| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 361094000 | With time delay protective means | 33 |
| 20080218923 | SUPPRESSING ARC DISCHARGES - For suppressing arc discharges in a plasma process, a method includes monitoring of at least one parameter of the plasma process, determining a temporal feature of a first countermeasure and performing the first countermeasure. The temporal feature is determined as a function of, for example, at least one of an interval in time from at least one previous countermeasure, a development of the at least one parameter since a relevant time of introduction of the countermeasure, or since a variable period of time ahead of the relevant time of introduction of the countermeasure, and a differentiation as to whether a previous countermeasure was triggered based on the behavior of the at least one parameter, or based on the interval in time from at least one previous countermeasure. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080232018 | Control Circuit with Short-circuit Protection for Current Sense Terminal of Power Converters - A control circuit includes a detection circuit to detect the short-circuited of a current sense terminal of the power converter. It includes a comparator, a verification circuit and a timer circuit. The comparator receives an input signal for generating a sense signal. The input signal represents the switching current of a power switch. The sense signal is enabled when the input signal is lower than a threshold. The verification circuit generates a protection signal in response to the sense signal or/and -a delay signal. The protection signal is generated when the current sense terminal is short-circuited, in which the power switch and the sense signal are enabled after the time delay of the delay signal. The protection signal turns off the power switch for the protection. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080239607 | OVERLOAD PROTECTION DELAY CIRCUIT FOR SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY - Disclosed is an overload protection delay circuit for use in a switching power supply for enabling the switching power supply to detect overload problems with high accuracy. The overload protection delay circuit is connected between a photo coupler and a pulse-width modulator of the switching power supply, and is consisted of an energy storage device such as a capacitor and a charging controller such as a zener diode. The charging controller is configured to set a limit value for allowing the energy storage device to be charged by an internal current source of the pulse-width modulator when the feedback signal of the switching power supply reaches the limit value. By charging the energy storage device, a time delay is added to the feedback signal so that the pulse-width modulator can accurately activate the internal overload protection mechanism without the interference of load transients. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080278876 | Method for Diagnosing a Control Circuit - A method for diagnosing control circuits having at least one actuator, in particular of a fuel injection device, is provided. Before operation of a given control circuit, this control circuit and the at least one actuator are tested for short-circuits, and an error response is initiated if a short-circuit is present. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090174980 | Load Driving and Diagnosis System and Control Method - A load driving and diagnosis system controls the feed and block of a load current flowing into an inductor such as a solenoid. The load driving and diagnosis system holds a counter-electromotive force, which is developed when the load current is blocked, at a voltage higher than a supply voltage so that the load current will decay for a short time. When an overcurrent condition is established in the load driving and diagnosis system because of a short circuit to a power supply, a malfunction of a circuit or destruction thereof may take place. In addition to a voltage holding means that holds a switching circuit output voltage at a predetermined voltage, a voltage holding means having a different predetermined voltage set therein is included. Moreover, a selection switch that switches the predetermined voltages according to a detected overcurrent condition is included. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20100073838 | SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCES - An appliance includes a plurality of electrical loads and a load control circuit including at least a clock enable circuit and a full power timer. The clock enable circuit is configured and operatively connected to activate the full power timer when all of the loads are energized, and the full power timer is configured and operatively connected to de-energize at least one load selected from the plurality of loads on reaching a predetermined full power time limit. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100110599 | OVERCURRENT PROTECTION APPARATUS - An overcurrent protection apparatus which, when a layer short or a dead short occurs in a load circuit, interrupts the circuit in accordance with respective situations, whereby the load circuit is protected is provided. The apparatus includes a first overcurrent detecting section for detecting a counter electromotive force generated in a power supply wiring, and a second overcurrent detecting section, disposed in each of the plural load circuits, for detecting that a load current ID becomes an overcurrent. The apparatus includes a delaying section for outputting a delay signal at a first delay time when an overcurrent is detected by the second overcurrent detecting section, and for outputting the delay signal at a second delay time which is shorter than the first delay time when an overcurrent is detected by both of the first overcurrent detecting section and the second overcurrent detecting section. According to the configuration, in the case of the occurrence of a layer short, the load circuit can be interrupted at the first delay time, and, in the case of the occurrence of a dead short, the load circuit can be interrupted at the second delay time. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100208403 | Method and system for through fault detection in electrical devices - The present invention is directed to a method and a system for fault detection analysis in a power device which is operatively associated with a differential protection unit. The power device has one input side and one output side through which an input current and an output current flows into and out from it, respectively. Signals representative of the input and output currents are processed in order to verify if an occurring fault is external to the power device. Under a condition of an external fault, the differential protection unit is disabled for a determined interval of time. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20110157756 | Semiconductor Device with Overcurrent Protection - A semiconductor device with an over-current detection feature is disclosed. According to an example of the invention the device includes: a semiconductor chip including a load current path that conducts a load current in response to an input signal activating the load current flow. A current sensor arrangement provides a measurement signal representing the load current. An evaluation circuit is configured to compare the measurement signal with a first threshold and to signal an over-current when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold after a delay time period starting from the activation of the load current flow has elapsed. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110170223 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT BRANCH PROTECTION - An apparatus and system are disclosed for protecting a power distribution unit from an electrical fault. A fuse interrupts a flow of electrical current in response to the electrical current rising above a current rating of the fuse. A current sensor measures the amplitude of the electrical current and outputs a current amplitude signal. A relay interrupts the flow of electrical current in response to an OFF signal. A fault module receives the current amplitude signal and sends the OFF signal to the relay in response to the amplitude of the electrical current exceeding a threshold value. The relay, the fuse, and the threshold value are selected so that a switching time of the relay is less than an opening time of the fuse for an amplitude of the electrical current between the threshold value and a maximum fault current value, so that the relay prevents the fuse from opening. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110235226 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT COMPONENT - The invention relates to an arrangement for protecting a component in a power supply circuit. The arrangement comprises determination of an electric quantity constituting a load on the component, which electric quantity constituting a load on the component is determined repeatedly while the component is exposed to the load. The arrangement also comprises estimation of instantaneous load capacity of the component, which estimation of instantaneous load capacity is performed using a limitation criterion set for the load capacity of the component. This limitation criterion indicates the longest possible operating time of the component under a given loading condition. For the limitation criterion, a representation with respect to the electric quantity constituting a load on the component is provided, and a limitation criterion corresponding to the defined electric quantity constituting a load on the component is derived repeatedly from the said representation while the component is exposed to the load. The estimate of instantaneous load capacity of the component is thus determined on the basis of both the limitation criterion defined substantially at the estimation instant and the limitation criteria defined before this. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20120127621 | CIRCUIT PROTECTION APPARATUS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS - A circuit protection device suitable for use with a photovoltaic power generation system. The circuit protection device includes an electronic control unit and a dual path fuse. The dual path fuse has a first current path defined by a main conductor and a second current path defined by a fuse element. In response to an overcurrent condition, the control unit activates the dual path fuse to open the first current path, thereby shunting current to the second current path. Residual follow-on current flows through the fuse element via the second current path until the fuse element melts. The control unit is programmable with multiple threshold current levels and associated time delays in order to provide different activation response times that are dependent upon the detected current level. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20140022685 | Method and Arrangement for Reducing In-Rush Current of Multi-Module System - A method and an arrangement for reducing an in-rush current of a multi-module system are provided. The system comprises a plurality of modules designed to perform predefined functions, and a power supply unit designed to provide power to the plurality of modules. Each of the plurality of modules comprises a power control system which performs a respective time delay on the power-on of the power received from the power supply unit. With the system and the method, the total in-rush current of the multi-module system is greatly reduced. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20150138684 | ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER CAPABLE OF CIRCUIT-BREAKING WHEN DETECTING ARC AND OVER-LOAD - Disclosed is a power off device which includes a micro arc detector for turning on a first switching element, based on a voltage induced in a high frequency choke coil by a high frequency pulse current caused by micro arc at a power line, a high current arc detector for outputting a high current arc detection current during turning-on of a second switching element made based on variation of a magnetic field generated at a coil, a delay unit for accumulatively charging the micro arc detection current or the high current arc detection current in a delay capacitor at a predetermined time constant, a power off unit for electrically disconnecting a load from the power line when an operating voltage is applied, and a first switch for connecting the operating voltage to the power off unit in response to the arc detection signal. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20160181785 | DELAY CIRCUIT FOR CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE | 06-23-2016 |
| 361095000 | With instantaneous override | 8 |
| 20090154046 | TRIP UNIT AND ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS INCLUDING A MOVABLE INDICATOR TO INDICATE SELECTION OF AN ARC REDUCTION MAINTENANCE SYSTEM CURRENT CONDITION - A trip unit includes a housing having a first opening and a second opening. A sensor senses a current flowing in an electrical circuit and provides a signal representative of the current. A selector switch is disposed proximate the first opening and selects one of predetermined instantaneous current conditions and predetermined arc reduction maintenance system current conditions. A movable indicator cooperates with the selector switch, is disposed proximate the second opening, and indicates whether one of the predetermined instantaneous current conditions or one of the predetermined arc reduction maintenance system current conditions is selected by the selector switch. A trip mechanism cooperates with the sensor and the selector switch to evaluate the signal representative of the current with respect to the selected one of the predetermined instantaneous current conditions and the predetermined arc reduction maintenance system current conditions, and responsively generates a trip signal. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20120014026 | PROTECTION SYSTEM HAVING REDUCED ENERGY LET-THROUGH MODE AND ZONE SELECTIVITY - A method and system to protect a circuit having at least a first circuit breaker, and a second circuit breaker arranged directly upstream of said first circuit breaker, said first circuit breaker having configuration settings selectable between a normal mode and an alternate mode, the alternate mode setting including a reduced energy let-thru (RELT) mode setting having a RELT mode trip time delay, by determining if said first circuit breaker is configured in said RELT mode, determining a dynamic delay time for opening said second circuit breaker, wherein said dynamic delay time is based at least in part on said RELT mode trip time delay of said first circuit breaker, and triggering said second circuit breaker to open after said dynamic delay time has elapsed. Additionally, a method and system to protect a circuit having a first circuit breaker arranged directly downstream of a second circuit breaker, said first circuit breaker configured to provide a selectivity trip time-delay, said second circuit breaker having configuration settings selectable between a normal mode and an alternate mode, the alternate mode setting including a reduced energy let-thru (RELT) mode setting having a RELT mode trip time delay, the system comprising a network and at least one control processing unit configured to operatively control said first circuit breaker and said second circuit breaker, said network being communicatively coupled to said circuit, said first circuit breaker, said second circuit breaker and said at least one control processing unit, wherein said at least one control processing unit is configured to determine a dynamic delay time for opening said second circuit breaker if said fault is detected in said circuit, wherein said dynamic delay time is based at least in part on said RELT mode trip time delay of said first circuit breaker, determine if said first circuit breaker is set in said RELT mode, and if so, delay opening said second circuit breaker until after said dynamic delay time has elapsed. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20130314836 | Transistor Overcurrent Detection - Circuits and methods for overcurrent fault detection using a debounce timer to qualify the presence of an overcurrent fault based on an overcurrent signal being asserted for at least a predetermined time interval. The debounce timer may be used in conjunction with state-qualified fault sensing and/or blank-time-qualified fault sensing. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20140016240 | DRIVER CIRCUIT AND TELEVISION SET USING THE SAME - A driver circuit includes: a first transistor connected between a line of first voltage and an output terminal; a first overcurrent detector configured to output a first signal when overcurrent flows into the first transistor; a first control unit configured to turn on and off the first transistor at a predetermined period and turn off the first transistor when the first signal is output from the first overcurrent detector; and a counter configured to count the number of times by which the first signal is output from the first overcurrent detector within a predetermined time interval, and to output a shut-down signal to stop an operation of the driver circuit as a value of the count reaches a predetermined value of equal to or more than 2. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20150333511 | ENERGY LOCKOUT IN RESPONSE TO A PLANAR CATASTROPHIC FAULT - A computer planar includes an enable signal line for providing an enable signal to an external power supply, wherein the external power supply will not turn on unless the enable signal is active high. During normal operation, an auxiliary power source maintains an active high enable signal on the enable signal line, which includes a fuse. However, a fault protection circuit coupled to the enable signal line can pull down the enable signal line in response to a fault, such that the fuse is permanently opened. Once the fuse is open, the external power supply cannot be enabled and further damage to the computer planar is prevented. | 11-19-2015 |
| 361096000 | With multiple timing characteristics (e.g., short, long) | 3 |
| 20080218924 | LOW LEVEL VOLTAGE PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROL - 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 adjustable pick-up circuitry and time circuitry substantially without resistive burden, the zener diode in reverse mode passing a reference voltage which is less than an input voltage to the said device. The device is preferably packaged in material that is resistant to radiation, such as ceramic, and is well-suited for harsh environment applications. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20100053833 | MANUALLY-CONTROLLED ARC FLASH ENERGY REDUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIP UNITS - A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed. The trip unit changes the trip setting when said maintenance mode is selected to reduce potential arc flash energy. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20120092802 | CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIP UNIT WITH DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER - A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting. | 04-19-2012 |
| 361097000 | With multiple timing characteristics | 1 |
| 20080212248 | Adaptive multi-level threshold system and method for power converter protection - System and method for protecting a power converter. The system includes a compensation system configured to receive an input signal and generate a control signal, a cycle threshold generator configured to receive the control signal and generate a cycle threshold, and a comparator configured to receive the cycle threshold and a feedback signal and generate a comparison signal. Additionally, the system includes a pulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive the comparison signal and generate a modulation signal in response to the comparison signal, and a switch configured to receive the modulation signal and control an input current for a power converter. The input current is associated with an output power for the power converter. The cycle threshold corresponds to a threshold power level for the output power. The threshold power level is constant, decreases, or increases with respect to the input signal. | 09-04-2008 |
| 361098000 | Transistorized | 9 |
| 20080225456 | Overcurrent Protecting Circuit, Motor Drive Circuit, and Semiconductor Device - An over-current protection circuit of a semiconductor circuit including a power transistor for outputting current output, a first output current detection circuit and a current limiter circuit for limiting the output current by stopping the output current of the power transistor for a predetermined period in response to a first detection signal from the output current detection circuit when the output current of the power transistor reaches a predetermined limit value. The over-current protection circuit has an output current detection transistor current-mirror connected to the power transistor and a second output current detection circuit for generating a second detection signal according to an output current of the output current detection transistor when the output current reaches the predetermined limit value. Further, the output current of the power transistor is cut off for the predetermined period by operating the current limiter circuit in response to the second detection signal. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080253052 | Electrical Power Switching With Efficient Switch Protection - A basic idea of the invention is to introduce a transmission delay line between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that any sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080259515 | Power Switching Apparatus With Open-Load Detection - Power switching apparatus comprising switch means having a control terminal and output terminals for connection in series between a power supply and a load. The switch means is responsive to a control signal applied to the control terminal to switch between an ON-state in which it supplies power supply current from the power supply through the output terminals to the load and an OFF-state in which it interrupts the supply of power through the output terminals to the load. The apparatus includes detection means for detecting an open-load condition of the load at least during the ON-state of the switch means, comprising detection control means operable in the ON-state of the switch means for modifying the control signal so as to start switching the switch means to the OFF-state during a lapse of time substantially less than the time required for the switch means to reach the OFF-state and for restoring the control signal to a value corresponding to the ON-state at or before the end of the lapse of time, and comparator means responsive to variation of voltage at the output terminals during the lapse of time. The duration of the variation of voltage during the open-load detection is too short and its magnitude too small for the variation of load current to be perceptible, notably in the case where the load is a lamp. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20090190280 | Current limiter circuit and motor drive circuit - A current limiter circuit in an IC having a power transistor and an output current detection circuit connected in series with the power transistor. A comparator, a first reference voltage generator circuit and a second reference voltage generator circuit are also included in the current limiter circuit. The comparator generates a control signal for stopping a drive of the power transistor for a predetermined time. The comparator generates the control signal according to a detection signal obtained by the output current detection circuit and a second reference voltage obtained by the second reference voltage generator circuit when the output current of the power transistor reaches a predetermined value larger than the predetermined limit value. The first reference voltage generator circuit is provided externally of the IC and the second reference voltage generator circuit is included within the IC. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20100110600 | SWITCHING CONTROLLER AND SWITCHING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER - The MPU for switching control arithmetic operation | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100123990 | LOW VOLTAGE STARTUP TIMER FOR A MICROCONTROLLER-BASED CIRCUIT BREAKER - A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit breaker to trip in response to a microcontroller fault, including a timing circuit powered by a power supply and a microcontroller. The timing circuit is electrically coupled to an SCR that causes the circuit breaker to trip. The timing circuit includes a BJT coupled to the gate of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first output coupled to the timing circuit and a second output coupled to the SCR. The first output is coupled to a node between a resistor and a grounded capacitor in the timing circuit, and the node is coupled to a gate of the SCR and to a base of the transistor. A voltage develops at the node sufficient to cause the gate of the SCR to turn on unless the microcontroller pulls the first high-impedance output to a logic low state. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100123991 | BACKUP TRIPPING FUNCTION FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH MICROCONTROLLER-BASED FAULT DETECTION - A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit to trip in response to a microcontroller fault or a failure of a regulated power supply powering the microcontroller. The circuit breaker includes an RC circuit connected to an SCR. The resistor of the RC circuit is connected between the anode and gate of the SCR, and the capacitor is connected between the gate and cathode of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first pin coupled to the RC circuit, which is initially in a high input impedance state. In the event of a microcontroller fault or power supply failure, the capacitor will charge to a voltage sufficient to activate the SCR and trip the breaker. If the microcontroller startup routine is successful, the pin is configured as an output and is pulled low, shorting out the capacitor. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20110075310 | Electrical power switching with efficient switch protection - A transmission delay line is introduced between the switch and the power output side of a power switching system so that sparking of the load is hidden from the switch by the time delay of the transmission line. This makes it possible to detect the load spark and actively protect the switch, typically by turning the switch off, before it actually knows that there has been a load fault spark. Alternatively, the delay of the transmission line is long enough so that the switch has already been turned off in normal pulse operation before the load fault current reaches the switch. Either way, the switch will be turned off under normal current flow and will not be subject to destructive over-current or over-voltage conditions. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20120075764 | DISPLAY DEVICE - Provided is a display device which enables the automatic return of a power source circuit after the power source circuit is protected from an overcurrent, at low cost. The display device includes: an output transistor having a base to which a drive voltage signal is inputted and outputting a drive voltage from an emitter; a first transistor being turned on when an overcurrent flows into the output transistor; and a second transistor being turned on and turning off the output transistor when the first transistor is turned on, the first and second transistors are repeatedly turned on and off so as to make the output transistor intermittently operate within an overcurrent operation period, and the first and second transistors are turned off and the output transistor automatically returns to a normal operation when an operation period is shifted from the overcurrent operation period to a normal operation period. | 03-29-2012 |
