Patents Assigned to Refac Electronics Corporation
  • Patent number: 4788494
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the mean value of instantaneous power supplied to an electrical device computes the product of two voltage signals each proportional to the instantaneous voltage and current respectively. A self-biasing current source generates a DC signal current proportional to the magnitude of one voltage signal with a mean value equal to one-half the peak-to-peak magnitude of the voltage signal. A log-antilog multiplier circuit computes the product of the DC current signal and the other input voltage signal. A current mirror connected to the multiplier cancels DC offset currents to improve accuracy of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Refac Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Faulkner
  • Patent number: 4641090
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for simultaneously measuring and displaying voltage, current and frequency in a polyphase alternating current system. The apparatus is operable in either a line-to-line or a line-to-neutral measuring mode without rewiring the apparatus to the measured system. A logic circuit is selectively operated to connect the appropriate voltage lines associated with each phase of the system to the apparatus and LEDs associated with each phase light to indicate the phase selected for measurement. Multi-digit seven segment LED displays are provided for simultaneously indicating the voltage, current and frequency measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Refac Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Danby
  • Patent number: 4257046
    Abstract: Driving circuitry is disclosed for electrochromic displays, the driving circuits providing specific characteristics necessary for such displays. Particularly, apparatus is provided to minimize variations in the optical density and in the contrast between the various segments of a device. Further, simultaneous coloring and bleaching signals are provided to the display, thereby avoiding an undesired visual effect of unsynchronized formation for a character on a display device. The circuitry moreover includes components to prevent repeated energization of a segment in a display device. Additionally, circuitry is provided for generating bleach and color signals for the display. Additionally, a power supply for electrochromic displays, requiring bipolar outputs, is disclosed utilizing a single, unipolar, unregulated source therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Refac Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Horst Witzke, James W. Pollock
  • Patent number: 4172925
    Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabricaton are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity.In a multi-chamber embodiment, the electrode placement causes the photoactive site to be at an end of the chamber removed from the irradiation window, thereby permitting the use of non-transparent photoelectrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignees: Refac Electronics Corporation, Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Schoen-nan Chen, Michael A. Russak, Horst Witzke, Joseph Reichman, Satyendra K. Deb