Abstract: An integrated noise isolation circuit on a single silicon substrate die having a structural arrangement that minimizes noise. The integrated circuit including a noise sensitive circuit including an input stage; a noise generating circuit including an output stage; at least one high voltage level shift circuit coupling the noise generating and noise sensitive circuits for transferring a signal from the input to the output stage; and at least one floating structure for isolating influence of the noise.

Abstract: A power circuit provided with an operating circuit for each electrical actuator and including a set of switches controlled selectively to regulate the current flowing through the electrical actuator. The operating device includes a control circuit which can cause the operation of the power circuit and in turn includes a set of control modules, each of which can selectively operate the switches of a corresponding operating circuit, and can supply a state signal (SFLAG) indicating the operating state of the control module. A synchronization module receives and processes the state signals (SFLAG), to generate a common synchronization signal (SSINC) which synchronizes the control modules. Each control module being capable of coordinating the operating actions sent to the switches of the corresponding operating circuit with the operating actions sent by the other control modules to the corresponding switches, in accordance with the synchronization signal (SSINC).

Abstract: A relay device includes plural relay units, each having a coil for opening/closing a contact point, a base plate made of resin and having wiring metal pieces, and a control circuit mounted on the base plate for controlling current supply to the coil. The control circuit has a function of stabilizing the holding current irrespective of environmental variation. Thus, the holding current can be further reduced and heating and power consumption can be reduced without losing the function of keeping the contact point state.

Abstract: A feed limiting device enables to lessen user discomfort and prevent excessive consumption of a battery. The feed limiting device for limiting feedings to units U1-Un mounted on a vehicle in an economy running state, comprises a condition satisfaction deciding unit for judging whether a feed limiting condition for limiting the feedings to the units U1-Un has been satisfied or not, and a load control unit for limiting the feedings to the units U1-Un by controlling each load of the units U1-Un based on an external environment (such as an outside air temperature, a room temperature and an outside illumination) and operating statuses of the units U1-Un when it is judged that the feed limiting condition has been satisfied, wherein the feed limiting condition includes that the vehicle is in the economy running state, and the load control unit is not allowed to limit the loads of the units U1-Un to which it was judged that the present feedings had to be maintained.

Abstract: A control circuit that drives an electronic actuator. The control circuit includes a direct voltage source, a chopper circuit arranged between the source and an electric actuator, and an electronic control circuit designed to apply to the chopper circuit a command signal of the PWM type, with a predefined ON/OFF switching period and a predetermined duty cycle, for a predefined activation time, to produce a flow, within the electric actuator, of a correspondingly switched current having a nominal duration corresponding to the activation time. The control circuit detects the last whole or complete switching period included within the activation time, splits, in accordance with a predefined duty cycle, the final interval including the last complete switching period and any subsequent fraction of a switching period included within the activation time, and drives the chopper circuit in this final interval.

Abstract: An active vibration insulator includes an electromagnetic actuator, a cyclic-control-signals output device, and an electromagnetic-actuator driver. The electromagnetic-actuator driver includes an asymmetric half-bridge circuit, and an actuating-signals output device. The actuating-signal output device outputs a signal for turning on one of a high-side switch and a low-side switch of the asymmetric half-bridge circuit, and outputs a pulse-width-modulated actuating signal for actuating the other one of them by means of pulse-width modulation based on the cyclic control signals, which the cyclic-control-signals output device outputs, or outputs a pulse-width-modulated actuating signal for actuating both of them by means of pulse-width modulation when the cyclic control signals are positive.

