Including Means For Using, Or Compensating For, The Induced Emf Of The Electromagnetic Device Patents (Class 361/159)
  • Patent number: 11615904
    Abstract: An electropermanent magnet array is provided. The electropermanent magnet array includes one or more of a plurality of electropermanent magnets, arranged in a parallel fashion, a plurality of switching circuits, each switching circuit coupled to a different electropermanent magnet of the plurality of electropermanent magnets, and a control circuit, coupled to the plurality of switching circuits. The control circuit is configured to receive commands to control the plurality of switching circuits to demagnetize the plurality of electropermanent magnets, magnetize the plurality of electropermanent magnets to produce a first magnetic field with a strength and an attraction distance and magnetize the plurality of electropermanent magnets to produce a second magnetic field with a lower strength and greater attraction distance than the first magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Andreas Jochum
  • Patent number: 11342835
    Abstract: A circuit for providing input surge protection in a digital input module, the circuit comprising a surge protection input stage, including a bridge rectifier coupled to receive the bidirectional input signal, and coupled to the unidirectional input of the digital input module. The bridge rectifier comprises TVS rectifiers TVS1 and TVS2, and diode rectifiers D2 and D3, intercoupled in a bridge rectifier configuration in which: TVS1 and TVS4 are transient voltage suppression diodes; and rectifiers D2 and D3 are rectifier diodes. Diodes TVS1 and TVS4 can be implemented as either respective unidirectional TVS diodes; or a single bidirectional TVS diode. The digital input module can be a digital input receiver, or a opto-isolator/coupler, or other digital input module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yihuang Lin, Abhijeeth Aarey Premanath, Anant Shankar Kamath
  • Patent number: 10837392
    Abstract: An injection control device controls a solenoid in a fuel injection valve. The injection control device includes a transistor on an upstream side of a first power supply path to the solenoid and a transistor on an upstream side of a second power supply path to the solenoid. The injection control device has another transistor with a body diode arranged in parallel at a position on the first power supply path between the first transistor and an upstream terminal of the solenoid. The injection control device also includes a transistor on the downstream side of the first and second power supply paths. A drive controller in the injection control device drives the solenoid to an open position by switching ON the transistor on the downstream side and the transistor on the upstream side of the first power supply path or the transistor on the upstream side of the second power supply path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Inaba, Noboru Nagase, Taichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10111805
    Abstract: A device for face for forming a relatively high potential difference between power terminals of different polarities without a voltage booster circuit to make a lot of current flow through human skin such that function of iontophoresis may be remarkably improved and simultaneously for driving electrically-driven modules of a mask individually without an external power supply to stimulate entirely or partially. The massage device for face includes a mask including an accommodation formed therein and a terminal exposing hole of a terminal for making current to human skin, and at least one electrically-driven module accommodated in the accommodation of the mask, exposing two terminals of different polarities to the outside through the terminal exposing hole, a driving unit having a rotary shaft and a coil wrapping the rotary shaft, and increasing a potential difference between the two terminals using an induced electromotive force of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Changman Park, Changkeun Lee, Taehong Shin, Seunghwan Yi, Cheonghwan Hwang, Wooram Park, Taekjin Oh, Byungyoung Kang, Myeong Hun Yeom, Gayoung Cho
  • Patent number: 9515551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch relay device, and more particularly, to a switch relay device which is used as an electronic relay that drives electronic components mounted on an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DAESUNG ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Won Ho Lee, Jong Sub Na, Dong Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9014639
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of notifying a user of a smartphone event through use of an energizable ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the smartphone may be paired with a specified ophthalmic lens, wherein the pairing may limit wireless communication to communication between the two specified devices. The smartphone may transmit smartphone event data, which may activate an indicator in the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the user may respond to the notification of the smartphone event. The response may trigger an internal action within the ophthalmic lens, or the response may be transmitted to the smartphone, triggering an action in the smartphone. The present invention further describes a method of using an ophthalmic lens with a smartphone event indicator, including methods of pairing an ophthalmic lens with the specified smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Camille A. Higham
  • Publication number: 20150085419
