Abstract: An amplifier includes a fault protection control circuit biased from the signal pin and a fault protection circuit including a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor. The sources and bodies of the first and second PMOS transistors can be connected to one another, the drain of the first PMOS transistor can be connected to the amplifier's output, and the drain of the second PMOS transistor can be connected to a signal pin. During normal operating conditions, the fault protection control circuit can turn on the first and second PMOS transistors. However, the fault protection control circuit can turn off the first PMOS transistor and turn on the second PMOS transistor when an overvoltage condition is detected, and can turn on the first PMOS transistor and turn off the second PMOS transistor when an undervoltage condition is detected, even when the integrated circuit is unpowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin P. Cosgrave, Javier Alejandro Salcedo, Yuhong Huang, David J. Clarke, Minsheng Li
  • Publication number: 20140029147
    Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods of direct cell attachment for battery cells disclosed herein operate without the protection FETs and the protection IC, thereby enabling the direct attachment of battery cells to the system without compromising safety. A charger IC comprises a switching regulator whose output is used to charge the battery through a pass device. In example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods of direct cell attachment, a combination of switching FETs and the pass device are used as a protection device instead of the charge and discharge FETs. During normal operation, the pass device may be used to charge the battery using the traditional battery charging profile. Under fault condition, the switching FETs and pass device may be driven appropriately to protect the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Karthik Kadirvel, III, Steve Harrell, Brian Lum-Shue-Chan
  • Patent number: 8630076
    Abstract: A safe disconnect circuit is provided for mitigating the effect of harmful circuit conditions upon a load, such as an integrated power module (IPM). The safe disconnect circuit comprises a switching circuit operative to receive a pulsed input signal, and to detect the presence of a load threatening input signal, e.g. a load control signal, having an amplitude below a preset amplitude threshold and a duration beyond a present duration threshold. The switching circuit is operative to terminate load power in response to detect a presence of the load threatening signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Edmond J. Tajirian, Jeff A. Knowles, Mark D. Cayot
  • Patent number: 8625242
    Abstract: A system includes a transmitter, a receiver, a isolation barrier, and a fuse. The isolation barrier is connected to the transmitter. The fuse is connected between the isolation barrier and the receiver. The isolation barrier prevents current flow from the transmitter to the receiver when a voltage across the isolation barrier is less than a first breakdown voltage. The isolation barrier short circuits when the voltage across the isolation barrier is greater than or equal to the first breakdown voltage. The fuse opens when the isolation barrier short circuits. When open, the fuse has a second breakdown voltage that is greater than the first breakdown voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Alini, Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Baris Posat
  • Patent number: 8625243
    Abstract: A solid state power controller apparatus can include an on/off-current limit controller, a pre-charge controller coupled to the on/off-current limit controller, an active damper controller coupled to the on/off-current limit controller and a main switch coupled to and responsive to on/off and protective commands from the on/off-current limit controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Publication number: 20140001844
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a battery including a voltage-measuring apparatus, at least one reversible disconnection apparatus, and a circuit of electronic components. The voltage-measuring apparatus is configured to determine a battery voltage. The at least one reversible disconnection apparatus is configured to electrically disconnect the battery from an electrical supply system, such that the disconnection can be cancelled again, for charging or discharging the battery. The circuit of electronic components is a circuit configured to open the disconnection apparatus in the event of an undervoltage and/or an overvoltage of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Berengar Krieg
  • Patent number: 8618805
    Abstract: A battery circuit includes a monitoring circuit, an integrator circuit, and a comparator. The monitoring circuit can be used to monitor a cell and generate a monitoring signal indicating a cell voltage of the cell. The integrator circuit accumulates a difference between the monitoring signal and a first predetermined threshold over a time period to generate an integrating output. The comparator compares the integrating output to a second predetermined threshold and generates a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: 02Micro, Inc.