Abstract: If external magnetic field(s) (external noise) is/are present, equivalent noise component(s) might be produced at both receiving coil(s) and dummy coil(s), and respective noise components from receiving coil(s) and dummy coil(s) might be made to at least partially cancel out one another at differential amplifier(s), substantially only signal component(s) due to magnetic field(s) from transmitting coil(s) being applied by way of differential amplifier(s) to comparator(s), where same is/are binarized and is/are moreover output by way of output control circuitry and respective transistor(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost energy monitoring and accounting system for conservation and management of both electrical and mechanical energy. The energy balance established by the energy monitoring system clearly brings out the losses and wastes as well as abnormalities in energy consumption at different sections of the industry paving the way for effective energy management.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supplying power in electronic equipment. Thus the apparatus comprises at least one electronic component and a power supply unit that provides power to the electronic component. The power supply unit incorporates a detector that is responsive to the power output level from the power supply unit increasing beyond a predetermined limit. If this limit is breached, the power supply unit outputs a delay signal to the electronic component. This delay signal then causes the electronic component to reduce its power consumption (such as by performing dummy operations), thereby avoiding an overload on the power supply unit.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for holding an object in mid-air under the influence of fixed and variable magnetic forces countering the gravitational pull of the object. These systems can be used for display purposes, such as advertising or commercial displays; and/or educational purposes such as spinning globes. It is perceived that the larger the gap between the suspended object and the structure containing the magnets and control systems, the more desirable the device becomes.

Abstract: When voltage changes occur in the battery used as a power supply in a fuel injection system, the amount of fuel injection also changes and the required amount of fuel injected cannot be obtained. To eliminate this problem, a fuel injector system is provided which has a fuel injection valve with at least one coil, a power supply, a power supply voltage detector, and a control unit for controlling the fuel injection valve. The control unit sets a reference value of a power supply voltages, and the above-mentioned fuel injection valve is controlled so as to obtain the required ampere-turns by reducing the resultant inductance of the coil when a power supply voltage detection value is less than the above-mentioned reference value, and the resultant inductance of the coil is increased when the power voltage detection value is greater than the reference value.

Abstract: A switch which is magnetic pole insensitive is described. The switch includes a Hall effect sensor coupled to a threshold circuit which provides an output signal indicative of the proximity of a magnet, and hence a magnetic field, to the Hall effect sensor regardless of the orientation of the magnet to the Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: An electric parts drive circuit has: a first field-effect transistor including in parallel a first parasitic diode and provided between the plus line and an electric part; a second field-effect transistor including in parallel a second parasitic diode, the first and second field-effect transistors being connected in series in order from the plus line to the electric part; a third field-effect transistor including in parallel a third parasitic diode and provided between a minus line and the electric part; a failure diagnosis switch unit; and a switch control unit, wherein the switch control unit diagnoses a failure of the second field-effect transistor based on the voltage between the first and second field-effect transistors responsive to switching between conduction and shutoff of the second field-effect transistor in a state that the first and third field-effect transistors are shut off and the failure diagnosis switch unit is brought into conduction.

Abstract: The actuation circuit for an actuator (10) includes an energy store (11) arranged near the actuator (10). The energy store (11) is configured such that it instantaneously discharges in response to a trigger signal, wherein the discharge current or voltage is limited to that amount which is required to operate the actuator (10). This ensures rapid response of the actuator (10) without an overshoot of the discharge energy occurring.

Abstract: A circuit and system is disclosed for driving one or more inductive loads, or one or more electrical loads including one or more inductive components. A control computer is configured to selectively supply a boost voltage to the one or more inductive loads, and to controllably commutate energy stored in one or more of the inductive loads back to a rechargeable source of the boost voltage.

