Thermal Sensing Patents (Class 361/93.8)
  • Patent number: 8760889
    Abstract: An over-current detecting apparatus for a switching element includes a reference power source, a comparator circuit, a current converting element, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The comparator circuit includes a first input terminal that receives a voltage corresponding to a current flowing in the switching element and a second input terminal that receives a reference voltage supplied from the reference power source. The current converting element converts a voltage of a temperature detecting element (4) that detects a temperature of the switching element into a current corresponding to the voltage of the temperature detecting element. The first resistor is connected in series to a reference power supply side of the second input terminal of the comparator circuit. The second resistor is connected in series to a ground side of the second input terminal of the comparator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sho Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20140153150
    Abstract: An electric circuit, including an electric load operable from an operating current; an energy storage system providing the operating current at both a first mode and a second mode with the first mode having a first current in a first range of zero to a first particular current value and with the second mode having a second current in a second range of the first particular current value to a second particular current value; and an active protection coupled to the energy storage system, the active protection dynamically reconfigurable between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode applying a first overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the first mode and the second mode applying a second overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Francisco LePort
  • Publication number: 20140154537
    Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle having a battery system with a plurality of battery cells, a method for controlling the safety device, and a system that includes the safety device and the battery system. The safety device includes an electronic unit; a first device configured to detect an insulation resistance between components of the battery system and a reference potential, which components are connected in an electrically conductive manner to at least one battery cell; a second device configured to supply and/or discharge heat to and/or from the battery cells via a heat transfer medium which circulates in at least one circular flow pattern; and at least a first cut-off valve configured to interrupt the circular flow path of the heat transfer medium and which is actuated by the electronic unit from an open position into a closed position when the detected insulation resistance is below a predetermined limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR Battery Systems GmbH & Co OG
    Inventors: Peter DÄMON, Thomas TRATHNIGG
  • Patent number: 8730635
    Abstract: If a power supply path is in an abnormal state, a power-supply-path protection circuit of a power supply controller inhibits a switching circuit that switches on/off power supply from a power source to a load from power supply, using data related to a protection-current temperature characteristic line set by a characteristic setting circuit. The protection-current temperature characteristic line has a characteristic in which a protection current value is constant corresponding to increase in an ambient temperature or a negative characteristic in which the protection current value reduces corresponding to increase in the ambient temperature. Within a temperature range equal to or lower than an supposed maximum ambient temperature around the power-supply-path, the protection-current temperature characteristic line and a power-supply-path temperature characteristic line have a relation that the protection-current value is equal to or lower than an allowable current value at an identical ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Takahashi, Yutaka Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8730636
    Abstract: An adaptive protection circuit module for an operational amplifier including an over temperature protection circuit and an over current protection circuit is provided. The over temperature protection circuit provides a temperature protection function to power down the operational amplifier when an operating temperature of the operational amplifier increases higher than a first threshold temperature. The over current protection circuit provides a current protection function to limit an output current of the operational amplifier and adjusts the first threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature when the over current protection circuit is enabled. The second threshold temperature is lower than the first threshold temperature. After the first threshold temperature is adjusted to the second threshold temperature, the over temperature protection circuit powers down the operational amplifier when the operating temperature increases higher than the second threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Wei-Kai Tseng
  • Patent number: 8693156
    Abstract: A protection apparatus for a load circuit is provided which can miniaturize electric wires and semiconductor switches by using a switch circuit simulating the current interruption time characteristics of fuses. A conductor resistance r and a heat resistance R used in each of a heat generation temperature calculation expression and a heat dissipation temperature calculation expression are respectively changed into a pseudo conductor resistance r* and a pseudo heat resistance R*, then the heat generation amount and the heat dissipation amount of the electric wire are calculated, and current temperature of the electric wire is estimated. When the estimation temperature reaches allowable temperature, an electronic switch S1 is turned off to thereby protect the load circuit. As a result, each of the electric wires and the semiconductor switches used in the load circuit can be protected from over heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Nakamura, Akinori Maruyama, Keisuke Ueta