    Inventor: Guoxing Li
  • Patent number: 8611061
    Abstract: A transmitter/receiver circuit includes secondary batteries connected in series, a first protection circuit in a high voltage side of the secondary batteries and including a transmitter circuit increasing a voltage of a binary signal to a level that is a first voltage higher than an anode voltage of a first secondary battery connected to the first protection circuit, and a second protection circuit in a low voltage side of the secondary batteries and including a receiver circuit that receives the binary signal from the transmitter circuit via a wiring and including a shift part decreasing the voltage of the binary signal to a level that is a second voltage lower than a cathode voltage of a second secondary battery connected to the second protection circuit, and a detection part that determines that the wiring is disconnected when the voltage of the binary signal is lower than a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Nishizawa, Takashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8598835
    Abstract: It is presented a protection circuit for a drive circuit of a permanent magnet motor being powered by a main DC source. The protection circuit comprises a protection circuit DC source; a changeover switch being arranged to select an input to a gate of a main drive switch of the drive circuit, the input being selectable between an output of the protection circuit DC source and a second control signal; and a changeover control device connected to control the changeover switch, which changeover control device is arranged to ensure that the changeover switch is connected to the output of the second side of the protection circuit DC source when an overvoltage is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kollmorgen AB
    Inventors: Thord Agne Gustap Nilson, Miroslaw Hrywniak
  • Patent number: 8581608
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for easily detecting an abnormal status of power generation of a solar cell panel in a solar cell power generation system having the power generation of 1 MW or higher. The present invention provides an abnormality detecting apparatus for a solar cell power generation system including a plurality of solar cell strings each having a plurality of solar cell modules connected to each other in series and a backflow preventing diode connected to a power output terminal of each of the solar cell strings, characterized in that the abnormality detecting apparatus further includes measuring means for measuring a current flowing in the backflow preventing diode; and that the measuring means is supplied with electric power from both terminals of the backflow preventing diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Onamba Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shizuya, Jun Ishida, Hideki Furubayashi, Yukitaka Miyata
  • Patent number: 8559148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control circuit (2) that maintains the electronic control and a safety circuit (3) that detects the errors in the control circuit (2) and cuts off the output of the circuit (2) in case an error occurs. The errors are detected by comparing the output of the control circuit (2) with a reference signal having a square wave form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Namik Yilmaz
  • Publication number: 20130258538
    Abstract: A power conditioning, distribution and management system includes a switch circuit that enables coupling of an AC power supply to a load though an overcurrent device. A control circuit switches the switch circuit from a non-conductive state to a conductive state when a supply voltage signal is between first overvoltage and undervoltage thresholds. The control circuit records an overvoltage event and maintains the switch circuit in the conductive state when the supply voltage signal exceeds a second, higher overvoltage threshold and switches the switch circuit to a nonconductive state when the supply voltage signal exceeds a third, highest overvoltage threshold. The control circuit records an undervoltage event and maintains the switch circuit in the conductive state when the supply voltage signal falls below a second, lower under-voltage threshold and switches the switch circuit to the non-conductive state when the supply voltage signal falls below a third, lowest undervoltage threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Richard J. Billingsley, Robert A. Dawley
  • Patent number: 8547672
    Abstract: A system and method for conditioning an alternating current (“AC”) power transmission for supply to a load circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Electronic Systems Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Benton, Michael McCook
  • Patent number: 8547671
    Abstract: The electronic device for protecting against a polarity reversal of a DC power supply voltage comprises, produced within one and the same integrated circuit, an N-channel main transistor (TP) mounted on the line of expected positive polarity of the power supply voltage and command means (MCM) for the main transistor comprising a charging pump circuit (CP), associated with a dynamic biasing circuit (MCTRL) for the substrate regions of active components connected to the main transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Antoine Pavlin
  • Patent number: 8537515
    Abstract: A driving circuit is placed on an IC chip, and which drives a semiconductor switching element. The driving circuit includes: a power supply circuit for receiving a first voltage supplied from a single power supply provided outside the IC chip, generating a second voltage based on the first voltage, and applying the second voltage to a reference terminal of the semiconductor switching element; and a driving part for driving the semiconductor switching element by applying the first voltage or stopping application of the first voltage to a control terminal of the semiconductor switching element in response to an input signal given from outside the IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Inoue, Shoichi Orita, Koji Tamaki
  • Publication number: 20130229740
    Abstract: An input protection circuit includes: a first transistor of a field-effect type coupled in series between an input terminal and an electronic circuit, the input terminal receiving an input voltage, the electronic circuit receiving an input voltage, the first transistor switching to an off-state in a case where the input voltage is higher than a positive power supply voltage of the electronic circuit; a second transistor of a field-effect type coupled in series between the first transistor and the electronic circuit, the second transistor switching to an off-state in a case where the input voltage is lower than the negative power supply voltage of the electronic circuit; and a voltage control circuit configured to maintain gate-source voltages of the first transistor and the second transistor as voltages within a power supply voltage range of the electronic circuit based on the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhide YASUDA, Hiroaki HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 8513971
    Abstract: A circuit includes a power supply circuit and a measuring circuit. The measuring circuit includes a voltage meter, a current meter, and a connector connected to a zener diode under test. The voltage meter is connected to the connector in parallel. The current meter is configured to measure a current flowing through the zener diode. The power supply circuit is capable of providing an output voltage that becomes greater gradually. The voltage meter is capable of obtaining a breakdown voltage of the zener diode when the current flowing through the zener diode increases and a voltage across the zener diode is unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ling-Yu Xie, Xing-Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 8503144
    Abstract: A control circuit with protection circuit for power supply according to the present invention comprises a peak-detection circuit and a protection circuit. The peak-detection circuit detects an AC input voltage and generates a peak-detection signal. The protection circuit generates a reset signal to reduce the output of the power supply in response to the peak-detection signal. The present invention can protect the power supply in response to the AC input voltage effectively through the peak-detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: System General Corp.
