Abnormal Power, Current, Or Impedance Condition Patents (Class 700/293)
  • Patent number: 6219046
    Abstract: A power management control system provides control and graphical representation of a plurality of electrical devices and components of an electrical distribution system. The control system includes a virtual three-dimensional annunciator panel for displaying an indication of the status or condition of a plurality a plurality of electrical devices of an electrical distribution system. The virtual annunciator panel includes an array (6×8) of indicator buttons that represent a particular device, event or group of events of the PMCS. The buttons are displayed in different colors to indicate different alarm systems. The annunciator panel functions to notify the user/operator of an alarm condition of a device, as well as permits the user to acknowledge alarms. The development of the virtual annunciator panel display is automated using software, namely an Annunciator Panel Wizard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Thomas, James V. Petrizzi
  • Patent number: 6212446
    Abstract: A method for detecting an out-of-step in an electric power system in which two power systems are connected at both sides of a transmission line. The method includes the steps of, a voltage and current taking step for taking in a voltage and a current of the electric power system at regular intervals, a phase angle difference computing step for computing a phase angle difference between the voltage and the current taken by the voltage and current taking step, and an out-of-step judging step for receiving the phase angle difference, for obtaining a change amount in the phase angle differences at every measuring interval and for judging that an out-of-step occurs between the two power systems in the electric power system when the change amount in the phase angle differences is below a predetermined threshold value for detecting sudden change in phase angle and the phase angle difference is above a preset out-of-step judging phase angle difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 6208942
    Abstract: A new computer implemented method for discovering structure-activity relationships has been discovered which utilizes weighted 2D fingerprints in conjunction with the PLS statistical methodology. This method produces a robust QSAR technique that can be automated. In addition, the MOLECULAR HOLOGRAM QSAR technique generates high quality QSAR models that are in many cases as good as or better than models arising from use of more complex and time consuming techniques such as CoMFA or Apex-3D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tripos, Inc
    Inventors: John Robert Hurst, Trevor William Heritage
  • Patent number: 6185482
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for over current backup protection is provided. The method generates a set of root mean square (rms) values from samples that are taken from the system current. Several rms current values are averaged to generate an estimated rms over current value. The estimated over current value is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the estimated current is above the predetermined threshold value, a fault protection mechanism, such as opening a circuit breaker, is activated. A generator protection unit having digital signal processing capabilities executes the inventive method to provide protection from over current episodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Egolf, David G. Hart, James D. Stoupis
  • Patent number: 6175780
    Abstract: An electronic trip unit having a two-wire, asynchronous, serial communication accessory network that is connected to a number of unique digital and analog remote slave devices. The address for each slave device is set by its function so that the trip unit does not have to be programmed in the field each time an accessory is added to the system. The network is capable of two-way communication when requested by the electronic trip unit. Accessory network communication is controlled by a first microprocessor within the electronic trip unit or alternatively by a network interface gateway. The first microprocessor controls voltage based and metering functions while a second microprocessor controls overcurrent and instantaneous protection functions of the trip unit. The second microprocessor also has the capability of communicating with a central control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Charles Engel
  • Patent number: 6173216
    Abstract: As a variation of the non-orthogonal filter, a phasor estimate is computed by using an N-point window. An aspect of the sub-window cosine filter is to repeat the basic cosine filter for only selected points of the window. In the end, a least-squares fit is used to obtain an estimate for the phasors components. Previous cosine techniques use a data window whose length is greater than 1 cycle while the present invention requires only 1 cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Khoi Vu, David G. Hart, Damir Novosel
  • Patent number: 6167329
    Abstract: An electronic trip unit having two microprocessors one of which monitors the load voltage and current within the normal operating range and performs the metering and delayed trip algorithms associated with that range. A second microprocessor monitors the load current for excursions outside the normal operating range and processes those algorithms and functions associated with the instantaneous and overcurrent trip protection modes of the trip unit. Each microprocessor receives inputs representative of the monitored current that are scaled to a different factor corresponding to the range the microprocessors are assigned to monitor. In one embodiment the electronic trip unit is controlled by a master controller and in turn controls a number of accessory devices, wherein one of the microprocessors is a slave to the master controller network and the other microprocessor is a master to the accessory slave network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Charles Engel, Richard Arthur Johnson, Gary Francis Saletta
  • Patent number: 6154687
    Abstract: A high sample rate cosine filter eliminates DC components by summing them such that they sum to zero. A non-orthogonal cosine filter is also provided. When the cosine filter is applied for N=4 samples per cycle, the samples are separated by 90 degrees. However, at higher sampling rates, it is not necessary to wait for 90 degrees to estimate the phasor value. Non-orthogonal components are used to estimate the phasor value. The time delay associated with the cosine filter is reduced in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Hart, Damir Novosel, Robert A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6141634