  • Publication number: 20140092512
    Abstract: A battery tester capable of measuring resistance and voltage of a battery using the same input channel. When measuring battery resistance, a testing signal circuit is electrically coupled to two electrodes of a subject battery to conduct a testing signal used in the battery resistance measurement. A response sensing circuit of the battery tester is also electrically coupled to the two electrodes of the subject battery to measure a response signal across the two electrodes of the subject battery. A resistance measuring module is electrically coupled to the response sensing circuit to measure the battery resistance based on the response signal detected by the response sensing circuit. A circuit breaker is capable of disconnecting the subject battery from the testing signal circuit, and disconnecting the resistance measuring module from the response sensing circuit. Moreover, the battery tester can also provide automatic protection for the battery resistance measuring module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Songnan Fan
  • Publication number: 20140063671
    Abstract: A surface-mountable over-current protection device comprises a PTC material layer, first and second conductive layers, first and second electrodes, first and second electrically conductive connecting members. The PTC material layer has a resistivity less than 0.18 ?-cm. The conductive layers are in contact with opposite surfaces of the PTC material layer. The first electrode comprises a pair of first metal foils and is insulated from the second conductive layer. The second electrode comprises a pair of second metal foils and is insulated from the first conductive layer. The first electrically conductive connecting member connects to the first metal foils and conductive layer. The second electrically conductive connecting member connects to the second metal foils and conductive layer. The first electrically conductive connecting member comprises 40%-100% by area of the first lateral surface, and the second electrically conductive connecting member comprises 40%-100% by area of the second lateral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: POLYTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Fu Hua CHU, David Shau Chew Wang, Chun Teng Tseng, Yi An Sha
  • Patent number: 8654497
    Abstract: A current limiter and related methods to protect a switched-mode power supply from inrush current. The current limiter may include a resistive element electrically interconnected in series to a thermal element. The resistive element and the thermal element may be disposed about a single, unitary core. The resistive element may be in the form of a wire wound resistor wound about the core. The thermal element may be in the form of plated portion of the core. The thermal element may act as a thermal fuse to prevent overheating and unsafe failure of the resistive element in cases where excessive current passes through the resistive element. The thermal element may be configured to trip in a safe manner without sparking or creating exposed energized conductors. Thus the current limiter may be operable to limit inrush current while providing for safe failure modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Karim El Filali, Ralf Schröder gen. Berhegger
  • Patent number: 8641273
    Abstract: Faulty battery detecting and locating devices and methods are able to detect and locate a faulty battery cell. The device applies an energy to a sensing member, such as a polymeric tube containing at least two polymer-coated and twisted electric wires. Heat that is generated by a faulty battery triggers an electric communication between the two electric wires by melting at least a portion of the polymer. The resulting change in resistance between the two electric wires is used to detect and locate a faulty battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sinoelectric Powertrain Corporation
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Paul Tsao, David Kevin Pariseau
  • Patent number: 8643994
    Abstract: If a power supply path is in an abnormal state, a power-supply-path protection circuit of a power supply controller inhibits a switching circuit that switches on/off power supply from a power source to a load from power supply, using data related to a protection-current temperature characteristic line set by a characteristic setting circuit. The protection-current temperature characteristic line has a characteristic in which a protection current value is constant corresponding to increase in an ambient temperature or a negative characteristic in which the protection current value reduces corresponding to increase in the ambient temperature. Within a temperature range equal to or lower than an supposed maximum ambient temperature around the power-supply-path, the protection-current temperature characteristic line and a power-supply-path temperature characteristic line have a relation that the protection-current value is equal to or lower than an allowable current value at an identical ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Takahashi, Yutaka Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20140029149
    Abstract: Aspects of the innovations herein relate to surge protection devices. Such surge protection devices may have an arrester. The arrester may produce an equalization between different potentials and arrest a surge current during use. A sensor may be provided on the arrester, said sensor generating an electric switch-off signal. A switching device may receive the switch-off signal and separate the arrester from an electric circuit, the switching device and arrester being arranged in a physically separate manner from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Phoenix Contact GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Schimanski, Martin Wetter, Gerhard Wolff
  • Patent number: 8625246