    Abstract: A magnetic element control device of the present invention includes an excitation signal generation unit that generates an alternating signal, an excitation signal adjustment unit that generates an alternating voltage signal from the alternating signal, and generates an excitation signal which is applied to an exciting coil on the basis of the alternating voltage signal, a detection signal comparison unit that detects a detection signal of a positive voltage or a negative voltage which is generated by an induced electromotive force when a current direction of the excitation signal switches, and a feedback signal adjustment unit that generates a feedback signal for applying a magnetic field, cancelling a stationary magnetic field which is applied to a magnetic element from voltage information, to a feedback coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi OIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8378523
    Abstract: Techniques for wireless power transmission. An antenna has a part that amplifies a flux to make the antenna have a larger effective size than its actual size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Nigel Cook, Hanspeter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Stephen Dominiak
  • Publication number: 20120327548
    Abstract: A magnetization apparatus includes a power supply unit, an energy storage element and a voltage clamp unit. The power supply unit generates at least one exciting signal to excite at least a coil of a magnetic field generating apparatus. The voltage clamp unit has a clamping voltage. The voltage level of the clamp voltage is higher than the voltage level of the exciting signal, and lower than the rated voltage of the energy storage element. When the exciting signal turns to a low voltage level, the voltage clamp unit controls the voltage level of the energy storage element to be less than or equal to the voltage level of the clamp voltage. This configuration with the voltage clamp unit can extend the lifetime of the energy storage element and reduce the energy loss to enhance the efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ray-Lee LIN, Tsu-Hua Al, Jia-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8183806
    Abstract: A back EMF signal from PWM driven motor is passed through an attenuation circuit. The attenuation circuit has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation, used to sample a higher voltage back EMF signal during PWM on-time, applies the back EMF signal to a resistive divider formed of a first resistor and second resistor connected in series. The second mode of operation, used to sample a lower voltage back EMF signal during PWM off-time, applies the back EMF signal to a circuit comprised of a transistor conduction path in series with the second resistor. A control signal, responsive PWM on-time and off-time state, controls switching between the first and second modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis C. Nolan
  • Patent number: 8116059
    Abstract: A system and method for quickly discharging an AC relay is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a circuit for discharging a relay coil a relay, the circuit including relay circuitry having a relay coil disposed across a rectifier circuit, wherein the relay coil is configured to actuate at least one load switch when sufficiently energized, relay release circuitry including suppression circuitry coupled across the relay coil, and isolation circuitry in series between the relay coil and the rectifier circuit, and control circuitry configured to provide a voltage to the rectifier circuit to energize the relay coil, wherein the isolation circuitry is configured to isolate the relay coil and suppression circuitry based on a signal from the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Leach International Corporation
    Inventor: Malcolm J. Critchley
  • Patent number: 8022657
    Abstract: A control circuit for a washing machine that avoids contact bounce short circuit failures is provided. A washing machine that utilizes an induction motor including a starting winding used to start rotation of the motor at the beginning of a cycle. Such washing machines require that the motor be operated in both directions during different cycles. To enable such operation, a mechanical timer uses a pair of single pole, double throw switches in a switching assembly to reverse the L1 and neutral connections to the starter winding. To avoid the contact shorting problem, the control wiring runs either the L1 or neutral side of the voltage source, or both, through the centrifugal switch to open the input contact(s) once the motor has reached its operating speed. Then, if the switching assembly has L1 and N contacts touching at the same time, it will not result in a dead short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Richard Louis Elkin
  • Patent number: 7927326
    Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device includes a pump motor that is driven by electrical energy from a storage capacitor. At the end of each pump delivery cycle, electrical energy stored in the pump motor is recovered and returned to the storage capacitor, so that it can be used in subsequent delivery cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Sarkinen, James M. Haase, Ronald L. Mezera, Christian Peclat
  • Patent number: 7742272
    Abstract: It is realized to efficiently energize a lifting magnet device, and reduce the devices used in an energization system of the lifting magnet device in size, energy consumption, and noise as well. Other than a lifting magnet device 8, the handling machine includes an engine 1 and an electric generator 5, which form a power source; a storage battery 20 for storing electric energy from the power source; and a generator motor (or a drive source for a driven body) 18 for driving an upper rotary body in which regenerative electric energy can be produced. The power source and the storage battery 20 are connected to be capable of supplying electric energy to the lifting magnet device 8. The generator motor 18 for driving the upper rotary body is connected to be capable of supplying its own regenerative electric energy to the storage battery 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo (SHI) Construction Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kubo, Kiminori Sano, Hiroshi Ishiyama, Tadao Komoriya