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the AC power line network simulator includes an enclosure for containing elements of the system. An AC coupling network coupled to the network simulator implements the functions relating to a particular simulation. A distribution panel connected to a power feed distributes power and includes outgoing circuits and circuit breakers for protecting the outgoing circuits. A plurality of outlets are connected to the breakers of the panel. Through the use of the simulator, with the AC coupling network, simulation of an AC power line network, such as measuring electrical signals, recording electrical signals, simulating electrical signals and inserting electrical signals, can be easily performed. The measured, recorded, simulated and inserted signals correspond to electrical characteristics of elements found in an AC power line network, and can be stored for later analysis. In addition, once simulation information has been stored, it can be reproduced as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ephraim Bemis Flint, Brian Paul Gaucher, Young Hoon Kwark, Duixian Liu
  • Patent number: 6112135
    Abstract: A control system for preventing the occurrence of unsafe operating conditions on an appliance load comprises first and second switch elements coupled to said appliance load; first controller means coupled to said first switch element for detecting a first predetermined fault condition and producing a first fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said first fault detection signal deactivating said first switch element and de-energizing said load; and second controller means coupled to said second switch element for detecting a second predetermined fault condition and producing a second fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said second fault detection signal deactivating said second switch element and de-energizing said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Thomas A. Sheahan
  • Patent number: 6112136
    Abstract: A software management system of an intelligent power conditioner with backup system option employing trend analysis for early prediction of AC power line failure. An AC line power conditioner utilizing a microprocessor based control system for providing suitable alarms when an operating input AC line is defective or the trend of measured deficiencies predicts line power failure and for initiating an inverter control signal when an inverter module is attached as an option. The software controlled system analyzes the input and output voltages, provides analysis of input voltage surges and sags, measures transient amplitude and transient pulse width, counts glitches and dropouts, measures frequency, and identifies each defect and computes associated trends, stores all accumulated data in a Log Buffer for digital printout, and then provides appropriate alarms to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Steven J. Paul, Michael W. Hogan, Teresa A. Kamper, Gregory C. Kohls
  • Patent number: 6104967
    Abstract: A distributed energy storing system employing a communications network is disclosed. A distributed battery system includes a number of energy storing modules, each of which includes a processor and communications interface. In a network mode of operation, a battery computer communicates with each of the module processors over an intra-battery network and cooperates with individual module processors to coordinate module monitoring and control operations. The battery computer monitors a number of battery and module conditions, including the potential and current state of the battery and individual modules, and the conditions of the battery's thermal management system. An over-discharge protection system, equalization adjustment system, and communications system are also controlled by the battery computer. The battery computer logs and reports various status data on battery level conditions which may be reported to a separate system platform computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Hagen, Kenneth W. Chen, Christophe Comte, Orlin B. Knudson, Jean Rouillard
  • Patent number: 6081768
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the peak of respective half-cycles of a sinusoidal waveform. The sinusoidal waveform is rectified and only sample points above a first threshold are analyzed. The peaks of each half-cycle are only accepted if they are above a second, greater threshold. Peaks below the second threshold are not accepted. The peaks themselves are detected by starting a counter at the first sample in the rectified waveform which is above the first threshold value. Once the rectified waveform descends below the first threshold, the counter is stopped and the maximum value of the previous k samples is the peak value, where k is the counter value for the successive samples above the first threshold. The peak value so determined is rejected if it is less than the second threshold value. On the other hand, when the peak value is above the second threshold, it is averaged with the last valid peak value (above the second threshold).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Hu, David G. Hart, Joseph P. Benco, James D. Stoupis
  • Patent number: 6079026
    Abstract: A backup power system includes continuously powered memory (CPM) backup functionality integrated with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup functionality, for use with a computer system. Battery energy level is monitored to detect when a threshold energy level is reached. The threshold level is an energy level required to ensure a successful CPM backup operation. When a utility power interruption is detected, if the battery energy level is above the threshold, UPS operation is provided. When battery energy level reaches the threshold, CPM operation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Clair Berglund, Thomas David Roettger
  • Patent number: 6018690
    Abstract: In supplying power to a plurality of electric apparatuses connected to a power line having a predetermined maximum consumable power, a power consumption of the power line is measured as a first power consumption. When a second power consumption predetermined in each of the electric apparatuses is told, a sum of the second power consumption and the first power consumption of the power line is compared with the predetermined maximum consumable power of the power line, and it is determined whether the second power consumption by the electric apparatus is permissible. A result of the determination is told to the electric apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takeshi Saito, Eiji Kamagata, Yukio Kamatani, Yoshiaki Takabatake