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present application provide a DSL protection circuit, including: a DSL and POTS broadband and narrowband mixed signal port, a narrowband POTS port, and a splitter, where the DSL and POTS broadband and narrowband mixed signal port is connected to the narrowband POTS port through the splitter, and a line on which an input end or output end of the splitter is cascaded with a restorable current-limited component for limiting abnormal current; a line on which the splitter and the restorable current-limited component are cascaded is connected in parallel with a voltage-limited component for bypass conduction of the splitter; a line on which the DSL and POTS broadband and narrowband mixed signal port is or a line on which the narrowband POTS port is cascaded with an overcurrent fuse component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pingfang Yu, Yuesheng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8617472
    Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences SARL
    Inventors: Benito Valencia Avila, Alec Ginggen
  • Publication number: 20130314835
    Abstract: An adaptive protection circuit module for an operational amplifier including an over temperature protection circuit and an over current protection circuit is provided. The over temperature protection circuit provides a temperature protection function to power down the operational amplifier when an operating temperature of the operational amplifier increases higher than a first threshold temperature. The over current protection circuit provides a current protection function to limit an output current of the operational amplifier and adjusts the first threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature when the over current protection circuit is enabled. The second threshold temperature is lower than the first threshold temperature. After the first threshold temperature is adjusted to the second threshold temperature, the over temperature protection circuit powers down the operational amplifier when the operating temperature increases higher than the second threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Wei-Kai Tseng
  • Patent number: 8587912
    Abstract: An electric circuit protection system includes a control module and a circuit sensor communicatively coupled with the control module. The control module is communicatively coupled with a switch that is joined with a circuit having a power source and a fuse. The control module is configured to monitor a degradation factor related to an energy threshold value of the fuse and direct the switch to open the circuit to prevent the power source from supplying current through the fuse. The circuit sensor is configured to measure an energy parameter of the current supplied by the power source through the circuit or that is demanded by a load from the power source. The control module is configured to direct the switch to open the circuit based on the energy threshold value and the energy parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chester Stanley Jezierski, Herman Wiegman, Suyu Hou, Bojan Djokanovic, David Bogdan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8582266
    Abstract: A local area networking apparatus comprises a power stage for connecting to a network cable for carrying carry power and data. The power stage comprises a main current flow path which includes a switch comprising at least one transistor positioned in the main current flow path and a current monitoring apparatus for monitoring current flow in the main current flow path, and wherein the current monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor which is not placed in series with the main current flow path. The current monitoring apparatus can comprise a current mirroring stage which is arranged to mirror current flowing in the main current flow path to a monitoring current flow path. The switch can be implemented as a set of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques J. Bertin, Stefan Van Roeyen, Alexis Huot-Marchand, Koen Geirnaert, Johan Janssens, Christophe Gouwy, Joannes Mathilda Josephus Sevenhans
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130293996
    Abstract: A system for protecting an electrical junction having a first pin and a second pin is provided. The system includes a first circuit protection device coupled to the first pin and configured to sense at least a first current and a second circuit protection device coupled to the second pin and configured to sense at least a second current. Each of the first circuit protection device and the second circuit protection device includes a trip mechanism configured to interrupt current flowing through a respective circuit protection device and a trip unit operatively coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip unit is configured to activate the trip mechanism based on a determination that a respective current exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick D. Galbreath, Craig Lung-Pei Tsai, Almir Begovich, Gregory Michael Thomas, Jonathan D. Nelson, John Michael Todd, Robert Jules Lafleur, Brice Alan Bowley
  • Patent number: 8570699
    Abstract: A relayless and fuseless junction box or power distribution unit. The junction box configured to perform operations associated with fuses and relays without the short-comings associated with the operations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Chadi Shaya, Jeffrey Battistella
  • Patent number: 8570700
    Abstract: There is provided a protection apparatus for a load circuit, capable of protecting the load circuit by simulating a fuse. A pseudo heat capacity Cth* smaller than a heat capacity of an electric wire used in the load circuit is set, and a temperature of the electric wire is calculated with reference to an arithmetic expression of heat generation amount of the electric wire, an arithmetic expression of heat radiation amount of the electric wire, a time counted by the count unit, and the pseudo heat capacity Cth*. Then, a semiconductor relay S1 is interrupted when the calculated temperature of the electric wire reaches an allowable temperature of the electric wire to protect the load circuit from heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Maruyama, Yoshihide Nakamura, Keisuke Ueta
  • Patent number: 8564919
