Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing translation between different language are provided. The present invention includes a translation system that performs translation having increased accuracy by providing a three-dimensional topical dual-language database. The topical database includes a set of source-to-target language translations for each topic that the database is being used for. In one embodiment, a user first selects the topic of conversation, then words spoken into a telephone are translated and produced as synthesized voice signals from another telephone so that a near real-time conversation may be had between two people speaking different languages. An additional feature of the present invention is the addition of a computer terminal that displays the input and output phrases so that either user may edit the input phrases, or indicate that the translation was ambiguous and request a rephrasing of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and providing reactive power compensation for an inductive load. A reactive power compensator (50,50') monitors the voltage and current flowing through each of three distribution lines (52a, 52b, 52c), which are supplying three-phase power to one or more inductive loads. Using signals indicative of the current on each of these lines when the voltage waveform on the line crosses zero, the reactive power compensator determines a reactive power compensator capacitance that must be connected to the lines to maintain a desired VAR level, power factor, or line voltage. Alternatively, an operator can manually select a specific capacitance for connection to each line, or the capacitance can be selected based on a time schedule. The reactive power compensator produces control signals, which are coupled through optical fibers (102/106) to a switch driver (110, 110') to select specific compensation capacitors (112) for connections to each line.

Abstract: A switching power source apparatus of a ringing choke converter system according to the present invention includes an amplifier for outputting a voltatge to be decreased with an increase in output voltage from a switching power source apparatus, an oscillator for generating a sawtooth wave voltage, a comparator for comparing the sawtooth wave voltage output from the oscillator with the detection output voltage from the amplifier, a first control transistor for controlling the oscillator, and a second control transistor for controlling the switching transistor. When the sawtooth wave voltage is lower than the detection output voltage, the first control transistor is turned on, and the oscillator is subsequently turned on. When the sawtooth wave voltage is higher than the detection output voltage, the second control transistor is turned on, and the switching transistor is subsequently turned on. As a result, the switching frequency is set constant by decreasing the duty ratio in the small load period.

Abstract: A switch mode electrical power controller arranged to provide a width modulated output pulse signal in response to a control input signal representing a parameter controlled by the power controller, in which a signal processing network for generating the width modulated waveform is arranged to execute all its operations in parallel. The performance, in parallel, of the operations required for the generation of the output signal minimizes the delay along a critical signal path and facilitates high frequency operation.

Abstract: A single stage power conditioner which produces an isolated DC output while drawing resistive input current from the utility has been described. A high frequency switch-mode technique was used which operates in continuous conduction mode to reduce electro-magnetic interference (EMI) generation and ripple losses.

Abstract: A power supply which automatically configures itself to correctly respond to either a low or a high level of an A.C. supply voltage to supply a single level D.C. output voltage. The supply switches between a voltage doubler and a full wave rectifier operation dependent on the level of the A.C. supply voltage. Once the supply switches to the full wave rectifier configuration, a latch prevents the power supply from switching to the voltage doubler configuration until the A.C. supply voltage is removed from the power supply. The latch prevents damage to components by preventing the power supply from switching to a low input voltage configuration when, in fact, a high input voltage is present.