  • Patent number: 7701690
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for suppressing load transients in radio frequency power amplifier switching power supplies. A power supply control circuit is provided that includes a switcher circuit and a low drop out circuit. Load transients are suppressed by generating a preload control signal that activates an active current source either in the switcher circuit or in the low drop out circuit. The active current source counteracts a decrease in the switcher operating voltage when a load transient is present. Load transients are also suppressed by generating a step control signal that activates a transistor in a feedback resistor divider network in the switcher circuit to increase the switcher operating voltage during a load transient. The preload and step control signals are reset when the load transient has ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Yushan Li, Arthur J. Zirger
  • Patent number: 7696648
    Abstract: A control unit of an electric power supply system causes, responsive to a closing command signal, a switch corresponding to R phase to be thrown at a timing when a stationary magnetic flux and a residual magnetic flux of R phase are coincident with each other and then subsequently causes other switches corresponding to S phase and T phase to be thrown at a timing which is delayed from a zero point of an alternating voltage of R phase by a predetermined phase angle of 0-30 degrees, such that the difference of the stationary magnetic flux and the residual magnetic flux of each of S phase and T phase is minimum. Therefore, an exciting incoming current which flows into a three-phase transformer at a time of throwing a three-phase breaker provided with interpole capacitors can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Kinoshita, Kenji Kamei, Tomohito Mori, Hiroki Ito
  • Patent number: 7656682
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction device may include a circuit and at least one heatsink. The circuit may include analog devices coupled to reduce EMI signals received by the heatsink. The devices may be specifically adapted to substantially invert or phase-shift by 180° the EMI signals received by the heatsink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20090219662
    Abstract: A switching device having a magnetic release includes a yoke having a U-shaped first section that includes a first limb having an opening in the form of a slot open towards a free end of the first limb, a second limb disposed parallel to the first limb, and a web connecting the first and second limbs. The switching device also includes a coil including a coil former, a coil winding and an armature disposed between the first and second limbs, wherein the coil is insertable into the slot towards the web and the armature extends through the slot. A restraint spring is connected at a free end of the armature and disposed outside the first limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Ralf Mueller, Frank Hustert, Ralph Burckhardt, Guido Niewoehner, Hans-Peter Weyand
  • Publication number: 20090201620
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field energy recycling circuit recovers energy from collapsing magnetic fields, stores recovered energy as charge on a capacitance, and subsequently re-uses stored recovered energy to establish a magnetic field. Capacitance and inductance are sequentially connected in various configurations to recycle the energy by a discontinuous resonant energy transfer. In a magnetizing configuration, a magnetic field is established by transfer of energy from a capacitance to an inductance. In a recovery configuration, a capacitance is charged with energy recovered from the inductance on collapse of the magnetic field. In a third configuration, recovered energy stored by the capacitance is held until required for establishing a magnetic field. During magnetizing, the capacitance voltage drops by at least 50%: preferably to zero. During recovery, current flowing in the inductance falls to zero. The circuit drives electromagnetic devices, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Restech Limited
    Inventors: Ashley James Gray, Neville Roy Samuel Illsley
  • Patent number: 7564662
    Abstract: A method for protecting against current overload conditions associated with an electromagnetic lift system comprises receiving current data from a current monitoring device associated with an electromagnetic lift system. The method also includes determining a current level based on the collected current data, and identifying a predetermined overload range corresponding to the current level if the current level exceeds an overload current threshold. The method also includes monitoring a time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range, and providing a command signal to an actuator associated with the electromagnetic lift system if the time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range exceeds a predetermined time limit. The command signal causes the actuator to substantially limit mechanical power provided to a generator associated with the electromagnetic lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Zhang, Timothy Lynn Cooper, James Ivan Portscheller, Naga Raja Rao Mosam, Michael Lee Ferguson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7559311
