Abstract: A method of inverting workpieces in a mass production process includes: advancing an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of a carrier to synchronize arrival of the carrier at a stop position with arrival of the end effector at an unloading position, in which the end effector is in alignment with a workpiece held by the carrier for engaging the workpiece; while the end effector is in engagement with the workpiece, retracting the end effector away from the carrier to unload the workpiece from the carrier and advancing the end effector back toward the carrier to load the workpiece back into the carrier; and rotating the end effector relative to the carrier to invert the workpiece in electronic synchronization with the retracting and advancing of the end effector for loading the workpiece back into the carrier when inverted.

Abstract: A power converter topology, comprising: a cascade connection of a first converter stage and a second converter stage; wherein the first converter stage comprises a current mode controlled pulse width modulation (PWM) converter having one or more pairs of switches forming a first switching bridge and an inductor connected to the output of the first switching bridge, the switching bridge generating a voltage Vlink; and wherein the second converter stage is a resonant converter having a switching stage having one or more pairs of switches forming a second switching bridge across the voltage Vlink generated by the first converter stage and a resonant tank connected to the output of the second switching bridge, to generate a resonator output voltage; the topology further comprising a transformer to transform the resonator output voltage to a transformed output voltage and a rectifier to rectify the transformed output voltage to an output voltage Vout, and wherein the duty cycle of the first switching bridge is var

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) device arranged to communicate on a CAN bus, the device comprising a processor, a CAN controller, a CAN transceiver and a termination resistor and switch assembly, the termination resistor and switch assembly comprising a switch and a first termination resistor and a second termination resistor for connection, respectively, between the device and a first line and a second line of the CAN bus, the switch comprising a dual opto-coupled solid-state relay, between the first termination resistor and the second termination resistor, and a split termination capacitor connected at a mid-point between the first termination resistor and the second termination resistor and ground, whereby the switch is controlled by a termination enable signal from the device processor to switch in or switch out the first and second termination resistors according to a position of the device on the CAN bus.

Abstract: A snubber circuit for a solid state circuit breaker (SSCB), the snubber circuit comprising a series connected capacitor and transient voltage suppressor, TVS, connected across switches of the SSCB, and a bidirectional solid state circuit breaker comprising: a main SSCB circuit configured to be connected between a power supply and a load, and comprising first and second semiconductor switches connected in series, and a snubber circuit as described above having a first end connected to a first end of the first semiconductor switch and a second end connected to a second end of the second semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A wound core component comprises a wound core comprising a core and a wire wound around at least a portion of the core, and a carrier circuit board comprising a substrate layer and a through-hole formed through the substrate layer. The wound core is fixed to the carrier circuit board. The wound core component comprises a threaded insert for receiving a corresponding threaded fixing, the threaded insert fixedly received into the through-hole of the carrier circuit board.

Abstract: A switching bridge for the DC-DC stage of a power converter, the switching bridge having one or more sets of upper and lower series-connected switches (S1, S2) connected across a DC bus and arranged to be switched to provide an output AC voltage, the switching bridge further comprising a voltage divider (C1) arranged to vary the output AC voltage level according to the switching state of the switches.

Abstract: A connection assembly for providing electrical connection of a multi-strand wire conductor to another component, comprising a printed circuit board, PCB, whereby the conductor can be connected to a conductive segment or track of the PCB which is also connected to the other component.

Abstract: A power converter comprises a buck converter portion, an energy storage portion, and a controller. A first inductor is connected between the cathode of a first diode at an input node, and a capacitor at an output node. The input node is connected to an input voltage via a first switch. A second inductor in the energy storage portion is magnetically coupled to the first inductor and is connected to a second diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to a first terminal of the energy storage element, and a second terminal of the energy storage element is connected to a second terminal of the second inductor. The first terminal of the energy storage element is connected to the input node via a second switch. When the input voltage is not less than a threshold, the second switch is opened.

Abstract: A power converter comprises a buck converter portion, an energy storage portion, and a controller. A first inductor is connected between the cathode of a first diode at an input node, and a capacitor at an output node. The input node is connected to an input voltage via a first switch. A second inductor in the energy storage portion is magnetically coupled to the first inductor and is connected to a second diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to a first terminal of the energy storage element, and a second terminal of the energy storage element is connected to a second terminal of the second inductor. The first terminal of the energy storage element is connected to the input node via a second switch. When the input voltage is not less than a threshold, the second switch is opened.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrical current flowing between a power source and a multi-phase electromagnetic machine includes a first lane, A, comprising a first plurality of phases capable of providing said current from said power source to said machine, and further comprises a second lane, B, comprising a second plurality of phases capable of providing said current to said machine. The system is configured to provide said current via said first lane, A, while no current is being provided via said second lane, B. Each of said first plurality of phases comprises at least one inverter switch positioned between said power source and said machine. The system further includes means for detecting a fault in one of the first plurality of inverter switches of lane A, and further comprises a first phase isolation means provided on said first lane, A.