Abstract: A control system for the adjustment and calibration of electromagnetic devices, such as E-I core electromagnetic devices, using adaptive gain adjustment. A controller is provided with an input current and an output force and provides an output signal indicative of a force gain estimate, wherein the force gain estimate is the ratio of the output force to the input current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for allowing a plurality of network connectors to utilize a single network controller within a docking station or portable device. A switching device connects the plurality of network connectors with the network controller. By connecting the network connectors into the switching device, the docking station and the portable device require a single network controller to handle the network communication. The switching device enables the network controller to continue to operate without disrupting the portable device when the network connection is changed from the docking station to the portable device or vice versa. The method and apparatus are useful in reducing the complexity of the total system while increasing functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling of micromechanical elements. Especially the invention relates to the controlling of the micromechanical switches. According to a method for controlling at least one micromechanical element a first control signal and a second control signal are fed to the micromechanical element. The second control signal is arranged to set the micromechanical element to an active state and the first control signal is arranged to hold the micromechanical element in the active state. An arrangement for controlling at least one micromechanical element (402) contains at least means for generating at least a first control signal and a second control signal, means for raising a voltage level of at least the second control signal and means for feeding the first control signal and the second control signal with raised voltage level to the micromechanical element. By means of the invention lower voltage levels can be used in micromechanical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operation of an electro-magnet (2, 3) connected to an intrinsically safe direct current circuit which can be switched under control between two positions for the operation of the closing body of a hydraulic valve (5, 6), whereby using of an electronic control unit, the coil windings of the electro-magnet (2, 3) are taken in the pull-in phase of the armature of the electro-magnet to an exciting current and in the retaining phase of the armature to a lower retaining current as opposed to the excitating current, and a device with which the retaining current reduction is realized.

Abstract: An arrangement for monioring multiple channel solenoid currents wherein a plurality of separately controllable solenoid coils are coupled commonly by a single current measurement element to one side of a current supply.

Abstract: Characteristics of micro electromechanical switches can be changed by applying a control signal which either changes one or more parameters of the micro electromechanical switches or which controls beam movement by feedback signals. It is thereby possible to change switching transient time, maximum switching frequency, power tolerance, and/or sensitivity (actuation voltage) of a micro electromechanical switch.

Abstract: A control method for an electromagnetic actuator for the control of a valve of an engine from an abutment condition, in which an actuator body actuating the valve and disposed to move between two electromagnets is maintained in abutment against a first excited electromagnet and against the action of at least one elastic body; in order to bring the actuator body into abutment against a second electromagnet, the first electromagnet is de-excited and the second electromagnet is then excited by means of excitation parameters, which are determined as a function of the measurement of the mean value of the disturbance force acting on the valve during the stage of de-excitation of the first electromagnet.

Abstract: A drive apparatus supplies electric power to a solenoid of an inductive load from a battery and a capacitor to improve response of the load. The drive apparatus comprises switches for switching between a first state where a negative side of the battery is connected to a positive side of the battery, and a second state where the negative side of the capacitor is connected to the negative side of the battery. When the load is in operation, the voltage applied to the solenoid is raised by the voltage of the battery as the first state, so that the current flowing into the solenoid rises sharply to improve response of the load. When the operation of the load is to be stopped, the electric power to the solenoid is interrupted, and the energy accumulated in the solenoid is recovered by the capacitor as the second state.

Abstract: A device for controlling the opening/closing operation of an electric switchgear in a power disribution network comprising a control unit, for controlling an electromagnetic actuator operatively connected to the movable contact of said switchgear. Said control unit includes first processing means for generating, based on predefined data, a first control signal which is indicative of the actual law of motion of said movable contact of the switchgear.

Abstract: A charge control circuit includes a switch circuit having an input node configured to receive a reference voltage at a selected voltage level and configured to respond to a charge signal to pre-charge the input node with a pulse charge at the selected voltage level. The switch circuit further includes a single switch configured to respond to an enable signal having a duration shorter than a mechanical time constant of a micro-electro mechanical device (MEM device) having a variable capacitor with first and second plates and wherein the single switch is coupled to the MEM device to apply the selected voltage level across first and second plates of a variable capacitor of the MEM device for the duration to thereby cause the pulse charge to accumulate on the variable capacitor.

Abstract: An actuator driving apparatus comprises the following. A start signal generator generates a start signal having a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the movable portion of an actuator. A rock detector detects rock of the movable portion. A drive timing signal generator generates a drive timing signal based on the output of the rock detector. A switch is connected to the start signal generator and drive timing signal generator for selectively transmitting their outputs to a section arranged in a subsequent stage. A drive signal generator generates a drive signal based on the output of the switch, and supplies it to the actuator. A superposition preventing section prevents a frequency component of a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency from being superposed upon the output of the rock detector. The apparatus performs driving according to the rocking state of the movable portion, by switching the switch.