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve device is provided which includes a valve, a solenoid actuator designed to be supplied with electric power from a battery to operate on voltage substantially identical with that outputted from the battery to move the valve, and a controller working to energize said solenoid actuator. Prior to entering a main energization mode to energize the solenoid actuator to open or close the valve, the controller works to supply a low current to the solenoid actuator to create magnetic field therein to assist in energizing the solenoid actuator in the main energization mode quickly at a high speed. The controller may alternatively be designed to step-up the voltage to be applied to the solenoid actuator initially prior to entering the main energization mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kensuke Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090046407
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cascade EMP protection circuit, which comprises an LEMP protection circuit and a fast-response protection circuit, wherein a capacitive reactance varactor element is cascaded to the path of signal transmission. Thereby, the present invention can protect electronic devices against LEMP or EMP released by an electronic weapon (NEMP, HEMP, or PEMP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Liann-Be Chang, Jiun-Yuh Chen
  • Patent number: 7433171
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the fast dissipation of the stored magnetic energy in an inductive load controlled by a first switch, comprising a high voltage-drop energy dissipation path disposed across the first switch and a second switch by which a constant-voltage diode drop path across the load can be selectively opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Vincent, Peter J. Knight
  • Patent number: 7405918
    Abstract: A method is provide for controlling an inductive load device (ILD). The method includes providing a voltage potential across ILD and disabling a flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when a voltage across a sensing device rises to substantially equal an upper threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device rises is a function of resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD. The method additionally includes enabling the flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when the voltage across the sensing device decays to substantially equal a lower threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device decays is a function of the resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P Cuplin
  • Patent number: 7336470
    Abstract: A solenoid (30) has one end connected to the ground G and the other end connected to an N-MOS transistor (33) which applies current from a battery (31) to the solenoid (30). On the other hand, regenerative current generated when the N-MOS transistor turns off flows from a diode (34) whose anode is connected to the ground, via a resistor (32) to the solenoid (30). Accordingly, without connecting the anode of the diode (34) to the solenoid (30) using a lead line, the solenoid (30) can be driven by current. Moreover, since the current flowing from the battery (31) to the solenoid (30) does not flow to the resistor (32), heating is reduced and a solenoid drive apparatus can be made in an IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyokatsu Satoh
  • Publication number: 20070285867
    Abstract: A current limiting fuse with a resistance element connected in series with a currently limiting fuse element, and systems and methods therefore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Frank John Muench
  • Patent number: 7306196
    Abstract: The electromagnet includes a valve-opening side coil portion supplied with a current to thereby generate a first magnetic flux and generate electromagnetic force in a direction moving the valve-opening side moving element toward a valve-opening position, and a valve-closing side coil portion supplied with a current to thereby generate a second magnetic flux and generate electromagnetic force in a direction moving the valve-closing side moving element toward the valve-closing position. The valve-opening side coil portion and the valve-closing side coil portion are constituted of an identical connection. The electromagnet further has a sub-coil constituted of a separate connection from the valve-opening side coil portion and the valve-closing side coil portion. By the current supply to the sub-coil, a third magnetic flux reducing at least one of the first magnetic flux and the second magnetic flux is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoharu Nakamura, Yutaka Sugie
  • Patent number: 7265953
    Abstract: A power supply boost control device and a fault location identification and judgment method for the power supply boost control device of this invention comprise a step of judging whether a power supply relay has a turn-on fault, a precharge circuit has a turn-on fault, or the power supply relay has a turn-on fault; second judgment unit is comprised for judging whether a boosting prohibit function is faulty, or the precharge circuit has a turn-off fault, or the precharge circuit has a turn-off fault; and third judgment unit is comprised for judging, based on the judgment result of the first voltage judgment unit, whether or not the power supply relay has a turn-off fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuharu Hourai, Kenichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7245471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an energized inductive device such as an electromagnet from an open circuit, i.e., the loss of the power source for the inductive device. A diode is connected across terminals of the inductive device such that when the inductive device is normally energized, the diode is reversed-biased. A spark gap enclosed in a housing is connected in series with the diode. An inert gas fills the housing. A resistance in the form of one or more resistors is in series with both the diode and the spark gap. Upon the sudden loss of supply to the energized device, the diode, the resistance and the spark gap form a path for the discharge of energy from the inductive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Edw. C. Levy Co.
