Abstract: In accordance with selection signals corresponding to an operation mode from a mode detection circuit, the voltage levels of back gate voltages applied to the back gates of MOS transistors included in internal circuitry are selected, by the selection signals, among the voltages from voltage generation circuits for generating a plurality of voltages having different voltage levels. The threshold voltage and the drive current of the MOS transistor are adjusted in accordance with the operation mode, and the semiconductor integrated circuit device which operates at high speed with low current consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for starting up an electromagnetic actuator operating an engine cylinder valve. The actuator has two spaced electromagnets, between which an armature, connected to the cylinder valve, is reciprocated against a restoring spring from a center position to lie against a magnet pole face. An ECU alternatingly supplies the electromagnets with a capturing current, the level of which is regulated as a function of the approach of the armature toward a pole face, as detected by a sensor assembly. A reference temperature is detected for the magnets, and, at a normal temperature, the armature starts oscillating due to the alternating energization of the electromagnets, and is brought into contact with a pole face. Or, at a low temperature level, one of the electromagnets is supplied with a high current pulse.

Abstract: A surge protector assembly may be provided with three terminals, a gas discharge tube having a first conductive end and a second conductive end opposite the first conductive end, a pair of metal oxide varistors conductively connected to the ends of the gas discharge tube, and a pair of bracket arms associated with the ends of the gas discharge tube. The bracket arms are movable between a steady-state position in which they cause the first and second terminals to be conductively separated from the third terminal and a shorting position in which they cause the first and second terminals to be conductively connected to the third terminal. The bracket arms are spaced from the ends of the gas discharge tube by a first distance when they are in their steady-state positions and by a second distance when they are in their shorting positions, with the first distance being greater than the second distance, and the bracket arms are spring-biased towards their shorting positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power liftgate in an automobile, such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving power liftgate actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power liftgate module (PLGM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message, the PLGM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power liftgate activation request. Power liftgate actuation is controlled by the PLGM via electric motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface includes interior switches as well as a RKE system.

Abstract: This invention provides a residual current detector comprising a trip circuit; a magnetic lock assembly including a solenoid that operates in response to a signal from the trip circuit, causing movement of an operating member, with the magnetic lock further including a reset mechanism for resetting the residual current detector following a trip operation; and means for preventing reset of the magnetic lock by restraining movement of the solenoid when the trip circuit is disabled. In the preferred embodiment, a plunger assembly is mounted adjacent to the solenoid of the magnetic lock assembly and fusible link is connected in series with the trip circuit and mounted to prevent movement of a plunger in the plunger assembly. When the trip circuit is subjected to excessive current, the fusible link will melt, thereby permitting the plunger to interfere with movement of the armature of the solenoid. This prevents rest of the magnetic lock assembly.

Abstract: A window with an aerial for motor vehicles is provided with an electrically conductive layer (5) which fulfils the function of an aerial conductor. In order to prevent capacitive coupling of the layer to the bodywork of the vehicle, the layer (5) ends at a distance of a few centimetres from the edge of the window. The layer (5) is coupled capacitively to the aerial connection cable leading to the receiver set by means of a coupling electrode (9). The coupling electrode comprises thin wires (10) which are connected together by electroplating and are arranged at a large distance from one another which is large compared with their diameter.

Abstract: A power-feed control apparatus for a vehicle in which electrical loads are arranged in the vehicle includes a power source provided in a vehicle; at least one power semiconductor element, the power semiconductors controlling power-feed to the electrical load; a control unit for controlling the power semiconductor element; an anomaly detection circuit for monitoring operations of the power semiconductor element and determining whether or not an anomaly is occurring in a circuit including the power semiconductor element and the electrical load; and a switching circuit for switching a threshold level between a level for an anomaly detection in a starting period of the load and that in a steady state of the load connected to the power semiconductor element; wherein if an anomaly is detected in the circuit by the anomaly detection circuit, the control unit turns off the power semiconductor so as to interrupt power-feed to the electrical load.

Abstract: A chuck 28 for holding a substrate 4 comprises a surface 27 capable of receiving the substrate 4, the surface 27 having a gas inlet port 40 and a gas exhaust port 42. A non-sealing protrusion is between the gas inlet port 40 and the gas exhaust port 42. The non-sealing protrusion 44 impedes the flow of heat transfer gas between the gas inlet port 40 and the gas exhaust port 42 without blocking the flow of heat transfer gas. Preferably, a sealing protrusion 46 is provided around the periphery of the chuck 28 to form a substantially gas-tight seal with the substrate 4 to enclose and prevent leakage of heat transfer gas into a surrounding chamber 6.