Abstract: In a method for function monitoring of an electronic-mechanical position switch in which the wiper voltage of a potentiometer acted upon by an actuation tappet is evaluated in comparison to a threshold value in order to activate or deactivate electronic contacts, during first or second test intervals a microcontroller interrupts watchdog signals or contact-closing control signals and checks the state of the switching contacts. If the expected state transition of the switching contacts from the closed into the open state does not occur, then the control signals make the transition to the contact-opening signal level or the watchdog signals are discontinued.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement and method for controlling a bistable magnetic valve A circuit arrangement and also a method for controlling a bistable magnetic valve in which a magnetic valve is to be supplied with a pulse of electrical current in order to switch over the magnetic valve from a first stable state into a second stable state, comprises a power supply source to provide a supply voltage, a power supply device fed by the power supply source and able to be activated for the duration of the current pulse by an entered control signal (Enable) to create a coil current (I) flowing through the magnetic coil, with the coil current (I) being set to a setpoint, where changeover means are provided in order to reduce the setpoint of the coil current during the current pulse. This advantageously allows the power dissipation of the activation of bistable magnetic valves to be reduced.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use on a contactor is disclosed. The electronic circuit may be encased in a housing and mounted to a coil cover on the front of a contactor for applying control power to the coil for a selected time period to enable the contactor to change its state and be held in the changed state. Thereafter, the electronic circuit disconnects the supply to the coil thereby preventing coil burn out. The control power is only applied after initiation of an input signal from a switch and after a controller in the electronic circuit has slept for a first predetermined period of time so as not to register any bounce from the input signal. The electronic circuit may include an auxiliary contact status check for providing error free activation of the mechanically held contactor when changing state of the contactor. A contactor employing the electronic circuit of the present invention and a method of using the electronic circuit on a contactor are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data controller for controlling an electrostatically-controlled micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device having a variable operating characteristic based on control data. The data controller comprises a data comparator and an update circuit. The data comparator is configured to receive control data of a present update cycle, to compare the control data of the present update cycle to control data of a previous update cycle on which the variable operating characteristic of the MEMS device is presently based, and to provide an update signal having a first state when the control data of the present update cycle is substantially equal to the control data of the previous update cycle.

Abstract: In an operation circuit of an electromagnetic switching device when electric energy is discharged by discharge switches connected in series, respectively, to opening coils and closing coils, an induction current flowing in a direction opposite to a current of the coil of the excitation side is generated. The current flows through the coil on the non-excitation side due to magnetic coupling, and a magnetic flux necessary for driving is cancelled, thereby inhibiting generation of a driving force. The operation circuit includes first and second opening and closing coils, so that a moving element may be driven between those coils. This circuit, includes a circuit for suppressing an over-voltage at the moment of interrupting an excitation current of a first coil and for interrupting an induction current generated through the first coil at the time of exciting the second coil.

Abstract: A drive apparatus supplies electric power to a solenoid of an inductive load from a battery and a capacitor to improve response of the load. The drive apparatus comprises switches for switching between a first state where a negative side of the battery is connected to a positive side of the battery, and a second state where the negative side of the capacitor is connected to the negative side of the battery. When the load is in operation, the voltage applied to the solenoid is raised by the voltage of the battery as the first state, so that the current flowing into the solenoid rises sharply to improve response of the load. When the operation of the load is to be stopped, the electric power to the solenoid is interrupted, and the energy accumulated in the solenoid is recovered by the capacitor as the second state.

Abstract: A high power static electromagnetic device with a flux path, a main winding and one or more regulation windings surrounding portions of the flux path. A control device is coupled to the flux path for selectively admitting the flux therein. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple flux paths are selectively turned on and off for including and excluding the regulation windings from the circuit. The windings may be formed of a magnetically permeable, field-confining insulating cable.