    Inventors: Meng-Jen Tsai, Chao-Chih Lin, Rui-Hong Lu, Chiu-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 8498086
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a first DAC core, a second DAC core, and a butterfly switch. The first DAC core generates a first output. The second DAC core generates a second output. The butterfly switch includes at least one of switch transistors and cascode transistors. The butterfly switch selectively connects the first output and the second output to an output stage of the DAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. McMahill, Ajay Kuckreja
  • Patent number: 8493018
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an inverter including a high-side switch coupled to a low-side switch, the inverter generating a time-varying drive current from a plurality of drive control signals, a positive rail voltage, and a negative rail voltage wherein controlling the switches to generate the time-varying drive current produces a potential transitory overshoot condition for one of the switches of the inverter; a drive control, coupled to the inverter, to generate the drive control signals and to set a level of each of the rail voltages responsive to a plurality of controller signals; and a controller monitoring one or more parameters indicative of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition, the controller dynamically adjusting, responsive to the monitored parameters, the controller signals to reduce a risk of occurrence of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Kroeze, Colin Campbell, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian
  • Patent number: 8482885
    Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to a hybrid switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Electronic Systems Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Billingsley, Robert A. Dawley
  • Patent number: 8462477
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving a junction field effect transistor for voltage protection. One such apparatus includes a protection circuit including an input, an output, and a JFET. The JFET has a source electrically coupled to the input, and a drain electrically coupled to the output, wherein the JFET has a pinch-off voltage (Vp) of greater than 2 V in magnitude. The apparatus further includes an internal circuit having an input configured to receive a signal from the output of the protection circuit. The protection circuit provides protection over the internal circuit from overvoltage and/or undervoltage conditions while having a reduced size compared to a JFET having a Vp of smaller than 2 V in magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Modica, Edward J. Coyne, Derek F. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20130107408
    Abstract: An active overvoltage protection process and device is disclosed to protect vehicle communication components. The overvoltage protection process and device includes determining an allowed low and high voltage threshold range for a communication interface, monitoring the communication interface, and disconnecting the communication interface when a voltage of the communication outside a threshold range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SERVICE SOLUTIONS U.S. LLC
    Inventor: SERVICE SOLUTIONS U.S. LLC
  • Publication number: 20130094115
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting against certain energy sources used to charge a battery is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Fenix International Inc.
    Inventor: Fenix International Inc.
  • Patent number: 8415830
    Abstract: A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The loads are shed in a sequential order based upon the priority circuit to which the load is applied. Once a required load has been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the lower priority loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator while one of the higher priority circuits remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Sie Teong Lim, Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair
  • Patent number: 8410633
    Abstract: A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Sie Teong Lim
  • Patent number: 8405430
    Abstract: A circuit configuration having a detection unit designed to generate an output signal that is representative of a load current of a transistor switch, depending on an input signal that is representative of the load current of the transistor switch. The detection unit includes a temperature compensation unit that is designed to take into account the temperature of the transistor switch. The detection unit further includes a delay unit that is designed to delay the detection of the input signal until a prescribed switch-on time period, relative to a switch-on procedure of the transistor switch, has passed. The detection unit is designed in an application-specific integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Edmund Martin
  • Patent number: 8398188
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an electrolytic capacitor for stabilizing the head power source voltage, a transistor for charging the electrolytic capacitor, a transistor for discharging the electrolytic capacitor, a push-pull circuit, a resistor for controlling the charging/discharging current to the electrolytic capacitor, and a resistor for dividing the head power source voltage. The power supply to the head is turned on with the head power source voltage increased by the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nakata
  • Publication number: 20130050890
    Abstract: A solid state power controller apparatus can include an on/off-current limit controller, a pre-charge controller coupled to the on/off-current limit controller, an active damper controller coupled to the on/off-current limit controller and a main switch coupled to and responsive to on/off and protective commands from the on/off-current limit controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Patent number: 8378637
    Abstract: A self-discharge circuit for a secondary battery having a bare cell includes a self-discharge unit, both ends of which are connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the bare cell. The self-discharge unit includes a switching device and a zener diode that are connected serially with respect to each other, and the zener diode is in an opposite direction to a discharge direction of the bare cell. A secondary battery including the self-discharge circuit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woochoul Kim
  • Patent number: 8375566
