se Gesture based interaction with traffic data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT Gesture based interaction with traffic data is disclosed. A virtual broadcast presentation may be generated based on dynamic information such as traffic information, weather information, or other information that may be featured on a virtual broadcast presentation. A gesture made by a user is detected and processed to determine an input command associated with the detected gesture. The virtual broadcast presentation may be manipulated based on the input command. Full Article
se Methods for external display resolution selection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A user may couple an external display to an electronic device using a communications path. Extended display identification data or other information on the capabilities of the external display may be provided to the electronic device over the communications path. The extended display identification data may include a list of timing elements including display parameters such as a horizontal active pixel count, a vertical active pixel count, and a pixel clock. The electronic device may tag the timing elements with their type and may flag certain timing elements as being native to the display. A scoring function may then be used to rate each timing element. A scored list of timing elements may be sorted by score. The sorted scored list may be filtered to remove inappropriate timing elements. The electronic device may automatically use a selected one of the filtered timing elements in displaying information on the external display. Full Article
se Coalescing to avoid read-modify-write during compressed data operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT Sequential write operations to a unit of compressed memory, known as a compression tile, are examined to see if the same compression tile is being written. If the same compression tile is being written, the sequential write operations are coalesced into a single write operation and the entire compression tile is overwritten with the new data. Coalescing multiple write operations into a single write operation improves performance, because it avoids the read-modify-write operations that would otherwise be needed. Full Article
se System for and method of classifying and translating graphics commands in client-server computing systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A client-server computing system includes a server that has a virtual display driver that classifies and, if necessary, translates graphics application programming interface (API) functions to a cross-platform format. Classification involves determining whether the graphics command(s) are platform-specific and/or client-supported functions. After classification and translation, the graphics command(s) are marshaled and transmitted to a client via a network. The client includes a client display driver that executes the functions using a client 3D library and renders the resulting image data to a display. Full Article
se System and method for adjusting presentation of moving images on an electronic device according to an orientation of the device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a system, method and device for changing a notional viewing location for a moving image on a device, depending on an orientation of the device. For the moving image management system, it comprises: a sensor; a movement detection module connected to the sensor providing movement data registering a notable signal from the sensor; and a moving image adjustment module determining a new viewing location of the moving image utilizing the movement data and generating a replacement moving image for the moving image representing the moving image as viewed from the new viewing location. Full Article
se Pulse output circuit, shift register, and display device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a pulse output circuit in a shift register, a power source line which is connected to a transistor in an output portion connected to a pulse output circuit at the next stage is set to a low-potential drive voltage, and a power source line which is connected to a transistor in an output portion connected to a scan signal line is set to a variable potential drive voltage. The variable potential drive voltage is the low-potential drive voltage in a normal mode, and can be either a high-potential drive voltage or the low-potential drive voltage in a bath mode. In the batch mode, display scan signals can be output to a plurality of scan signal lines at the same timing in a batch. Full Article
se Device and method for processing user input By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Sep 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for generating display data comprises detecting user input via an input interface. A processor is in communication with the input interface to generate display data comprising a display object for display by a display device. The display object is representative of an action that will subsequently be performed by the processor on continuation of the user input. The display data on the display device is output while the user input is being detected. Alternatively, the display object is caused to appear on the display device over time as the user input is being performed, wherein the rate at which the display object appears is different to the rate of performance of the user input. A device and executable computer program for performing the steps of the method is also provided. Full Article
