Abstract: Multi-winding magnetic structures and methods of making multi-winding magnetic structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-winding magnetic structure includes a core constructed of a magnetic material and a plurality of windings. The core includes a core top, a core bottom, and a plurality of columns. The core top has an exterior edge defining a shape of the core top. A central section of the core top has a substantially constant thickness that defines a thickness of the core top. The core bottom is beneath the core top and has an exterior edge defining a shape of the core bottom. A central section of the core bottom has a substantially constant thickness that defines a thickness of the core bottom. The thickness of one of the core bottom and the core top decreases from an edge of its central section to its exterior edge. The plurality of columns extends from the core bottom to the core top and the plurality of windings are wound around the columns.

Abstract: Multi-level power converters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-level power converter includes an input for receiving an input voltage and a converter output for providing a variable output voltage. The multi-level power converter includes a plurality of switching circuits. Each switching circuit is connected to the input in parallel with each other switching circuit. Each switching circuit includes an output. Each switching circuit is selectively operable to couple its output to the input voltage or a reference voltage. The multi-level power converter includes a parallel multi-winding autotransformer (PMA). The PMA includes a plurality of windings and a magnetic core having a plurality of magnetically connected columns. Each winding is positioned around a different one of the columns and has a beginning and an end. The output of each switching circuit is coupled to the beginning of a different winding. The end of each winding is connected to the converter output in parallel with each other winding.

Abstract: A pipe handler comprising a skid and a base having a base longitudinal axis. The base is adjustably mounted on the skid. The pipe handler comprises a means for adjusting the base, a boom, and a means for moving the boom between a position substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis and a position substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The pipe handler includes a pipe gripper that is pivotally attached to the boom. The base of the pipe handler is adapted to be adjusted in any direction relative to the skid when the boom is in any position from substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis to substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The method also includes engaging a pipe with a pipe gripper, moving the boom in a direction toward a pipe rotation mechanism, adjusting the base, and releasing the pipe from the pipe gripper.

Abstract: A feedthrough capacitor assembly for attachment to a mount having an opening is disclosed. The assembly includes a feedthrough terminal adapted for insertion through said opening for coupling a signal from a first side of the mount to a second side of the mount. The assembly includes a first conductive region extending about and electrically coupled to the feedthrough terminal and a second conductive region extending about the first conductive region. A plurality of capacitors are electrically coupled between the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The plurality of capacitors are arranged about the feedthrough terminal with each capacitor having about the same capacitance as each of the other capacitors.

Abstract: Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, one example electronic system includes an air moving device and a controller for controlling the air moving device. The controller is configured to selectively control a rotational speed of the air moving device. The controller is configured to vary the rotational speed within a range bounded by and including a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed during a time that a target rotational speed is within the range.

Abstract: A power system includes a plurality of DC/DC converters and a DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters having outputs electrically connected in parallel for supplying a DC voltage bus to an input of the DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters each include a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Various DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters suitable for use in this system and others are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power system includes a plurality of DC/DC converters and a DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters having outputs electrically connected in parallel for supplying a DC voltage bus to an input of the DC/AC inverter. The plurality of DC/DC converters each include a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Various DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters suitable for use in this system and others are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fastener retainer brackets and related assemblies and methods are disclosed. One example fastener retainer bracket includes a mounting portion and a restricting portion coupled to the mounting portion. The mounting portion defines a plurality of openings structured to receive a plurality of fasteners received in a support structure. The restricting portion is adapted to permit tool access to heads of the plurality of fasteners when the plurality of fasteners extend through the plurality of openings of the mounting portion. The restricting portion is adapted to contact the head of at least one of the fasteners to inhibit removal of that fastener from the support structure.

Abstract: Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, in one method of controlling an air moving device in an electronic system, the air moving device is operable to accelerate between rotational speeds at a maximum angular acceleration. The method includes limiting an angular acceleration of the air moving device to a first acceleration limit less than the maximum angular acceleration when changing the air moving device from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed.

Abstract: Power converters for photovoltaic (PV) systems and maximum power point tracking techniques are disclosed. One example power converter for a PV system includes an input for coupling to the PV system, an output for providing an output voltage, and a switch coupled between the input and the output. The input is configured to receive an input voltage (Vin) and input current (Iin) from the PV system. The power converter includes a controller configured for controlling operation of the switch using a control signal C. C is a function of at least the input voltage, the input current and a variable (K).