    Abstract: Methods of providing arc resistant switchgear enclosures for dry-type transformers are provided. The enclosures have one or more arc-resistant features, including arc channels, arc fault dampers, and arc fault plenums. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises providing a base structure with a dry-type transformer seated thereon, providing walls and a roof, wherein at least the front wall contains at least one longitudinal seam covered by an arc channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Ballard, Nathan T. Sigman, Edgar A. Wimmer, Jr., Rafael Gutierrez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130038972
    Abstract: A battery power management system including a protection switch, a battery set, a high-voltage protection chip, a plurality of voltage-dividing units and a low-voltage measurement chip is provided. The protection switch and the battery set are connected in series between a first power terminal and a second power terminal of the battery power management system. The battery set includes a plurality of battery cells and has a plurality of sensing nodes. The high-voltage protection chip controls the protection switch according to a plurality of first sensing voltages from the sensing nodes. The voltage-dividing units are connected to a part of the sensing nodes and divide a part of the first sensing voltages to generate a plurality of second sensing voltages. The low-voltage measurement chip is connected to the voltage-dividing units and measures electric quantities of the battery cells according to the second sensing voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: UPI SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Sei-Ching Yang, Yu-Te Chou
  • Publication number: 20130033791
    Abstract: A system includes a transmitter, a receiver, a isolation barrier, and a fuse. The isolation barrier is connected to the transmitter. The fuse is connected between the isolation barrier and the receiver. The isolation barrier prevents current flow from the transmitter to the receiver when a voltage across the isolation barrier is less than a first breakdown voltage. The isolation barrier short circuits when the voltage across the isolation barrier is greater than or equal to the first breakdown voltage. The fuse opens when the isolation barrier short circuits. When open, the fuse has a second breakdown voltage that is greater than the first breakdown voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Alini, Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Baris Posat
  • Patent number: 8369049
    Abstract: A method for shutting down an electric machine having a pulse-controlled inverter in the event of a malfunction. Undesirable side effects during shut-down of the electric machine may be minimized and the regular machine operation may be maximized when the electric machine is first switched to a disconnect mode in which all switches of the pulse-controlled inverter are open and subsequently is switched to a short-circuit mode in which the switches connected to the high potential are open and the switches connected to the low potential are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Kuehner, Martin Trunk, Klaus Rechberger, Manfred Ackermann, Manfred Stahl
  • Publication number: 20120320481
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for protecting electronic circuitry from voltage transients including undervoltage transients in a supply voltage. The device may include a first low voltage isolated transistor coupled in forward bias with respect to a power supply and a second low voltage isolated transistor coupled in series with the first low voltage isolated transistor and in reverse bias with respect to the power supply voltage. The device may further include a resistor coupled between a gate of the first low voltage isolated transistor and the power supply, the resistor configured to limit current flow to the gate of the first low voltage isolated transistor during an overvoltage event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nickole Gagne, Steve Macaluso, Tyler Daigle, Taeghyun Kang
  • Patent number: 8335065
    Abstract: A method for protecting against over voltage in a power supply comprises monitoring current amplitude and direction on an output connection of a power source that combines power from a plurality of power sources, and determining occurrence of a fault condition of the monitored power source based on the current amplitude and direction. In a fault condition of the monitored power source, operation of the monitored power source subject to the fault condition is terminated while continuing operation of the plurality of power sources exclusive of the monitored power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8332550
    Abstract: A method of operating an input/output interface is described. The method comprises eliminating a current path into an output pin of an input/output interface while the input/output interface receives an operational power signal during a first mode of operation; and enabling the current path into the output pin of the input/output interface to limit a voltage magnitude externally applied to the output pin of the input/output interface during a second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Young, Honggo Wijaya
  • Patent number: 8332667
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that configures a battery for a computer system. During operation, the system disconnects the battery by simulating a fault condition using a safety circuit of the battery. The fault condition may be simulated to facilitate safe assembly of a computer system containing the battery. After assembly is complete, the system enables use of the battery in the computer system by applying external power to the computer system, which resets the safety circuit and reconnects the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Thompson, Mark A. Yoshimoto, Alex J. Crumlin, Val Valentine, Aaron J. Barber
  • Patent number: 8284531
    Abstract: A voltage protection arrangement for an electronic device, in particular for a control system in automation engineering has a great functionality, and also a greater range of applications, due to the fact that the arrangement has a switching-off unit and a voltage detection unit connected to the output of the switching-off unit, the switching-off unit having a voltage comparator and a normally electrically closed switch connected to the output of the voltage comparator, arranged between the input and the output of the switching-off unit, wherein the voltage detection unit has a voltage comparator and a switch output connected to the output of the voltage comparator for signaling an impermissible voltage, and wherein, in the event of an impermissible voltage occurring at the input of the switching-off unit, the electrical switch is opened and, in the event of a subsequent permissible voltage occurring, the switch is closed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Carsten Landwehr