se Shift register, semiconductor device, display device, and electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a semiconductor device and a shift register, in which low noise is caused in a non-selection period and a transistor is not always on. First to fourth transistors are provided. One of a source and a drain of the first transistor is connected to a first wire, the other of the source and the drain thereof is connected to a gate electrode of the second transistor, and a gate electrode thereof is connected to a fifth wire. One of a source and a drain of the second transistor is connected to a third wire and the other of the source and the drain thereof is connected to a sixth wire. One of a source and a drain of the third transistor is connected to a second wire, the other of the source and the drain thereof is connected to the gate electrode of the second transistor, and a gate electrode thereof is connected to a fourth wire. One of a source and a drain of the fourth transistor is connected to the second wire, the other of the source and the drain thereof is connected to the sixth wire, and a gate electrode thereof is connected to the fourth wire. Full Article
se Methods, apparatus and systems for generating location-corrected searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT Generating a corrected electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation. The operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, presence or absence of an underground facility within a dig area. At least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed. First information relating to a location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the first information, the location of the facility and/or the mark is represented to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. Second information relating to a corrected location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the second information, the corrected location is represented to generate a corrected electronic visual representation of the operation. Third information relating to the corrected representation of the operation is transmitted and/or stored to generate the corrected electronic record of the operation. Full Article
se Methods, apparatus and systems for generating searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations and assessing aspects of same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method is disclosed for assessing an aspect relating to a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician based on an electronic representation of the operation. The operation includes locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of an underground facility within a dig area. A portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. The method includes digitally representing, on a display device, the facility and/or the physical locate mark to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes determining a length associated with a portion of the digitally represented facility and/or physical locate mark in the electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes, based on the determined length, automatically assessing the aspect relating to the operation. Full Article
se Integrated assemblage of 3D building models and 2D construction drawings By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST In one embodiment, a viewer executing on an electronic device having a touch sensitive display shows a three-dimensional (3D) model of a building created using computer aided design (CAD) software. A plurality of selectable interface nodes are provided at respective locations within the 3D model. Each interface node is linked to at least one corresponding two-dimensional (2D) construction drawing that shows a section view, a plan view, an elevation view or a detail view of the building related to the location of the interface node. In response to receiving input from a user indicating selection of a particular interface node, a menu is displayed with one or more selectable menu options. In response to receiving additional input from the user indicating selection of a particular menu option, a corresponding 2D construction drawing for the particular interface node is displayed in context of the 3D model of the building. Full Article
se Methods, apparatus and systems for generating digital-media-enhanced searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST Generating a digital-media-enhanced electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician. The locate and/or marking operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A location of the at least one underground facility and/or the at least one physical locate mark is electronically rendered on a display device so as to generate an electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation. At least one digital media file representation of a corresponding digital media file relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation or an environment of the dig area is also electronically rendered on the display device, so as to generate a digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation. Information relating to the digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the digital-media-enhanced electronic record of the locate and/or marking operation. Full Article
se Filter for removing noise By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention discloses a filter for removing noise, which includes: a lower magnetic substrate; a coil layer disposed on the lower magnetic substrate and including at least one conductor pattern and an insulating layer covering the conductor pattern; an upper magnetic substrate disposed on the coil layer; and a magnetic permeability enhancing layer disposed on the magnetic substrate with lower magnetic permeability of the lower magnetic substrate and the upper magnetic substrate. According to the present invention, it is possible to implement a filter for removing noise with high performance, characteristics, and reliability by increasing magnetic permeability to improve impedance characteristics and improving an effect of shielding electromagnetic waves such as jamming. Full Article
