Abstract: An embodiment of a power supply includes an input node, a converter stage, and an outlet. The input node is operable to receive an input AC signal having peak portions and non-peak portions. The converter stage is operable to generate a DC power signal from the input AC signal and to cause a first current to be drawn from the input node during at least the non-peak portions of the input AC signal. And the outlet is operable to carry the DC power signal. For example, such a power supply may be installed in a facility such as a residence, office building, or manufacturing plant, or the facility's existing power supply may be retrofitted, to provide one or more power outlets that each carry a respective power-factor-corrected (PFC) DC voltage. Because the outlet voltages are PFC voltages, the amount of wasted power dissipated in the facility power lines/wiring and in the main power lines from the power company may be significantly reduced, without requiring each piece of equipment (e.g.

Abstract: An embodiment of a power supply includes an input node, a converter stage, and an outlet. The input node is operable to receive an input AC signal having peak portions and non-peak portions. The converter stage is operable to generate a DC power signal from the input AC signal and to cause a first current to be drawn from the input node during at least the non-peak portions of the input AC signal. And the outlet is operable to carry the DC power signal. For example, such a power supply may be installed in a facility such as a residence, office building, or manufacturing plant, or the facility's existing power supply may be retrofitted, to provide one or more power outlets that each carry a respective power-factor-corrected (PFC) DC voltage. Because the outlet voltages are PFC voltages, the amount of wasted power dissipated in the facility power lines/wiring and in the main power lines from the power company may be significantly reduced, without requiring each piece of equipment (e.g.

Abstract: A combined power supply and driver control module includes rectifier circuitry, switching circuitry, and driver circuitry for providing output power to a load. Rectified output from an input power source is used to produce a DC power. The switching circuitry receives the DC power and modulates the input current drawn from the power source. An intelligent control module includes control circuitry, such as a digital processor, for controlling the switching circuitry. Power factor is improved by modulating the input current to be closer in phase with the voltage of the power source. Also disclosed is a power factor correction circuit in which a digital processor reads waveform values from a lookup table and modulates the input current waveform based on the values. A zero crossing detector connected to the input power source may direct the digital processor when to commence reading values from the lookup table.

Abstract: An exercise device is described having a motor assembly (28) and an electronic control system (36) including a circuit board (40) and electronic components for controlling the exercise device and the motor power output. The main heat-generating electronic components are accumulated into a power control module (44) that is attached to one side of the circuit board. A cooling system (50) is connected to the power control module. The cooling system has a heatsink (60) and a fan (62). In one embodiment, the heatsink includes a base plate (64) that contacts the power control module and a plurality of fins (66) projecting in an array from the other side of the base plate. A fan is positioned within the circle of fins to blow cooling air thereover. The fan is preferably powered by a source independent of the motor power output.

Abstract: A combined power supply and driver control module includes rectifier circuitry, switching circuitry, and driver circuitry for providing output power to a load. Rectified output from an input power source is used to produce a DC power. The switching circuitry receives the DC power and modulates the input current drawn from the power source. An intelligent control module includes control circuitry, such as a digital processor, for controlling the switching circuitry. Power factor is improved by modulating the input current to be closer in phase with the voltage of the power source. Also disclosed is a power factor correction circuit in which a digital processor reads waveform values from a lookup table and modulates the input current waveform based on the values. A zero crossing detector connected to the input power source may direct the digital processor when to commence reading values from the lookup table.

Abstract: An exercise device is described having a motor assembly (28) and an electronic control system (36) including a circuit board (40) and electronic components for controlling the exercise device and the motor power output. The main heat-generating electronic components are accumulated into a power control module (44) that is attached to one side of the circuit board. A cooling system (50) is connected to the power control module. The cooling system has a heatsink (60) and a fan (62). In one embodiment, the heatsink includes a base plate (64) that contacts the power control module and a plurality of fins (66) projecting in an array from the other side of the base plate. A fan is positioned within the circle of fins to blow cooling air thereover. The fan is preferably powered by a source independent of the motor power output.

Abstract: A self-powered fitness device to simulate various types of stepping motions is provided. The device includes a frame (10), a guide (20) movably associated with the frame, and first and second foot supports (22a, 22b) coupled to the guide. The device further includes a generator (32) coupled to the first and second foot supports, which is actuated to produce power by the user's stepping motions. The device also includes a battery coupled to the generator to store at least part of the power produced by the generator. Finally, the device includes a lift system (24) for automatically changing at least one of the elevation and the angular orientation of the guide relative to the frame. Since the lift system is powered by both the generator and the battery, actuation of the lift system will not alter the resistance to the user pedaling the foot supports during exercising.