Abstract: A low voltage power supply circuit for intermittent pilot and/or direct spark ignition systems utilized in gas burning appliances is provided. The circuit utilizes a single transformer and a resonant circuit to supply power to both a flame sense circuit as well as the spark generation circuit. The resonant circuit allows the use of low power sources such as batteries or self-supplied voltage systems such as thermopiles or hydro generators. Recognizing that power draw from the low power source is high during a sparking event and recharging of a sparking capacitor, the flame sensing is suspended during the sparking event and for a short recharge time thereafter.

Abstract: A current-limiting circuit (100), which limits an electrical current from a voltage source to a consumer to a predetermined maximum current. A measuring resistor (110) is coupled into a current lead (103) between a circuit input (102) and a circuit output (104). A transistor (106) of the circuit is coupled into the current lead (103) with its collector-emitter path in series with the measuring resistor (110), and its base is connected to the current lead (103) through a series resistor (108). A shunt regulator (116) of the circuit has an anode, a reference input and a cathode, wherein the cathode is connected to the base of the transistor (106), and the anode and the reference input form a voltage tap across the measuring resistor (110).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for lifting the magnetic material where upon its release, the residual magnetic flux of the lifted magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a release material signal from an operator interface panel to release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a plurality of control signals, one of which is at least partially dependent upon the duration of a previously transmitted control signal, to effectively alternate the polarity and reduce the magnitude of the magnetizing force of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A linear actuator having a rotor sleeve coupled through a thread to an output spindle, and a rotor-magnet sleeve surrounding the rotor sleeve for driving it. The rotor is maintained in step with the driving circuit even though the output spindle may have struck a stop, by providing a slip clutch between the rotor-magnet sleeve and the rotor sleeve.

Abstract: A switchable current source circuit having a current mirror and a switch, such switch including a current source coupled to the current mirror, such switch enabling or disabling current from the current source to pass to the input of the current mirror selectively in accordance with a control signal fed to such switch. In one embodiment, the switch includes a differential amplifier and the current source is part of the differential amplifier. One of a plurality of control signals is fed to control the differential amplifier with the differential amplifier serving as both a logic circuit and current source, therefore, reducing the number of circuit comparators required to provide a switchable current source circuit.

Abstract: In a vibration wave motor for driving a movable member contacting a vibration member, a travelling vibration wave is generated in the vibration member by electrostrictive elements, applying a periodic voltage to the elements. The vibration member is divided into a number of projections on at least a surface facing the movable member.

Abstract: A chopped power supply converter is provided comprising, between the two terminals of a DC power supply source, on the one hand a primary inductance (L.sub.p) in series with a chopping means (Tr) and on the other hand a capacitive divider bridge formed by two capacitors (C.sub.1 -C.sub.2), a secondary inductance (L.sub.s) coupled to the primary inductance (L.sub.p) and whose value with respect to this latter depends on the ratio of the capacitive divider bridge (C.sub.1 -C.sub.2), this secondary inductance (L.sub.s) being connected between the output terminal of the divider bridge and the load (P) through a series diode (D.sub.1) and a parallel capacitor (C.sub.3), and a balancing device (E) for permanently rebalancing said divider bridge.

Abstract: A multiple phase electronic inverter circuit includes a transistor bridge output circuit having a pair of series connected transistors in each output phase leg connected between a pair of conductors for supplying direct current to opposite ends of the phase leg with a connection point between the transistors of each phase leg serving as an output power pole. A waveform pattern generator generates a transistor switching pattern which causes the transistors to alternate between two complementary operating modes such that one transistor in each phase leg functions in a communication mode and the other transistor in that phase leg functions in a non-commutation mode. By switching between the two operating modes, saturation of controlled current feedback transformers in the base drive circuit of each transistor is prevented.

Abstract: A sample of the voltage magnitude across a load, connected in series with an A.C. source and a load-current-flow-control subcircuit, is taken during at one of the time intervals when load current flows during a source waveform cycle. The sampled load voltage is compared to a reference level and the difference in magnitude between the sampled and reference voltages is integrated, with respect to time, to provide an adjustment signal. The adjustment signal is provided to a subcircuit for timing the conduction period of the load-current-flow-control subcircuit, by varying the conduction-termination time after each conduction-commencement (at each source waveform zero-crossing) to vary the selected one of the half-cycle-average (mean absolute deviation--MAD) or RMS voltage magnitude across the load to a value such that the sampled load voltage magnitude is substantially equal to the selected reference voltage magnitude.

Abstract: A lubricant slinger mechanism for preventing the loss of oil or other lubricant which is pumped between the rotor shaft and bearing in an electric motor or other dynamoelectric machine. The slinger is mounted to the rotor shaft and mounted adjacent the end of the bearing out of which oil flows as it is pumped along the shaft from the reservoir. The slinger initially throws the oil radially outward against an inner oil well cover, and the provision of an impeller, such as a spiral vane on the outer peripheral surface of the slinger, imparts an axial component of velocity to the lubricant which impels it rearwardly toward the reservoir and prevents the migration of oil out of the forward end of the oil cover through which the rotor shaft extends. The slinger, in one form, includes an annular cup portion which overhangs the end of the bearing so that lubricant is thrown off the slinger at a point rearwardly of the end of the bearing.

Abstract: A circuit for energizing the electromagnet of the print head of a high speed impact printer, wherein such circuit operates effectively with an unregulated supply voltage by providing energization current pulses whose level and duration are dependent on the present level of such supply voltage.