se Electromagnetic interface secured by using an indirect compression force to slidably engage first and second force transfer features By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an example embodiment, an electromagnetic interface can comprise: a first component comprising a first waveguide channel, a first interface surface, and a first force transfer feature; a second component comprising a second waveguide channel, a second interface surface, and a second force transfer feature; and a fastener that can be configured to force the first force transfer feature in sliding engagement with the second force transfer feature. The first and second force transfer features can be configured to interoperate to create an indirect force holding the first interface surface in contact with the second interface surface and holding the first waveguide channel in alignment with the second waveguide channel. Full Article
se Quarter wave plate polarizer with two phase-shifting portions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A right circular cylindrical body of an isotropic dielectric such as a cross-linked styrene copolymer, has respective pluralities of mutually parallel grooves formed in its axial end faces, spaced apart by an intermediate portion whose dimension c is a half wavelength. The axial lengths a, b of the grooves are such that when a wave passes through the body, a quarter wavelength phase difference is produced between a component of a wave having its E-vector parallel to the grooves and a component of the wave having its E-vector orthogonal to the grooves. Alternatively the plate may consist of two or more discrete bodies whose grooves are dimensioned to produce a total differential phase shift of one quarter wavelength. Full Article
se Virtual RF sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radio frequency (RF) generation system includes an impedance determination module that receives an RF voltage and an RF current. The impedance determination module further determines an RF generator impedance based on the RF voltage and the RF current. The RF generation system also includes a control module that determines a plurality of electrical values based on the RF generator impedance. The matching module further matches an impedance of a load based on the RF generator impedance and the plurality of electrical components. The matching module also determines a 2 port transfer function based on the plurality of electrical values. The RF generation system also includes a virtual sensor module that estimates a load voltage, a load current, and a load impedance based on the RF voltage, the RF generator, the RF generator impedance, and the 2 port transfer function. Full Article
se De-noise circuit and de-noise method for differential signals and chip for receiving differential signals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A de-noise circuit and a de-noise method for differential signals and a chip for receiving differential signals are provided. The de-noise circuit includes a filter and a register. Both the filter and the register are disposed in the chip. The chip receives a differential signal through a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The filter is coupled between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the chip. The filter filters out noises in the differential signal. The filter includes at least one filter unit. Each filter unit has at least one resistance value or at least one capacitance value. The register is coupled to the filter. The register receives and stores a control value. The register controls the resistance value or the capacitance value of at least one of the filter units based on the control value. Full Article
se Unreleased mems resonator and method of forming same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A microelectromechanical (MEM) resonator includes a resonant cavity disposed in a first layer of a first solid material disposed on a substrate and a first plurality of reflectors disposed in the first layer in a first direction with respect to the resonant cavity and to each other. Each of the first plurality of reflectors comprises an outer layer of a second solid material and an inner layer of a third solid material. The inner layer of each of the first plurality of reflectors is adjacent in the first direction to the outer layer of each reflector and to either the outer layer of an adjacent reflector or the resonant cavity. Full Article
se Minimal intrusion very low insertion loss technique to insert a device to a semi-rigid coaxial transmission line By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A signal conditioning apparatus can include a coaxial cable having at least one slot formed therein. A conductive film can be applied to the coaxial cable so as to cover each slot. A device mounting surface can be formed within the slot and a protection device can be mounted on the device mounting surface. A housing consisting of one or more interlockable portions can be coupled to the coaxial cable. Full Article
se Localized wave generation via modal decomposition of a pulse by a wave launcher By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Implementations for exciting two or more modes via modal decomposition of a pulse by a wave launcher are generally disclosed. Full Article
se Structured fabric for use in a papermaking machine and the fibrous web produced thereon By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A papermaking machine for the production of a fibrous web including a plurality of rollers and a structured fabric moving along the rollers. The structured fabric includes a plurality of weft yarns and a plurality of warp yarns woven with the plurality of weft yarns to produce a weave pattern, the plurality of warp yarns being a plurality of paired warp yarn sets. Each paired warp yarn set including a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn. Within the weave pattern the first warp yarn forms a float over at least four weft yarns and weaves with a single weft yarn immediately adjacent with the float. The second warp yarn having an inverse pattern to the first warp yarn, with the second warp yarn weaving with another single weft yarn that is not adjacent to the single weft yarn with which the first warp yarn is woven. Full Article