    Inventors: Michael Pollock, Fred Kahl
  • Patent number: 7164570
    Abstract: An excitation control circuit for suitably exciting a solenoid while current consumption and heating are effectively reduced. The control circuit has a driving circuit for driving a coil of a solenoid in response to a pulse signal supplied from an external device; a counter-electromotive force absorbing circuit, inserted in a path of a return current of the coil, for absorbing counter-electromotive force produced by the coil; and a return current circuit, connected in parallel to the counter-electromotive force absorbing circuit, for intermittently bypassing the return current. The return current circuit may have a field effect transistor switched on according to a signal for defining the timing of bypassing the return current, where the current path of the transistor is connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuharu Hourai
  • Patent number: 7158360
    Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit includes a control circuit which comprises a detector with a resistor for discerning current flow therethrough to produce electric signals that correspond to level of current flow through a solenoid connected to the resistor; an amplifier for amplifying the electric signals from the resistor; and an integrator for integrating the amplified output from the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyokatsu Satoh, Masaki Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 7079345
    Abstract: Demagnetizing magnetic media for recording data in a data storage device includes placing the magnetic media in a magnetic field at a first strength, and gradually reducing the magnetic field to a second strength to essentially eliminate net magnetization in the magnetic media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventors: Hai Chi Nguy, Steven Lambert, Steven Marshall, George H. Bellesis
  • Patent number: 6971346
    Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and plural valve actuator subsystems coupled between the first voltage source and the second voltage source. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch. One of the actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the first voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the second voltage source. Another of the valve actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the second voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the first voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 6948461
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine provide valve actuation that selectively couples an energy storage device to a launching coil to recover energy stored in the magnetic field and valve spring of the launching coil, decouples the energy storage device during a valve opening or closing event to control energy supplied to the catching coil, and couples the energy storage device to the catching coil to transfer energy from the storage device to the catching coil to provide a repeatable soft landing. A nonlinear feedback controller incorporates a feedforward system with an observer to control the rate of energy into the magnetic field of the catching coil while compensating for system losses and work to overcome gas forces within the combustion chamber. Feedback linearization techniques improve stability of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Allan J. Kotwicki
  • Publication number: 20040227611
    Abstract: An over-current protection apparatus with high voltage endurance comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a ceramic current-sensitive layer, where both the first and second electrode layers are continuous and uniform to enhance electrical and thermal conductivities thereof. The ceramic current-sensitive layer is sandwiched between the first and second electrode layers, and is essentially composed of basic matrix, dopants, conductors and sintering material. The resistance of the over-current protection apparatus with high voltage endurance is less than 10 ohms before being tripped, and the resistance-jumping ratio is less than 1.3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Edward F. Chu, Yun-Ching Ma, Tong-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 6771480
    Abstract: A apparatus for controlling an actuator including, an integrator circuit to generate an integrated signal to be represented by a back EMF voltage, a amount circuit to generate a amount signal to indicate the amount to raise or lower the integrated voltage, a direction circuit to generate a direction signal to raise or lower the back EMF voltage, a comparator circuit to compare said integrated voltage with the back EMF voltage, and a switch circuit to add and subtract the amount signal with the integrated voltage in accordance with the direction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Joao Carlos F. Brito
  • Patent number: 6735069
    Abstract: A solenoid driver circuit includes an idling control portion for applying a very low voltage less than an activation threshold value to a solenoid from a switching circuit; a computing portion for computing the resistance value of the solenoid with the current value flowing through the solenoid and the applied voltage; and a constant-current control portion for maintaining the current flowing through the solenoid constant regardless of the temperature of the winding of the solenoid by controlling the output voltage from the switching circuit according to the resistance value. When the solenoid is activated, the supplied current is controlled constant irrespective of the temperature of the winding of the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ehara