Abstract: In order to reduce the battery load, a second elevated onboard electrical system voltage is provided at least for high-current consuming components. The voltage is derived from the battery voltage via a step-up switching regulator (SUSR) or is supplied by a starter-generator (SG) via a converter (CONV) in the generator mode of the starter-generator, which is coupled with an internal combustion engine (ICE) of the vehicle. The step-up switching regulator is used for battery supply of a start capacitor (CAP) and the converter is used for triggering of the starter-generator to start the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode. The control circuit is preferably in integrated circuit form. A signal is provided to the touch pad to generate an electric field thereabout. Introduction of a stimulus near the touch pad disturbs the electric field. The control circuit detects the electric field disturbance in and generates a control signal in response.

Abstract: An electronic device has a housing having a first transparent surface and a second transparent surface opposite to the first transparent surface. A timepiece movement is disposed in the housing and has a display for displaying time through the first transparent surface of the housing. A thermoelectric generator is disposed in the housing for generating electric power in response to a temperature difference across the thermoelectric generator. At least one solar generator is disposed on the second transparent surface of the housing for receiving light transmitted through the second transparent surface to generate electric power. An electrical power storage device stores electric power generated by at least one of the thermoelectric generator and the solar generator and supplies the electric power to the timepiece movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power distribution system with a split section panelboard that provides two interior sections. Each section is supplied power from a separate power source. A common bus bridges the two sections. Remotely-operated circuit breakers for both the sections are connected to the common bus. A power interface unit converts power from one of the power sources to provide low voltage power for the circuit breaker motors and a control unit. The control unit in the panelboard controls the operation of the circuit breakers of both the sections.

Abstract: An advanced power switching apparatus that is suitable for use in spacecraft and provides miniaturization, weight reduction, and improved reliability of power switching and protection functions. The apparatus provides greatly increased functionality, and is capable of switching power, isolating faults, and limiting in-rush and fault currents. The apparatus comprises a plurality of power switching circuits.

Abstract: In order to provide a cord switch which can securely catch the ON/OFF operations, can cancel an erroneous operation by preventing the contact between electrodes caused by bending of the cord switch, and have a positive sensibility for the pressurization in all directions and a high reliability, at least two wire electrodes are spirally arranged along the inner surface of an insulator which is hollowed in the cross section and comprises a restorative rubber or plastic material in the longitudinal direction in a situation where the wire electrodes are not electrically contacted each other, and the wire electrodes are fixed to the hollowed insulator in a state where the wire electrodes are projected from the insulator.

Abstract: A hoisting system is provided for moving a group of basketball backstops via a source of power between a stored position and a use position. Each backstop has a winch with a reversible motor and a circuit for operating each motor in one direction to raise its backstop and in a reverse direction to lower its backstop. A network of manually closable switching mechanisms is connected with the source of power for first indicating the winch motors to be activated, and then operating the winch motors in the one direction or the reverse direction. An array of electromagnetic actuating devices is interconnected with and responsive to the switching mechanisms for enabling the synchronous movement of any number of backstops in the group.

Abstract: A power management system for integrated circuits having several voltage levels shorts two buses together during a voltage ramp period, so that the charge pumps connected to both buses drive both buses. When the lower bus reaches its design voltage, the shorting switch is opened and a set of pumps drives the higher bus to its design voltage. After the ramp, the voltage controls on the pumps and the current path to a bus are switched as needed in order to supply each bus with the required current capacity.

Abstract: Embodiments of an emergency evacuation system are disclosed which may be installed within the knockouts of a panel of a modular work space system. During normal operation a battery power source within the emergency evacuation system is charged by normal AC power supplied through the modular work space system. In the event of a power outage or fire, the battery power source serves to operate emergency lighting.

Abstract: A power supply assembly for a vehicle includes a generator connected to an engine of the vehicle; a high-voltage bus to which the output voltage of the generator is supplied and to which a high-voltage load is connected; a low-voltage bus connected to the high-voltage bus via a voltage step-down element and to which a starter motor and a low-voltage load are connected; a high-voltage storage cell which a positive terminal thereof is connected to the high-voltage bus and a negative terminal thereof is grounded via a switch element; a low-voltage storage cell which a positive terminal thereof is connected to the low-voltage bus via a key switch and a negative terminal thereof is grounded; and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the switch element, wherein the controller is constructed so as to monitor the starting and stopping of the engine based on start and stop signals form the engine, and open the switch element when the stopping of the engine is detected.

Abstract: A passenger detecting system includes a plurality of antenna electrodes provided in a seat, a signal generating section, a detecting section, a switching circuit and a control unit. The signal generating section generates an electrode signal. The switching circuit sequentially supplies the electrode signal to the plurality of antenna electrodes one by one in response to a switching control signal. The detecting section detects change of the electrode signal to generate a detection signal when the electrode signal is supplied to each of the plurality of antenna electrodes. The control unit outputs the switching control signal to the switching circuit and generates a passenger data associated with a passenger on the seat based on the detection signal for each of the plurality of antenna electrodes.

Abstract: A lock assembly is described for a personal computer. The assembly comprises a lock member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a shape memory wire arranged to move the lock member between the lock position and the unlocked position in response to one or more electrical signals that generate currents therein.