se Reinforcing tape, cloth produced by sewing said reinforcing tape, and web structure utilizing said reinforcing tape By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Provided are a lightweight, compact reinforcing tape capable of improving a tensile strength. A reinforcing tape for reinforcing a tensile strength of a cloth includes weft threads which constitute a weave structure of the reinforcing tape, and warp threads which constitute a weave structure of the reinforcing tape, wherein a part of the warp threads are made of a high-strength fiber. Full Article
se Fabric for forming a paper web having an embossed surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A fabric for forming a fibrous paper web having an embossed surface is provided that includes at least longitudinal and transverse threads interwoven with one another in a weave repeat defining a machine side and a paper side. Some of the longitudinal threads form embossing threads having projecting paper side floats on the paper side of the fabric passing over more than one transverse thread. The fabric includes at least a first woven fabric layer forming the paper side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse first threads interwoven with one another and a second woven fabric layer forming the machine side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse second threads interwoven with one another. At least some of the longitudinal second threads form embossing threads, which penetrate the first woven fabric layer for forming the paper side floats and connect the two woven fabric layers. Full Article
se Gripper head for the insertion of weft threads on a gripper weaving machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A gripper head for the insertion of weft threads on a gripper weaving machine as well as a gripper weaving machine with such a gripper head. The gripper head thread clamp for the weft thread is controlled in a contact-free manner and with high transfer reliability of the weft thread even in the machine center. Full Article
se Group of reflection optic sensors in a weft feeder for weaving looms By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Group of optic sensors (S) in a weft feeder, in particular for weaving looms, comprising one or more pairs of emitting sensors (E) and receiving sensors (R) arranged on a portion of the weft feeder (C) which extends laterally to the drum (T) of the weft feeder whereon the coils of the weft thread are wound, so as to form optic radiation going-paths from each of said emitting sensors (E) to a reflecting surface (9) provided on said drum (T) and optic radiation back-paths, from said reflecting surface (9) to corresponding receiving sensors (R), for detecting the presence/absence of a thread which crosses said paths. The optic sensors (E, R) are of the SMT type and are wired on a printed-circuit board (8) with an optic axis parallel to the plane of said board (8). A first group of total-reflection mirrors (V), one for each pair of emitting/receiving sensors (E, R), is inclined so as to deviate the optic radiation from the plane of the board (8) to a plane perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the same. A second group of partial-reflection mirrors (H), one for each pair of emitting/receiving sensors (E, R), is inclined so as to deviate the optic radiation in the same plane as board 8. Full Article
se Assembled battery charging method, charging control circuit, and power supply system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for charging an assembled battery including series circuits connected in parallel, each of the series circuits including series-connected lead storage batteries, using a single charger is provided. The method includes: a first step of obtaining a first index value, corresponding to a resistance value of a first series circuit with a correlative relationship, the first series circuit having a lowest resistance value; a second step of obtaining a second index value corresponding to a resistance value of a second series circuit with a correlative relationship, the second series circuit having a highest resistance value; a third step of performing normal charging, in which the assembled battery is charged with a first amount of charge corresponding to the first index value; and a fourth step of performing refresh charging, in which the assembled battery is charged with a second amount of charge corresponding to the second index value. Full Article
se State based full and empty control for rechargeable batteries By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT State based full and empty control for rechargeable batteries that will assure a uniform battery empty condition, even in the presence of a load on the battery. A fuel gauge provides a prediction of the open circuit voltage of the battery, and when the predicted open circuit voltage of the battery reaches the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery, the load is terminated, after which the battery will relax back to the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery. A similar technique is disclosed for battery charging, allowing faster battery charging without overcharging. Preferably an RC battery model is used as the fuel gauge to provide the prediction, but as an alternative, a coulomb counter may be used to provide the prediction, with error correction between successive charge discharge cycles. Full Article
se Method for operating an automated guided, mobile assembly and/or material transport unit and automated guided, mobile assembly and/or material transport unit therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for operating a driverless, mobile assembly and/or material transport unit as a driverless transport system (DTS) with fixed assembly and/or warehousing stations. In this method, a system control device is used for the entire assembly process. The driverless, mobile assembly and/or material transport units comprises a travel device for the traveling movement of the unit, a drive device for the travel device, an energy storage device for providing the energy for the drive device and a control device for controlling the traveling movement in coordination with the system control device. Full Article