  • Patent number: 6657845
    Abstract: A series circuit including a diode for refluxing and a capacitor is connected in parallel to a solenoid coil, and a light-emitting diode is connected in parallel to the capacitor. A negative voltage appearing across the solenoid coil because of an induced electromotive force generated in the solenoid coil can be attenuated and a fall time of current flowing into the solenoid coil can be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Control Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kanomata, Teruya Sawada, Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6657844
    Abstract: A drive control circuit for an electromagnetic driving device includes a magnet and a drive coil, which moves due to an electromagnetic force when an electrical current flows therethrough. The drive control circuit may include (1) a drive circuit that feeds an electrical current to the drive coil, the drive circuit including at least one voltage source, and (2) a short-circuit system that short-circuits the drive coil. The short-circuit system releases the short-circuited condition of the drive coil in accordance with an output voltage of the at least one voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Iwazaki
  • Publication number: 20030130764
    Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve assembly (28) has a first solenoid (58) and a second solenoid (60). An armature (56) having a valve stem (54) coupled thereto is positioned between the first solenoid (58) and second solenoid (60). A controller (12) is coupled to the first solenoid (58), the second solenoid (60). A current sensor (49) is coupled to the first solenoid and generated a signal corresponding to the induced current in the first solenoid. The controller (12) changes a voltage applied to the first solenoid from a first polarity to a second polarity. The controller (12) is further configured to hold the voltage at the second polarity for a predetermined time period and a predetermined amplitude to decrease the induced current. The predetermined time period or the predetermined amplitude is determined based on the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Mohammad Haghgooie, Thomas William Megli, Yan Wang
  • Publication number: 20030063426
    Abstract: An optical device having an optical microsphere. Resonant electromagnetic radiation is trapped in the microsphere and manipulated with externally applied electric and magnetic fields to control polarization components of the excited energy within the microsphere. The optical microsphere can be used as a signal inverter. In the single photon regime, the optical microsphere can be used as a mechanism for entangling qubit states coded by the polarization states of whispering gallery modes excited in the microsphere. Furthermore, the device can be used as a switch for the absorption or reflection of photons in response to control photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: D-Wave Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Yu Smirnov, Sergey Rashkeev, Alexandre M. Zagoskin, Jeremy P. Hilton
  • Patent number: 6507283
    Abstract: A self-validating output module in a control system includes a current detector and an operating component having at least two states. When the operating component is in the first state, current is directed away from a current detector and toward a load. When it is in its second state, current is directed toward the current detector and away from the load. The presence or absence of current on the current detector is thus a status signal indicative of whether or not current is being supplied to the load. This status signal is then made available to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventor: James Calvin
  • Patent number: 6493203
    Abstract: A phase control switch apparatus incorporating a phase-based break/make controller (80A, 80B, 80C) for protecting a reactive load such as a transformer (10) from transient surge phenomena taking place upon power-supply breaking/making operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Ito, Masaki Hiratsuka, Haruhiko Kohyama
  • Patent number: 6493244
    Abstract: A massive choke coil [e.g. exceeding about three henries, with at least a thousand turns and a relatively low internal resistance of about eleven ohms] placed in parallel with the A/C line, that is, preferably across the A/C line's “hot” and “common” lines, quenching the reflected signal (or back emf) that is developed when any power amplifier or other load places its demands upon the incoming A/C power line. Due to its electromagnetic characteristics, the choke tends to provide a momentary high current source of energy when needed by, e.g., a power amplifier (or other appropriate load) when transient demand is called for. The parallel choke approach tends to have a reversing effect on this signal, at least substantially reducing its presence on the A/C line, providing a greatly enhanced A/C power line signal quality, without which the otherwise untreated signals are able to modulate the A/C line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Richard Gray's Power Co. (A La. Limited Liability Co.)