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting an overcurrent condition in a dimmer circuit having two switches, each for controlling power delivered to a load, each switch having a respective anti-parallel diode. The method comprises sensing a voltage drop across one of the anti-parallel diodes, comparing the sensed voltage drop with a reference voltage, and determining that an overcurrent condition exists if the sensed voltage drop exceeds the reference voltage. Also disclosed is a dimmer circuit embodying the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: James Robert Vanderzon
  • Publication number: 20130250465
    Abstract: An electrical component package has integrated therein first and second pairs of electrodes, wherein the first pair of electrodes are electrically isolated from the second pair of electrodes. A thermally sensitive positive temperature coefficient (PTC) conductive element abuts the first pair of terminals. Also integrated in the package is an electrical heating element that abuts the second pair of terminals, and receives a drive current for generating heat that is transferred to trip the PTC conductive element. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Xingqun Li
  • Publication number: 20130249868
    Abstract: A method for controlling a thermally sensitive over-current protector is described. A battery current is monitored. It is then determined whether or not the monitored current has exceeded a predetermined threshold during the entirety of a predetermined time interval. If yes, then a current source is signaled to raise its current, so as to increase the heat being generated by a heating element that is being driven by the current source thereby tripping the thermally sensitive over-current protector. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Xingqun Li
  • Publication number: 20130222959
    Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods are provided. A power delivery system (100) can include a thermal device (140) disposed at least partially within the external power delivery device (110). The thermal device can be configured to output a first signal (150) corresponding to an internal temperature of the power delivery device when the internal temperature of the power delivery device exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Sawyers, Barry N. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20130214705
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for limiting a switch-on current in an electrical system which is supplied with power by a battery. During a switch-on process, an electrical load is connected to the electrical system and precharged by means of a precharging resistor. A monitoring unit regularly records operating data of at least one variable which influences a temperature of the precharging resistor and estimates the temperature of the precharging resistor on the basis of said operating data. The disclosure also describes an apparatus and a battery which are designed to execute the method according to the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: SB LiMotive Company Ltd, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Steck, Ralf Piscol
  • Patent number: 8514537
    Abstract: A power supply controller includes a switch circuit to be provided between the power source and power supply path, the switch circuit switches the power supply from the power source to the load between on and off, and a power-supply-path protection circuit. The power-supply-path protection circuit controls switching operation of the switch circuit according to a power-supply command signal that commands to start or terminate the power supply to the load, to calculate a temperature of the power-supply path, and if the calculated temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit, to inhibit the switch circuit from the power supply, thereby protecting the power-supply path. In a case where the power supply by the switch circuit is inhibited, if the temperature of the power supply path decreases to a predetermined threshold temperature, the power-supply-path protection circuit removes inhibition of the power supply by the switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Higuchi, Seiji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8493016
    Abstract: A semiconductor circuit device includes a semiconductor circuit including a switching element, a temperature monitoring unit, and a control unit. The temperature monitoring unit detects or estimates a temperature of a component connected to an inside or an outside of the semiconductor circuit. Here, the temperature of the component changes in accordance with a frequency of a current flowing through the component, and the frequency of the current flowing through the component changes in accordance with a switching frequency of the switching element. The control unit adjusts the switching frequency of the switching element such that the temperature of the component is equal to a target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20130176655
    Abstract: An over-current protection device includes a resistive device, an insulation layer, an electrode layer and at least one electrically conductive connecting member. The resistive device includes a first electrode foil, a second electrode foil and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer laminated between the electrode foils. The insulation layer is formed on the surface of the first electrode foil, and the electrode layer is formed on the surface of the insulation layer. The conductive connecting member penetrates the electrode layer, the insulation layer and the first electrode foil for electrically connecting the electrode layer and the first electrode foil. The conductive connecting member is insulated from the second electrode foil. One of the first and second electrode foils is configured to electrically connect to a protective circuit module (PCM), and the other one is configured to electrically connect to an electrode terminal of a battery to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: POLYTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Chun Teng TSENG, Yi Nuo Chen, David Shau Chew Wang
  • Patent number: 8461956
