Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC-DC power converter which comprises a switched converter core operated in accordance with a primary control signal to supply a primary DC output current (Io) of the converter; said primary control signal exhibiting a minimum resolution, e.g. a minimum time step, leading to a corresponding minimum current step of the primary DC output current. The DC-DC power converter additionally comprises a controllable resistive path, or a controllable current source, connected between a pair of terminals selected from a group of: (the positive output terminal, the negative output terminal, the positive input terminal, the negative input terminal) and configured to add or subtract a secondary DC output current (Icon) to the primary DC output current (Io) in accordance with a secondary control signal to adjust the load current.

Abstract: A method for transferring a sensor of a production apparatus with a sensor assembly positioned in a housing includes connecting at least one of (1) supply lines, and (2) sensor signal lines to a sensor section of the sensor. A first end of a sealing sleeve is sealingly connected to a sealing section of the sensor. A second end of the sealing sleeve is sealingly connected to a sealing container. The sensor with the sealing sleeve are inserted into the sealing container. A first end of the sealing container is sealingly connected to an access opening defined by the housing of the production apparatus. The access opening is opened and the sensor is transferred from the sealing container to an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A method for transferring a sensor of a production apparatus with a sensor assembly positioned in a housing includes connecting at least one of (1) supply lines, and (2) sensor signal lines to a sensor section of the sensor. A first end of a sealing sleeve is sealingly connected to a sealing section of the sensor. A second end of the sealing sleeve is sealingly connected to a sealing container. The sensor with the sealing sleeve are inserted into the sealing container. A first end of the sealing container is sealingly connected to an access opening defined by the housing of the production apparatus. The access opening is opened and the sensor is transferred from the sealing container to an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A linear system includes a linear unit and a motor adapted to drive the linear unit so as to perform a linear movement. A system for detecting the position of the linear unit includes an absolute encoder which is connected to the motor. The absolute encoder is configured so as to detect a position of the linear unit based on a movement of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC-DC power converter which comprises a switched converter core operated in accordance with a primary control signal to supply a primary DC output current (Io) of the converter; said primary control signal exhibiting a minimum resolution, e.g. a minimum time step, leading to a corresponding minimum current step of the primary DC output current. The DC-DC power converter additionally comprises a controllable resistive path, or a controllable current source, connected between a pair of terminals selected from a group of: (the positive output terminal, the negative output terminal, the positive input terminal, the negative input terminal) and configured to add or subtract a secondary DC output current (Icon) to the primary DC output current (Io) in accordance with a secondary control signal to adjust the load current.

Abstract: A linear system includes a linear unit and a motor adapted to drive the linear unit so as to perform a linear movement. A system for detecting the position of the linear unit includes an absolute encoder which is connected to the motor. The absolute encoder is configured so as to detect a position of the linear unit based on a movement of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-directional piezoelectric power converter comprising a piezoelectric transformer. The piezoelectric transformer comprises an input electrode electrically coupled to a primary section of the piezoelectric transformer and an output electrode electrically coupled to an output section of the piezoelectric transformer to provide a transformer output signal. A bi-directional switching circuit is coupled between the output electrode and a DC or AC output voltage of the power converter. Forward and reverse current conducting periods of the bi-directional switching circuit is based on the input drive signal or the transformer output signal such that a forward current is conducted from the output electrode through the bi-directional switching circuit to the DC or AC output voltage in a first state to charge the DC or AC output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezoelectric power converter comprising an input driver electrically coupled directly to an input or primary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer without any intervening series or parallel inductor. A feedback loop is operatively coupled between an output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer and the input driver to provide a self-oscillation loop around a primary section of the piezoelectric transformer oscillating at an excitation frequency. Electrical characteristics of the feedback loop are configured to set the excitation frequency of the self-oscillation loop within a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation range of the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: In order to move an object, a handle is attached to the object. The handle includes at least one sensor configured to detect a force being applied to the handle and to generate at least one sensor output signal in accordance therewith. A motorized object driving apparatus is in electrical communication with the at least sensor and is configured to move the object based on the at least one sensor output signal in the direction of the force being applied to the handle.