Abstract: A power converter comprises a buck converter portion, an energy storage portion, and a controller. A first inductor is connected between the cathode of a first diode at an input node, and a capacitor at an output node. The input node is connected to an input voltage via a first switch. A second inductor in the energy storage portion is magnetically coupled to the first inductor and is connected to a second diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to a first terminal of the energy storage element, and a second terminal of the energy storage element is connected to a second terminal of the second inductor. The first terminal of the energy storage element is connected to the input node via a second switch. When the input voltage is not less than a threshold, the second switch is opened.

Abstract: A power supply circuit comprises a push-pull portion that includes a transformer (T1) having a primary winding with first and second terminals connected to ground via a first and second switches respectively. The push-pull portion generates an output voltage (Vout) across the secondary winding. An inductor (L1) is connected between an input voltage (Vin) and a centre tap on the primary winding of the transformer (T1) such that a boost voltage (Vboost) is applied to the centre tap. A two input charge pump has its two inputs connected to the first and second terminals of the primary winding. The charge pump generates a charging voltage (Vrect) at its output terminal that is greater than the boost voltage (Vboost). An energy storage portion is connected to the output of the charge pump and is arranged to supply a hold-up voltage (Vholdup) when the input voltage (Vin) is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrical current flowing between a power source and a multi-phase electromagnetic machine includes a first lane, A, comprising a first plurality of phases capable of providing said current from said power source to said machine, and further comprises a second lane, B, comprising a second plurality of phases capable of providing said current to said machine. The system is configured to provide said current via said first lane, A, while no current is being provided via said second lane, B. Each of said first plurality of phases comprises at least one inverter switch positioned between said power source and said machine. The system further includes means for detecting a fault in one of the first plurality of inverter switches of lane A, and further comprises a first phase isolation means provided on said first lane, A.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with novel formulations to create highly durable hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or superoleophobic surfaces that can be nearly transparent. The formulations of this invention can be applied by -dip, spray and painting processes.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with novel formulations to create highly durable hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or superoleophobic surfaces that can be nearly transparent. The formulations of this invention can be applied by -dip, spray and painting processes.

Abstract: An adjustable carrier for a sterilisation system having a platform configured to provide support for products to be sterilised. The adjustable carrier includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the platform in an intended direction of travel of the carrier.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with novel formulations to create highly durable hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or superoleophobic surfaces that can be nearly transparent. The formulations of this invention can be applied by dip, spray and painting processes.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with novel formulations to create highly durable hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or superoleophobic surfaces that can be nearly transparent. The formulations of this invention can be applied by dip, spray and painting processes.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a positive and a negative supply rail for connection to a battery (104), a motor drive circuit including a plurality of motor drive subcircuits which each selectively permit current to flow into or out of a respective phase of a multi-phase motor (101) in response to control signals from a motor control circuit, and a switching means including at least one switch which is in series with a respective phase of the motor which is normally closed to permit the flow of current to and from the subcircuit to the respective motor phase. A fault signal detecting means (160) detects at least one fault condition and, in the event of a fault condition being detected, causes the at least one switch to open. A snubber circuit (150) is associated with the motor and is arranged so that following the opening of the switch, energy stored in the motor windings is diverted away from the switching means through the snubber circuit to the battery.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a positive and a negative supply rail for connection to a battery (104) a motor drive circuit including a plurality of motor drive subcircuits which each selectively permit current to flow into or out of a respective phase of a multi-phase motor (101) in response to control signals from a motor control circuit, and a switching means including at least one switch which is in series with a respective phase of the motor which is normally closed to permit the flow of current to and from the subcircuit to the respective motor phase. A fault signal detecting means (160) detects at least one fault condition and in the event of a fault condition being detected, causes the at least one switch to open. A snubber circuit (150) is associated with the motor and is arranged so that following the opening of the switch, energy stored in the motor windings is diverted away from the switching means through the snubber circuit to the battery.