Abstract: Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, one example electronic system includes an air moving device, a sensor for monitoring an operating parameter of the electronic system and generating a signal representative of the operating parameter, and a controller for controlling the air moving device. The controller is configured to selectively control a rotational speed of the air moving device, to receive the signal representative of the operating parameter, and to delay changing the rotational speed of the air moving device in response to the signal representative of the operating parameter.

Abstract: Switching device controllers, drive circuits, power converters and related methods are disclosed. One example controller for a switching device includes a drive circuit for controlling the switching device and an auxiliary circuit coupled to the drive circuit. The auxiliary circuit includes an input for receiving a waveform having alternating first and second intervals. The auxiliary circuit is configured to energize the drive circuit during the first intervals and de-energize the drive circuit during the second intervals. One example method of energizing and de-energizing a drive circuit for a switching device includes receiving a waveform having alternating first and second intervals, energizing the drive circuit during the first intervals, and de-energizing the drive circuit during the second intervals.

Abstract: Fastener retainer brackets and related assemblies and methods are disclosed. One example fastener retainer bracket includes a mounting portion and a restricting portion coupled to the mounting portion. The mounting portion defines a plurality of openings structured to receive a plurality of fasteners received in a support structure. The restricting portion is adapted to permit tool access to heads of the plurality of fasteners when the plurality of fasteners extend through the plurality of openings of the mounting portion. The restricting portion is adapted to contact the head of at least one of the fasteners to inhibit removal of that fastener from the support structure.

Abstract: Power supplies, power adapters, and related methods are disclosed. One example power supply includes an open loop DC to DC converter having an input for connecting to an input power source and an output for supplying a DC output voltage or current and an enable/disable circuit coupled to the open loop DC to DC converter. The enable/disable circuit is configured to enable and disable the open loop DC to DC converter as a function of the DC output voltage or current. One example method includes determining a DC output voltage or current from an open loop DC to DC converter and enabling and disabling the open loop DC to DC converter as a function of the determined DC output voltage or current.

Abstract: A boring machine includes a cutter head, an internal casing and an auger that is located within the internal casing. The cutter head and the auger are operationally connected to a rotational mechanism. A rear bulkhead is located at the rear end of the auger, and a rear hopper is located behind the rear bulkhead. The boring machine also includes means for directing material cut by the cutter head into the auger so that rotation of the auger will convey such material rearwardly to the rear hopper. The boring machine includes a transverse conveyor located behind the rear bulkhead in the rear hopper which is adapted to convey material out of the rear hopper in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the auger.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multiphase power converter including a plurality of sub-converters is disclosed. The method includes, for each of the sub-converters, estimating a current provided by that sub-converter. The method includes selecting one of the sub-converters that is on and determined to have a greatest current as the next sub-converter to be turned off and selecting one of the sub-converters that is off and determined to have a smallest current as the next sub-converter to be turned on. Other methods, multiphase power converters and controllers for multiphase power converters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling pipe into a drilling surface using a drill bit. The drilling assembly comprises a power unit, a thrust frame, a means for moving the thrust frame, a rotary and carriage assembly and a microprocessor adapted to control the load on the drill based upon the level of mud pressure in the assembly. The drilling assembly is adapted to drill pipe at any angle relative to the drilling surface between substantially parallel to the drilling surface and substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface. The method comprises providing a such drilling assembly, placing a drill pipe onto the drilling assembly, moving the thrust frame to a desired drilling angle, moving the rotary and carriage assembly into direct contact with the drill pipe, applying rotational, thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe, drilling the pipe into the drilling surface and controlling the load on the drill bit.

Abstract: Methods of making an assembly are disclosed. The assembly may include a circuit board with a top surface and a circuit component mounted on the top surface of the circuit board. The method may include positioning an inductor coil above the circuit component and the top surface of the circuit board and encapsulating the inductor coil, the circuit component and at least part of the top surface of the circuit board in a magnetic material. Assemblies according to such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A DC-DC switching cell module includes a switch, a rectifier, an output filter coupled to the rectifier, and an input port for receiving an external PWM control signal from a controller. The switching cell module is configured to control the switch in response to the external PWM control signal to generate a DC output voltage from a DC input voltage. The switching cell module is configured for attachment to a circuit board as a discrete component.

Abstract: A two-stage converter including a buck converter and a DC-DC converter that receives power from the buck converter. The DC-DC converter generates an output voltage of the two-stage converter. A buck control circuit generates a drive signal for the buck converter. The drive signal is based on a first signal representing the output voltage, a second signal representing load applied to the buck converter, and a compensation signal. A characteristic of the compensation signal varies based on the drive signal.