    Abstract: An over-current protection device includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a resistive device and a temperature sensing switch. The first conductive member includes a first electrode foil and a second electrode foil those are formed on a same plane. The resistive device is laminated between the first conductive member and the second conductive member and exhibits positive temperature coefficient or negative temperature coefficient behavior. The temperature sensing switch can switch the first electrode foil and the second electrode foil between electrically conductive status and current-restriction status, e.g., open circuit, according to temperature variation. The threshold temperature of the temperature sensing switch is lower than the trip temperature of the resistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Polytronics Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chun Teng Tseng, David Shau Chew Wang
  • Patent number: 8456788
    Abstract: A protection system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), N fans, a power on unit, a power supply, and a switching unit. The switching unit includes an AND gate, a transistor, and a first resistor. During operation the fans each output an operating signal to the BMC. The BMC counts the operating signals received. When the count is less than N, the power-off pin outputs a low level signal, so that the output pin of the AND gate outputs a low level signal, and the transistor turns off. The power supply then receives a high level signal and stops supplying power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Wu
  • Patent number: 8437110
    Abstract: A protection apparatus of a load circuit, comprises: a temperature estimation unit configured to estimate a temperature of an electric wire based on a pseudo-temperature arithmetic expression; and a breaking control unit configured to break a switch portion when the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit has reached an allowed temperature of the electric wire. The pseudo-temperature arithmetic expression is set in such a manner that, in a temperature arithmetic expression of the electric wire, the temperature arithmetic expression using the elapsed time counted by the timer, the current detected by the current detection unit, and a heat capacity and conductor resistance of the electric wire, a pseudo-heat capacity smaller than the heat capacity of the electric wire is assigned to the heat capacity, and a pseudo-conductor resistance larger than the conductor resistance of the electric wire is assigned to the conductor resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Nakamura, Akinori Maruyama, Keisuke Ueta
  • Publication number: 20130107412
    Abstract: An exemplary installation switching device includes such as a circuit breaker, residual current circuit breaker or motor circuit breaker, a housing, and at least one current path that passes through an internal conductor between at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal. The installation switching device also includes a current sensing unit inside the housing having an interface with at least two data connections and at least two power connections. The housing has an interface opening that is capable of accepting a connecting fixture for connecting the current sensing unit to a bus located outside the installation switching device and containing data and power lines such that the current sensing unit is electrically isolated from the current path and is supplied with power from outside the installation switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: ABB Schweiz AG
  • Patent number: 8432657
    Abstract: A protection apparatus of a load circuit sets a threshold temperature at a lower temperature than an allowed temperature of an electric wire for use in the load circuit, and estimates a temperature of the electric wire based on an ambient temperature, a load current and a time while the load current is flowing through the electric wire. Then, in the case where the estimated temperature has reached the threshold temperature, a semiconductor relay (S1) is broken. As a result, in the case where such an electric wire temperature has risen owing to an occurrence of an overcurrent, and the like, the circuit is surely protected at the point of time before the electric wire temperature reaches the allowed temperature. Therefore, a fuse used in a conventional load circuit becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihide Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8422186
    Abstract: An improved programmable logic control device for monitoring the current of a circuit and for signalling a circuit control device, the programmable logic control device including electrical power circuitry for activating the circuit control device and electrical circuitry for monitoring the current in the electrical circuit, the electrical circuitry including: adjustable electrical signal input circuitry to monitor the electrical current in the circuit; adjustable pick-up circuitry for adjusting the level of the current monitored in the electrical circuit, the pick-up circuitry having a thermister means for improved stabilization; adjustable time circuitry to command the electrical power circuitry to activate the circuit control device when the electrical current in the electrical circuit reaches the selected level and time duration, the time circuitry having an increased time duration to minimize nuisance tripping; and a zener diode in reverse mode for controlling the level of voltage applied to the adjustab
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: William K. Penniston
  • Publication number: 20130088804
    Abstract: A pulse current sensor and a lightning protection cabinet with surge wave recording composed of the sensor are provided. The pulse current sensor includes a pair of semi-circular magnetic cores which are installed oppositely, air gaps between the two semi-circular magnetic cores, nonmagnetic electric metal rings sleeved outside the air gaps, whose inner hole axis is consistent with the magnetic force line of the semi-circular magnetic cores, and coils wound on the semi-circular magnetic cores, and out-put terminals led from the coils. The pulse current senor is disposed on the ground line, and the two nonmagnetic electric metal rings are respectively installed in the two symmetrical air gaps of the two semi-circular magnetic cores in the pulse current sensor. Under the action of the two semi-circular magnetic cores, the phenomenon of magnetic saturation does not occur in the pulse current sensor, and the output precision and the output range of the pulse current sensor are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Anyang Anke Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huaijun Liang, Ying Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130070380