se Electronic cassette charger By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A charger includes a loading chamber into which a battery pack is insertably/removably loaded. An insertion opening into which the battery pack is inserted is formed on an upper surface of the main body. The loading chamber is forwardly inclined to a front surface of the main body, and a bottom surface of the insertion opening is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction so that one end of the front surface side is located at a lower end and the other end of the back surface side is located at an upper end. A connector for supplying power is disposed at the upper end side of the bottom surface. Even when the dust, rubbish or fluid entered from the insertion opening drops to the bottom surface, it flows down to the lower end side, so that less dirt adheres to the connector. Full Article
se Apparatus for minimizing self-discharge of a smart battery pack By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for minimizing self-discharge of a smart battery pack is provided. During initial storage of the smart battery pack (100), prior to be being charged, a self-discharge protection circuit (110) disables smart battery circuitry (130). A minimal current drain is maintained while the smart battery circuitry (130) is disabled. Upon coupling of the smart battery pack (100) to a charger, the protections circuit (110) enables the smart battery circuitry (130). Battery packs having to be shipped with partially drained cells as part of shipping precaution requirements are no longer faced with the additional drainage problem previously caused by the smart battery circuitry (130) during storage. Full Article
se Semiconductor device for battery control and battery pack By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device for battery control includes a CPU, a first bus coupled to the CPU, a second bus not coupled to the CPU, and a protective function circuit for protecting a battery from stress applied thereto. The semiconductor device also includes a non-volatile memory storing trimming data, a trimming circuit to perform trimming required to allow the protective function circuit to exert a protective function, and a bus control circuit capable of selectively coupling the first bus and the second bus to the non-volatile memory. The semiconductor device further includes a transfer logic circuit which causes, by making the bus control circuit select the second bus, a trimming data transfer path leading from the non-volatile memory to the trimming circuit to be formed and the trimming data stored in the non-volatile memory to be transferred to the trimming circuit without involving the CPU. Full Article
se Wireless self-sufficient monitoring system for a door lock mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a state of a door lock mechanism of a door or of a closure of a storage space of a means of transportation, comprising a generator and a sensor/actuator. The generator produces electrical energy from vibration energy, and the sensor detects the state of the door lock mechanism. The sensor uses the kinetic energy that is produced by the actuation of the door lock to generate an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a microcontroller. Full Article
se Discharge device and discharge method for the active discharge of a capacitor for use in the electric-power system of an electric-drive vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A discharge device actively discharges a main capacitor in an electric-power system of an electric-drive vehicle and comprises a discharge branch of a circuit connected in parallel to the capacitor and including a discharge transistor biased to “conduction” mode when the capacitor must be discharged. A control device is connected to a “gate/base” terminal of and controls the transistor, biasing the transistor to the mode when the capacitor is required to fee discharged. A control transistor maintains the discharge transistor in a “non-conductive” state when the control transistor is in the mode. The control transistor is in the state for the discharge transistor to be in the mode. A safety capacitor is interposed between the terminal and a power supply and charges when the discharge transistor is in the mode, causing a progressive decrease of current at the terminal, until the discharge transistor is biased to the state. Full Article
se Aggregation server for grid-integrated vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods, systems, and apparatus for aggregating electric power flow between an electric grid and electric vehicles are disclosed. An apparatus for aggregating power flow may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory to receive electric vehicle equipment (EVE) attributes from a plurality of EVEs, aggregate EVE attributes, predict total available capacity based on the EVE attributes, and dispatch at least a portion of the total available capacity to the grid. Power flow may be aggregated by receiving EVE operational parameters from each EVE, aggregating the received EVE operational parameters, predicting total available capacity based on the aggregated EVE operational parameters, and dispatching at least a portion of the total available capacity to the grid. Full Article