Abstract: A period adjustment circuit of disconnection and restart IC comprises a second capacitor, which is connected to a resistor and a transistor connected in parallel. One end of the resistor is connected between the disconnection and restart IC and the first capacitor. When lockup of a fan motor occurs, in addition that an IC current source charges the first capacitor, the second capacitor also charges the first capacitor via the resistor until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a disconnection voltage. The IC then enters into the disconnection state, and the voltages of the two capacitors are equal so that the second capacitor no longer charges the first capacitor. Next, the IC current source simultaneously charges the first and second capacitors until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a system reset voltage. The first capacitor is then discharged to a restart voltage by the IC.

Abstract: A trip system for an electrical switch comprises first and second magnetic circuits are formed by a yoke and an armature. The second magnetic circuit has a magnetic resistance in a first position of the armature, which resistance is higher than that of the first magnetic circuit and increases in the movement of the armature from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A circuitry configuration for an electromagnetic regeneration valve actuatable by pulse-width modulation for venting the tank of a motor vehicle is described, having a power source for supplying the solenoid of the regeneration valve with electricity, a control unit for generating pulse-width-modulated signals and a switching device via which the solenoid is able to receive the pulse-width-modulated signals of the control unit. Means are provided for suppressing high induced voltages at the solenoid. This measure considerably reduces the noise generation during operation of the regeneration valve, both in pulsed and in proportional mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic control using a circuit that includes a damper capacitor. The method includes substantially discharging the damper capacitor and enabling operation of the electronic control when the damper capacitor is substantially discharged.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of ensuring reliable holding of a valve by an actuator, and attaining energy saving by efficient operation of the actuator. The valve timing control system controls valve-closing timing of a valve opened by a cam provided on a camshaft, by temporarily holding the valve. A response delay of the actuator is predicted as a response delay prediction value. Output timing is set in which a drive signal for driving the actuator is output, according to the predicted response delay prediction value. Holding timing is controlled in which the valve is held by the actuator, by outputting the drive signal to the actuator, based on the set output timing.

Abstract: A protecting device for electrical appliances, connected in series with an AC electric circuit of a power supply of the electrical appliance, having an electrically conductive winding, the winding comprising an ohmic resistance for restricting input currents, as well as an interruption function, and a coil form onto which the winding is applied in at least one winding layer, characterized in that the electrically conductive winding is a bifilar winding.

Abstract: A controller for an electromagnetic actuator comprises a pair of spring acting in opposite directions, and an armature coupled to a mechanical element. The armature is connected to the springs and held in a neutral position given by the springs when the actuator is not activated. The actuator includes a pair of electromagnets for driving the armature between two end positions. The controller includes voltage application means for applying voltage to an electromagnet providing one end position for a first predetermined period so as to attract the armature to the end position. The controller also includes a peak current detector for detecting the peak of current flowing through the electromagnet in the first predetermined period. In accordance with the peak value, a decision means decides the application period of voltage that is to be applied to the electromagnet after the first application period has elapsed.

Abstract: Method for piloting electromagnetic actuators for the control of the valves of an engine; each electromagnetic actuator is provided with at least one respective electromagnet, which is piloted by a common piloting device by means of the supply of an electric current wave which has two, initial and end control portions in which the intensity of the electric current varies rapidly and an intermediate maintenance portion in which the intensity of the electric current remains substantially constant; the method consists of supplying respective electric current waves cyclically to the electromagnets in order to control the valves according to the drive point, and to vary at a control portion of each wave the value of the intensity of the electric current supplied during the portions of maintenance of the other waves in order to limit the variation of the quantity of electric charge distributed overall by the piloting device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic mark device for any type of magnetism encoder applies the electric current magnetic field as the electromagnetic mark thereof. The electromagnetic mark device comprises an insulated base plate and a thin lead wire. The thin lead wire is fixed to the insulated base plate. It is characterized in that the thin lead wire is laid out on the base plate as a circuit in a way of providing a continuously twisted and turned shape with a constant pitch. Hence, alternate magnetic marks are formed with continuous magnetic poles N·S·N·S once the current passes the lead wire. The electromagnetic mark device can be adapted to a linear ruler or a rotary dial in the magnetism encoder to detect a relative displacement, velocity and angular velocity of a moving object so that the present invention can offer more stable signals and more accurate detection of location with being fabricated more easily.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a microcomputer in which an angle calculator calculates the electrical angle of a motor using output signals from a rotation angle sensor. In the microcomputer, a control signal generator generates a coded control signal that indicates the range to which the calculated electrical angle belongs. In the monitoring system, the electrical angle detected by the rotation angle sensor is multiplied by an excitation signal provided for the rotation angle sensor, and an angle detector detects the resultant signals. Based on the detected signals, a supervisory signal generator outputs a coded supervisory signal that indicates the range to which the electrical angle detected by the rotation angle sensor belongs. Then a fault detector determines that a failure occurs in the microcomputer, if a comparator determines that the coded control signal disagrees with the coded supervisory signal.