    Abstract: An over-current protection device includes two metal foils and a PTC material layer laminated therebetween. The PTC material layer has a volume resistivity between 0.07 ?-cm and 0.32 ?-cm. The PTC material layer includes a crystalline polymer, a conductive ceramic carbide filler of a particle size between 0.1 ?m and 50 ?m and a volume resistivity less than 0.1 ?-cm, and a carbon black filler. The weight ratio of the carbon black filler to the conductive ceramic carbide filler is between 1:90 and 1:4. The conductive ceramic carbide filler and the carbon black filler are dispersed in the crystalline polymer. The resistance ratio R100/Ri is between 3 and 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: POLYTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: David Shau Chew WANG, Yi An Sha, Kuo Chang Lo, Tai Kuang Hei
  • Publication number: 20130044401
    Abstract: A protection component includes: a package substrate; a first fuse unit disposed in the package substrate, having a first fusing region; a second fuse unit disposed in the package substrate, having a second fusing region which is close to the first fusing region; and a first buried cave disposed in the package substrate corresponding to the first and second fusing regions. When one of the first and second fusing regions is blown out, the first buried cave assists energy of fuse melting to break the other of the first and second fusing regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hsin-Hsien Yeh, Hong-Ching Lin, Tsung-Wen Chen, Wen-Hao Deng
  • Publication number: 20130027828
    Abstract: An internal temperature estimation unit, which reads a detected temperature of a cell of a battery for an electric power tool to estimate an internal temperature of the battery based on the detected temperature, includes: an initial-value setting device which reads, when a discharge/charge of the battery is started, the detected temperature and sets the detected temperature as an initial value; and a temperature increase amount calculation device which calculates a temperature increase amount of the cell of the battery based on a latest value of the detected temperature and the initial value set by the initial-value setting device; the internal temperature estimation unit outputs the temperature increase amount as an estimated value representing the internal temperature of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masafumi Noda, Hisakazu Okabayashi, Tadahiko Kobayakawa
  • Publication number: 20130027827
    Abstract: A protection circuit includes an integrated circuit (IC), a peripheral circuit connected to the IC, and a measurement circuit connected to an enable pin of the IC. The peripheral circuit includes at least one element which generates heat. The measurement circuit includes a power supply, a resistor, and a thermistor. The heat from the element raises the temperature of the thermistor and changes a resistance of the thermistor and decreases a voltage of the node. When the voltage of the node is less than or equals to a standard voltage of the enable pin of the IC, the IC and the peripheral circuit stop working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TING GE, YING-BIN FU, YA-JUN PAN
  • Patent number: 8363373
    Abstract: One embodiment is an enclosure that has a plurality of server computers connected to an e-fuse. A circuit in the enclosure provides a 400V output to the e-fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Prasad R Atluri, Ruben A Ayala
  • Publication number: 20130021704
    Abstract: An over-current and over-temperature protection device includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a resistive device, at least one current input electrode and at least two current output electrodes. The first conductive member has a current input portion and a first insulative portion restricting current to only input through the current input portion, and the second conductive member has two or more current output portions and a second insulative portion restricting current to only output through the current output portions, in which the current output portions are electrically isolated by the second insulative portion. The resistive device is laminated between the first conductive member and the second conductive member. The current input electrode is electrically connected to the current input portion, and current output electrodes are electrically connected to the current output portions individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: POLYTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Chun Teng TSENG, David Shau Chew Wang
  • Patent number: 8325452
    Abstract: In order to enable detection of degradation of the heat dissipation from a semiconductor chip, even when the operating state of a semiconductor device cannot be predicted, a thermal resistance calculation circuit calculates the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation path from the semiconductor chip, based on the loss of a switching element calculated by a loss calculation circuit and the temperature of the semiconductor chip calculated by a temperature calculation portion, and when the voltage corresponding to the thermal resistance calculated by the thermal resistance calculation circuit exceeds a reference voltage, switching operation of the switching element is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8299767
