Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring method for an actuator (CP), in particular for a piezoelectric actuator (CP) on an injection valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising the following steps: measurement of the electrical current (iR1), flowing through the actuator (CP) in an actuator circuit, measurement of the electrical current (iR3), flowing before or after the actuator (CP) in the actuator circuit, comparison of both measured currents (iR1, iR2) for recognition of a fault and generation of a diagnostic signal (DIAG), displaying the fault, depending on the comparison. According to the invention, the diagnostic signal (DIAG) can take on at least three different values for the representation of an earth short-circuit, a voltage short-circuit and an error-free status depending on the comparison of the measured currents. The invention further relates to a corresponding driver circuit.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck structure for holding an article is presented. The chuck structure comprises an electrically insulating chuck body layer having a first flat surface for holding the article thereon, and a second opposite surface having a honeycombed pattern in the form of an array of spaced-apart grooves. This second patterned surface of the chuck body surface for depositing thereon an electrically conductive layer (electrodes). A dielectric spacer between the electrodes and the article on the chuck body layer is defined by a portion of the chuck body layer between the grooves' bottom and the flat surface.

Abstract: A circuit for the limitation of over-voltages in energy storage modules having a series circuit of energy storage elements connected between a first potential and a second potential includes voltage-limiting elements associated with combinations of the energy storage elements. Where “M” is the maximum number of directly interconnected energy storage elements of a predetermined combination, wherein for M?2 a voltage-limiting element is connected in parallel with each combination and a respective voltage-limiting element is connected in parallel with a first energy storage element connected to the first potential and with an nth energy storage element connected to the second potential. For M>2 a respective voltage-limiting element is connected in parallel with each sub-combination of at least two directly interconnected energy storage elements of the combination having an energy storage element connected to the first potential or to the second potential.

Abstract: In a position measuring device in which data, which requires buffering, may be held without accommodating a high-capacitance capacitor in the inside of the encoder, a backup current source may be exchanged while the circuits required for the operating capability state remain operable. In addition, current usage during the buffering time may be held low, and the service life of the backup current source may be extended, so that the demand for maintenance may be reduced. The position measuring device may include an encoder main part, arranged to measure the extent of the shift in position of an object to be measured, and a backup current source arranged to supply backup current when main current source, that supplies encoder main part with current, is interrupted. Outside of the encoder main part, an auxiliary current source is provided which, during the exchange of a main battery of the backup current source, undertakes supplying backup current in place of this main battery.

Abstract: A current sensing transformer having a low impedance primary winding is connected in series with a filter and load circuit supplied with output current by a high frequency switching PWM power supply such as a sinewave dimmer. Sensed output current is supplied to a microprocessor based programmable controller. The controller performs a routine including a family of overcurrent tests. Tests of the family are satisfied by the presence of different output current values for different time durations. At least one of the tests is enabled only at low requested output voltages or dimming levels. In response to satisfaction of any of the tests, a series power switching stage of the power supply is rendered nonconductive to shut down the power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special control for current-controlled inductors which allows inductance to be varied at a considerably faster rate than is the case in the prior art. The control presented in the invention can be employed for coil arrangements which carry at least one control winding and at least two working windings on a ferro or ferromagnetic core material. The accelerated change in inductance is achieved by means of a demagnetizing inverse voltage impulse which is generated by a special part of the circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing arcing between contacts of a switching device as the contacts of the switching device are opened. The device includes a coil suppression circuit connected in parallel with the coil. The coil suppression circuit dissipates the energy stored in the coil in response to the de-energization of the coil. A first solid state switch has a gate operatively connected to the coil suppression circuit and is connected in parallel with the contacts. The first solid state switch is movable between an open position preventing the flow of current therethrough and a closed position in response to the dissipation of energy by the coil suppression circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for state space control of solenoids, particularly engine valve solenoids with two latching positions. A collection of trajectories are computed or measured, having low-impact landings with latching from different initial energies. The trajectories define flux linkage and electric current functions of the two variables, position and velocity. These tracking functions define future projections based on present inputs. In operation, the controller monitors position, velocity, flux linkage, and current, uses the functions to compute future current and flux linkage, and adjusts the drive voltage to hit the future flux linkage target, causing the system to track a precomputed trajectory to successful landing. An array of tracking functions incorporates varying valve flow influences and corrective actuation. Drift from a precomputed trajectory indicates an unanticipated valve flow influence and a new tracking function selection, leading to course corrections anticipating flow influences.

Abstract: A method for unlocking a steering system that includes detecting and validating an identity input. After the identity input is validated a vehicle start command is detected and thereafter a steering assist mechanism is enabled. Once the steering assist mechanism is enabled, a force is applied to a steering column utilizing the steering assist mechanism. Following an application of the force by the steering assist mechanism, the steering system is unlocked by an unlocking mechanism. After unlocking of the steering system, a vehicle may then be started. The application of the force to the steering column may be alternating application of a clockwise and counterclockwise torque or may be a directional torque applied to the steering column based on a measured steering characteristic.

Abstract: A surge suppression device includes a first and second coil positioned in close proximity to one another such that the windings of each coil are disposed at an angle thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the coils are disposed such that the windings of each coil are placed at a right angle (90 degrees) to one another. However, angles of varying degree can be employed. Varying configurations of the coil winding placement include a “sandwiched” type configuration, a “one on the top of the other” configuration as well as an intertwined configuration. Each embodiment employs additional surge elements such as metal oxide varistors (MOVs). It is unnecessary to employ any ferrous material core for any of the coils used in the novel device of the present invention.

Abstract: A USB interface having improved EMC immunity where the D+, D?, and USB ground lines each pass through a common mode choke. The USB 5V line is AC coupled to the USB ground line outside the choke and routed through a high impedance into the circuit while maintaining the integrity of the signal. In addition, bypass capacitors, such as Tantalum bypass capacitors, and a 5.6V Transorb device are added to the 5V power supply of the controller, and all unused pins are terminated to reduce unwanted ringing transients in the controller leadframe. In addition, small capacitors within the capacitive loading specification allowed by the USB-IF are positioned next to the controller on each data line.

Abstract: A surge protector for alternating current service includes at least an incoming hot line and a neutral line, but usually includes an incoming hot line, an incoming neutral line and a safety ground line. The surge protector has a series connected transformer with input connection to the incoming hot line, and connected in series to a non-linear surge suppression circuit, and therefore has a gross output connection to the non-linear surge suppression circuit, and a low impedance input to the secondary winding of the series connected transformer from the non-linear surge suppression circuit, and has a surge cancelled hot line output connection. The surge protector is for single or three phase service.

Abstract: An activation control apparatus of an air bag system of a motor vehicle includes a first sensor disposed at a predetermined position within a vehicle body, for generating a signal indicative of an impact applied to the vehicle, and at least one second sensor disposed frontwardly of the position of the first sensor, for generating a signal indicative of an impact applied to the vehicle. The control apparatus is operable to activate an air bag device when a parameter determined based on the output signal of the first sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold pattern that is determined based on the output signal of the second sensor. When the predetermined threshold pattern is changed from a reference pattern to a desired threshold pattern that provides lower threshold values, the pattern is changed step by step at predetermined time intervals, without skipping an intermediate pattern or patterns between the reference pattern and the desired pattern.