Abstract: The marking device according to this invention comprises:

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for effecting an electronic drive control of a drive coil of a protection system using an electronic device which comprises a microcontroller. The aim of the invention is to increase the serviceable life of a protection system. To this end, the invention uses a randomly selected and constantly changing delay time (tx) that occurs after a time (t2, t3) at which the supply voltage is established on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for controlling electromagnetic actuators for operating induction and exhaust valves in internal combustion engines where one actuator, connected to a control unit, is coupled to a respective valve having a real position and includes a movable element magnetically driven by means of a resultant force to control the movement of the said valve between a closure position and a fully open position; the control unit is further connected to a piloting unit and includes a supervision block, an open loop control block, a closed loop control block and a selector block commanded by a switching signal generated by the supervision block. The method includes the steps of: operating in an open loop control mode of the real position; operating in a closed loop control mode of the real position; and alternatively selecting the open loop control mode and the closed loop control mode.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-induction coupling apparatus adapted for use as a feeder system for supplying electric power to a spherical semiconductor (10) having a coil (11) on the surface thereof by electromagnetic-induction coupling by means of the coil and/or a data communication system for transferring information signals to and from the spherical semiconductor through the coil. The apparatus comprises a coil array (22) including a plurality of coil elements (21) symmetrically two-dimensionally arranged in the longitudinal and transverse directions, for example, on a given plane, and a magnetic field control element (24) for controlling the respective polarities and phases of magnetic fields generated by means of the individual coil elements of the coil array, thereby changing the respective directions of magnetic fields in a region near the coil array to which the spherical semiconductor is guided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) has a current carrying bimetallic element (18) which bends upon self-heating and upon being subjected to a selected overload current transfers motion to a connecting plate (32) which displaces a latch surface (42b) from a catch (34a) of a bell crank mechanism (34) allowing a spring biased operating member (28) to move movable contact means (12) out of contact engagement with stationary contact means (14) thereby tripping the circuit breaker. An arc sensing circuit (52) is coupled to the load circuit and upon sensing selected arcs causes an arc responsive actuator (56, 62) to be energized to transfer motion to the latch (42) to trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A device for increasing the closing force of an AC powered contact in a circuit having a low-voltage AC source and a switch in a structure of the type used for activating electric devices by means of a low voltage such as heating pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators. In order to improve the closing force, a half-wave rectifier operates on the AC voltage to provide an output to energize the contactor. The closing force when the contactor receives the half-wave rectified voltage exceeds a force generated by the contactor when it receives an unrectified low-voltage alternating current of the same voltage and frequency value. The resulting improved closing force is accompanied by an improvement in the life time of the electromagnetic contactor and a decrease in the resistance of the electrical flow through the contactor.

Abstract: A device which triggers off a drive mechanism (6) when an error occurs is provided in order to detect an error in a high voltage surge diverter. The drive mechanism (6) is triggered by an electrical signal. The electrical signal is produced according to the current which flows in the leakage path of the high voltage surge diverter. The inventive device can be, for instance, embodied as a high voltage surge diverter disconnecting device or as a failure signal device for high voltage surge diverters.