    Abstract: In some implementations, a method of dynamically maintaining a device's operation within a safe operating area (SOA) may include sensing instantaneous voltage and current of the device; determining, based on the sensed instantaneous voltage and current, a value that represents a power dissipated in the device; using the determined dissipated power and a model of thermal behavior of the device to model a junction temperature of the device; and controlling operation of the device based on the modeled junction temperature. A programmable SOA circuit including sensing, scaling, filtering, and controlling functions may be packaged on a single die or in a package with a power transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Picor Corporation
    Inventors: Claudio Tuozzolo, Aiman Alhoussami, John P. Clarkin, Robert M. Lanoue, Andreas Gerasimos Ladas
  • Patent number: 8300376
    Abstract: A temperature protection circuit includes a detection circuit, a comparison circuit, a switching circuit, and a control circuit. When the temperature of an electronic device is below a preset temperature, a detecting voltage signal exceeds a reference temperature signal, and the comparison circuit outputs a control signal to open the switching circuit. The control circuit directs a power circuit to provide voltage to an operating circuit. When a temperature of the electronic device exceeds the preset temperature, the detecting voltage signal is below the reference temperature signal, and the comparison circuit outputs a control signal to close the switching circuit. The control circuit directs the power circuit to stop supplying voltages to the operating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Qing Zhou, Yun-Shan Xiao
  • Patent number: 8283877
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb has an LED within a shell. The LED bulb also includes a driver circuit for providing current to the LED. The drive circuit has a thermal protection circuit, which includes a thermistor having a positive thermal coefficient and a switching temperature. The driver circuit also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) controller with an input pin and an output pin. The thermistor is connected to the input pin. When the thermistor temperature is above the switching temperature, the thermal protection circuit causes the SMPS controller to produce a signal with a second duty cycle on the output pin. When the thermistor temperature is below the switching temperature, the thermal protection circuit causes the SMPS controller to produce a signal with a first duty cycle on the output pin. The second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Switch Bulb Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lenk, John D. Grainger
  • Publication number: 20120243138
    Abstract: A surge protection device (SPD) includes a spark gap (SG) and in series to the spark gap (SG) a temperature-dependent resistance element (R) with positive temperature coefficient, wherein the spark gap (SG) has a certain holding current, wherein the resistance element (R) is sized such that when a switching temperature is reached, the current is limited such that the holding current of the spark gap is undercut and is switched off, and wherein the resistance element is sized such that in the case of a transient event, the switching temperature is not reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Cerny, Thomas Meyer, Rainer Durth
  • Publication number: 20120236456
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transistor circuit with protecting function. The transistor circuit includes a transistor, a voltage detecting unit, a current detecting unit, a temperature detecting unit, and a protecting unit. The voltage detecting unit detects a voltage drop of the transistor and generates an over-voltage protection signal. The current detecting signal detects a current flowing through the transistor and generates an over-current protection signal. The temperature detecting unit detects a temperature of the transistor circuit and generates an over-temperature protection signal. The protecting unit is coupled to the control terminal to control a state of the transistor according to the over-voltage protection signal, the over-current protection signal, and the over-temperature protection signal to reduce the voltage difference between the control terminal and the second terminal, such that the voltage drop of the transistor is decreased or decreased to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chung-Che YU
  • Publication number: 20120218674
    Abstract: An overcurrent protection system may be used to protect electrical circuit components from damage or failure due to abnormally high currents. The system may include a current interrupter electrically coupled between a power source and an electrical load. The current interrupter is configured to interrupt at least a portion of a current flow between the power source and the electrical load based on at least one current interrupt characteristic of the current interrupter. The system may also include an analog circuit component thermally coupled with the current interrupter. The analog circuit component is configured to generate heat in response to an overcurrent fault condition. At least a portion of the heat modifies the at least one current interrupt characteristic of the current interrupter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Neal H. Schultz, Sirikhit Maniraj, Matthew R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8243409
    Abstract: A protective device is disclosed for combination with an electrical switching device including a main current line or for integration in such a switching device. In at least one embodiment, the protective device includes a switching element and a switching apparatus, which is provided for the actuation of the switching element and is influenced by a current flow through the main current line. In at least one embodiment, in order to influence the switching apparatus, a current transformer is integrated in the main current line and an electrical resistance of a secondary winding surrounded by the current transformer can be measured. A method for operating a protective device is also disclosed wherein the switching apparatus is triggered so as to actuate the switching element if the measured resistance reaches or exceeds a predetermined or predeterminable threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bardo Koppmann, Siegfried Neumann, Ludwig Niebler, Bernhard Streich, Alf Wabner, Norbert Zimmermann