se Method and device for primary frequency regulation based on bang-bang control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention provides a method and a device for primary frequency regulation based on bang-bang control, the method comprises: obtaining in real-time a power grid frequency of a steam turbine generator set; performing a subtraction operation on a rated power grid frequency and said power grid frequency to generate a power grid frequency difference; performing a dead zone process on the power grid frequency difference according to a dead zone fixed value to generate a frequency difference; performing a frequency difference compensation operation on the frequency difference to generate a frequency difference compensation instruction; and combining an original primary frequency regulation output instruction with the frequency difference compensation instruction and outputting the result to a steam turbine speed regulation system when a selecting switch is 1. Full Article
se Multiple voltage generator and voltage regulation methodology for power dense integrated power systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST An integrated power system suitable for simultaneously powering marine propulsion and service loads. The system includes: (a) at least one generator configured with at least first and second armature windings configured to output respective first and second alternating current power signals of different voltages, the at least two armature windings positioned within the same stator slots so that they magnetically couple; (b) at least first and second rectifier circuits coupled to said generator to convert said first and second alternating current power signals into first and second direct current power signals; and (c) a first load to which said first direct current power signal is coupled and a second load to which said second direct current power signal is coupled. Full Article
se Systems for wound field synchronous machines with zero speed rotor position detection during start for motoring and improved transient response for generation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST An electrical machine includes a stator having a main armature winding, an exciter field winding, and a transformer primary winding. A rotor is operatively connected to rotate relative to the stator, wherein the rotor includes an exciter armature winding operatively connected to the exciter armature winding for field excitation therebetween, a main field winding operatively connected to the main armature winding for field excitation therebetween, and a transformer secondary winding operatively connected to the transformer primary winding to form a rotating transformer. A generator control unit is operatively connected to the main armature winding, exciter field winding, and transformer primary winding to control the main armature and exciter field windings based on excitation in the primary winding received from the transformer secondary winding. Full Article
se Method and apparatus for generating electricity by thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material using heat from condensers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated by extracting thermal energy from a gas to condense the gas into a liquid and transferring the thermal energy to the electrically polarizable material. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material in thermal communication with a heat source, wherein the heat source is a condenser. An apparatus is also described which comprises a chamber, one or more conduits inside the chamber for conveying a cooling fluid and an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes on an outer surface of the conduit. A gas introduced into the chamber condenses on the conduits and thermal energy is thereby transferred from the gas to the electrically polarizable material. Full Article
se Pressure powered impeller system and related method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST This invention is directed to a system that generates a sufficient level of electricity through access to a municipal water supply line to run a furnace during below freezing temperatures. The system includes an inlet that draws water from a water supply line. A first conduit, in communication with the inlet, transports the water into a DC generator that includes an impeller to generate electricity. Water is then routed through a second conduit which then returns the water to the water supply line through an outlet. A solenoid valve may be positioned between the inlet and first conduit which remains closed when the electric grid runs normally but will open during a power outage to supply water to the DC generator. A lithium battery stores power created by the DC generator, which may include a voltage regulator and inverter to convert to DC. Full Article
se Methods and systems for monitoring excitation of a generator based on a faulty status of a generator breaker By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Systems and methods for monitoring excitation of a generator based on a faulty status of a generator breaker are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive, from a contact associated with a generator breaker, a reported status of the generator breaker, receive operational data associated with one or more parameters of a generator associated with the generator breaker, and correlate the reported status of the generator breaker and the operational data. Based on the correlation, the processor may establish an actual status of the generator breaker, and, based on the actual status, selectively modify a mode of excitation of the generator. Full Article
se DC motor assembly with soft starting capability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A DC motor assembly (10) with soft starting capability is provided. The assembly (10) comprises a DC motor (12) including an armature (14) and a field winding (16) adapted to be excited separately from the armature; and circuitry configured to controllably increase current flow through the field winding of the DC motor as a function of time during starting of the DC motor. Full Article