    Inventor: Richard Gray
  • Patent number: 6438250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing process of an electrical conductor or circuit compensated for radio interferences, including those from the electrical circuit itself. An application of a semi-conductor material (2) of resistivity coefficient allowing the external surface of the conductor (1) to the electrical circuit to be maintained at a static electrical potential near to that of the conductor (1) and the random electrical discharge currents to be absorbed is made to eliminate the interface micro-discharge interference phenomena. Application in the field of HiFi, home automation, instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Electricite de France, Service National
    Inventor: Pierre Johannet
  • Patent number: 6323564
    Abstract: A circuit configuration with reduced EMC radiation in a motor vehicle includes a semiconductor switch with a load section which is connected, on one hand, through a first supply line to a positive battery terminal and, on the other hand, through a second supply line to a load and a freewheeling diode. A device for pulse-width modulation controls the semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch and the freewheeling diode are disposed as close as possible to the battery terminal, so that supply leads from the battery to the semiconductor switch and the freewheeling diode are shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alfons Graf
  • Patent number: 6198643
    Abstract: A choke coil [e.g exceeding about three (3) henries] placed in parallel with the A/C line, that is, preferably across the A/C line's “hot” and “common” lines, quenching the reflected signal (or back emf) that is developed when any power amplifier or other load places it's demands upon the incoming A/C power line. Due to its electromagnetic characteristics, the choke tends to provide a momentary high current source of energy when needed by, e.g., a power amplifier (or other appropriate load) when transient demand is called for. The invention's parallel choke approach, due to the fact that it must be magnetically charged by electricity [either from the A/C line or back electromotive force (emf) from it's load] tends to have a reversing effect on this signal, preventing, eliminating or at least substantially reducing it's presence on the A/C line, thereby providing a greatly enhanced A/C power line signal quality for the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Audio Line Source, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Gray
  • Patent number: 6175484
    Abstract: A circuit configuration wherein a plurality of solenoid driver circuits are all coupled together such that the high voltage supply associated with one driver circuit is connected in parallel with the high voltage supply of another driver circuit. Each driver circuit includes a high voltage select switch, a select switch, and a modulation switch, all of which switches are coupled to and controlled by an electronic controller such that back EMF created by the solenoid coil in each respective driver circuit can be recaptured by charging the high voltage supply associated with that driver circuit. This recaptured energy can then be utilized to not only provide current flow to the solenoid coil associated with that particular driver circuit, but such energy can likewise be utilized to recharge any plurality of the other high voltage supplies associated with the other driver circuits, even while the solenoid coils of such driver circuits are being powered by their respective high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Caruthers, Errol W. Davis, Chien C. Lee, William J. Love
  • Patent number: 6157095
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the current through an inductive load powered by a unipolar power source. The current through the inductive load is controlled by three electronic switches and a subcircuit. The switches provide three different voltage levels across the inductive load. The closing of the first switch supplies positive voltage across the load, thereby increasing the load current. Opening of the first switch and closing of the third switch disconnects the power source from the load and short circuits the inductive load resulting in zero voltage across the load. Opening of the third and first switches directs the inductive current through the subcircuit, developing a negative voltage across the load and thereby rapidly decreasing the inductive current. By controlling the load voltage between a positive and zero voltage and between a negative and zero voltage, the load current is changed quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Sekhar Namuduri
  • Patent number: 6140717
    Abstract: A method and device for switching an inductor are described. A first terminal of the inductor may be connected to ground via a first switching device. A second terminal of the inductor is always connected to a voltage power supply. A second inductor may be connected to ground via a second switching device. The energy released in the second inductor when the current flow is interrupted is used to switch the first inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Fischer, Birte Luebbert, Viktor Kahr, Traugott Degler, Hubert Greif, Stephan Jonas