se Regulator/brush-holder assembly for a motor-vehicle alternator, manufacturing process and corresponding alternator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The regulator/brush-holder assembly (1) comprises a support (2) and an electrical circuit (5, 6) comprising a regulating element (5) connected by microwires to a trace circuit (6). The electrical circuit further includes a filtering circuit (10) separate from the regulating element and connected by microwires to the trace circuit. According to one particular embodiment, the filtering circuit comprises an insulating substrate (11) and surface-mounted components (C1, C2, S1, S2, V). A ground plane (19) and/or one or more ground pads may be provided for connection to a ground trace of the trace circuit. The filtration frequencies of the filter circuit extend from 100 kHz to 1 GHz. Full Article
se Method and system for automatically adapting end user power usage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system, method and apparatus for automatically adapting power grid usage by controlling internal and/or external power-related assets of one or more users in response to power regulation and/or frequency regulation functions in a manner beneficial to both the power grid itself and the users of the power grid. Full Article
se Mobile device case with retractor reel assembly for user-provided headphones By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens. Full Article
se Pressure plate assembly and method for power transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A pressing device for a current collector moves a contact shoe unit is movable relative to a current rail. The pressing device includes a rocker unit and a spring unit. The spring unit having a helical spring rotatably biasing rocker unit is rotatable such that the contact shoe unit is movable into a sliding contact position in only one direction spring unit. Full Article
se Aerial cable car system having transportation operating equipment for passenger and/or freight transport By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An aerial cable car system including transportation operating equipment for passenger and/or freight transport, wherein electrical consumers are connected for operation thereof to a rechargeable electrical energy store of a transportation operating equipment by a respective power circuit. The transportation operating equipment includes an operating control device connected to measuring devices for dynamically capturing measurement values based on available quantity of energy in the energy store. The operating control device includes a storage module having at least one stored measurement control value and an associated control parameter. The operating control device includes a filter module comparing a captured measurement value to the at least one stored measurement control value and reading out corresponding stored control parameter, based on which power circuits can be selectively coupled or decoupled to the energy store by the operating control device. Electrical consumers in transportation operating equipment can be fed without interruption by the energy store, even during travel. Full Article
se Transferring electric energy to a vehicle, using a system which comprises consecutive segments for energy transfer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line. Full Article
se End horns for pantograph assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A pantograph assembly configured to transfer electrical power from an overhead conductor to a machine. The pantograph assembly includes a pantograph support detachably connected to the machine, an articulated assembly, a pan rail and a carbon brush. The pantograph support includes a first link, and a second link hingedly connected to the first link. The first link is connected to the pantograph support. The pan rail is supported by the second link of the articulated assembly. The carbon brush is supported by the pan rail along a longitudinal axis of the pan rail. The pantograph assembly further includes an end horn having a bridge portion connected to the carbon brush. The bridge portion is configured to transfer the overhead conductor between the end horn and the carbon brush. Full Article
se Self-propelled cable relay truck By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A self-propelled cable relay truck includes: a power transmission relay unit to which a power supply side cable configured to perform power transmission between a power supply and the relay truck, and a work machine side cable configured to perform power transmission between an electric work machine and the relay truck are connected to perform relay of the power transmission between the power supply side cable and the work machine side cable; a travel device configured to perform traveling operation so as to be able to move the power transmission relay unit; and a movement control unit configured to perform movement control of the travel device. Full Article
se Arrangement for operating consumers in a rail vehicle with electrical energy, selectively from an energy supply network or from a motor-generator combination By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for operating a rail vehicle includes a DC voltage intermediate circuit which is connected to an energy supply network, at least one traction inverter which is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and at its AC voltage side which is connected one or more traction motors of the rail vehicle. An auxiliary system inverter is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and is connected at its AC voltage side to a primary side of an auxiliary system transformer. Auxiliary systems are connected to a secondary side of the auxiliary system transformer via an auxiliary line. Electrical energy generated by an electrical energy supply unit is transferred via the auxiliary line, the auxiliary system transformer and the auxiliary system inverter into the DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation of the at least one traction motor. Full Article