Patents Issued in February 20, 2001
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Patent number: 6191527Abstract: The structure is an improvement to prevent thermal cycle damage to a braze joint in a magnetron filament assembly. The filament is welded to a molybdenum filament weld ring which, in turn, is brazed to a solid iron filament support cylinder. This braze joint is sometimes broken because of the different thermal expansion coefficients of molybdenum and iron, even though slots are formed in the molybdenum cylinder to reduce the stress. The improvement is the addition of a thin yieldable cylinder along the top outer edge of the iron support cylinder to which the molybdenum cylinder is brazed. This thin cylinder can be constructed by cutting an annular groove adjacent to the top outer edge of the iron support cylinder. The groove then forms the cylinder to which the weld ring is attached, and the thin iron cylinder yields with thermal stress and therefore relieves the stress on the adjacent braze joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Burle Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Paul H. Kreider, III
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Patent number: 6191528Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes a phosphor screen and an electron gun. The electron gun includes an indirectly heated cathode structure and plural grid electrodes in axially spaced relationship. The cathode structure includes a cap-shaped base metal having an electron emissive material coating and a heater for heating the cap-shaped base metal. The heater includes a major heating portion having a spirally wound heating wire and leg portions, and each of the leg portions includes a first multilayer winding portion having heating wires wound spirally in plural layers and a second multilayer winding portion intermediate between the major heating portion and the first multilayer winding portion and having heating wires wound in plural layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Norio Iwamura, Sachio Koizumi
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Patent number: 6191529Abstract: An apparatus for removing impure gases from a gas discharge display apparatus is disclosed, which includes a getter engaged at an outer portion of an image effective portion of the vacuum space for absorbing an impure gas, and a blocking wall for preventing the getter from being scattered toward the image effective portion in a gas discharge display apparatus in which a certain space is formed between a pair of substrates, and the substrates are sealed by a sealant, and a combined gas which is used for an electrode discharge is filled into a vacuum space formed between the substrates after an impure gas is exhausted therefrom by a ventilation/vacuum process, for thereby enhancing an image characteristic by preventing a getter material from being scattered toward an image display surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hun-Gun Park
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Patent number: 6191530Abstract: An electrode for a display device, including a laminate of an underlying layer, a conductive layer and a protective layer formed on a substrate in this order from the substrate side in such a manner that at least the conductive layer is completely covered by the protective layer, the underlying layer and the protective layer being composed of a metal which is hard to form an alloy or intermetallic compound with the metal constituting the conductive layer and has a low solid solubility to the conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Shin'ya Fukuta, Hiroyasu Kawano, Hideki Harada
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Patent number: 6191531Abstract: The invention relates to a device for influencing a lighting installation, and more particularly, includes a lighting installation of a motor vehicle, depending on ambient light. The device comprises a switching device to turn the lighting installation on and off. At least one optical sensor is provided to detect the wavelength of the ambient light. An evaluation device sends a control signal to the switching device when the wavelengths of the ambient light detected by the sensor are essentially those contained in the daylight. Since the filter and the sensor are jointly formed by at least one light emitting diode which operates as a light-sensitive element, the passing lights can be automatically turned on in a simple and favorable manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbHInventor: Gerd Reime
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Patent number: 6191532Abstract: For an arrangement for producing plasma in a vacuum chamber (3) with the aid of electromagnetic alternating fields, a rod-shaped conductor (4) is guided though a vacuum chamber (3) within a tube (5) of insulating material, with the inner diameter of the insulating tube (5) being greater than the diameter of the conductor (4) and at least one end of the insulating tube (5) being held in a wall (6,7) of the vacuum chamber (3) and the outer surface of the insulating tube being sealed with respect to the vacuum chamber, with at least one end of the conductor (4) being connected to a first source (8,9) for producing electromagnetic alternating fields and the region of the section of the rod-shaped conductor (4) which extends into the vacuum chamber (3) being in the form of a helix (2), with the winding length (L) of said section amounting to L=C/cos(&agr;) for a wavelength &lgr;0=10°<&agr;<15°.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Leybold Systems GmbHInventor: Michael Liehr
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Patent number: 6191533Abstract: A plasma display panel (PDP), and more particularly, an apparatus for discharging the PDP with a time-lag by a horizontal line, thus reducing instantaneous power consumption, and a method thereof, are provided. The apparatus for discharging the PDP with the time-lag includes a signal processor for separating a vertical synchronous signal of a horizontal line from a received video signal and delaying the vertical synchronous signal of the horizontal line in order to delay the discharge time of a next horizontal line, a data controller for generating a discharge pulse for discharging pixels of the horizontal line according to the vertical synchronous signal, and a discharge pulse for discharging pixels of the next horizontal line according to the delayed vertical synchronous signal, and a displayer for discharging the horizontal line and the next horizontal line by the discharge pulses with the time-lag and displaying the horizontal lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yeong-Jae Kim, Hak-Yong Kim
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Patent number: 6191534Abstract: Control circuitry for an array of light emitting devices includes a first column line connected to each light emitting device in a column of light emitting devices. First column circuitry includes a first current source and a second current source. The first current source is connected to the first column line. The second current source is connected to the first column line. When a first light emitting device from the column of light emitting devices is to be turned on, the first current source is turned on until a voltage on the first column line is equal to a predetermined voltage. Then the first current source is turned off and the second current source supplies current sufficient to cause the first light emitting device to emit light to a first brightness level.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Infineon Technologies North America Corp.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schuler, Yang Zhao, John Brummer
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Patent number: 6191535Abstract: EL devices each having an emissive layer (6) between an anode (3) and a cathode (4) are employed in a passive matrix display apparatus. To drive each device, the anodes and cathodes are arranged in a matrix configuration, and scan signals are supplied to the cathodes (4) from a row driver (8) and pulse width modulation signals having pulse widths proportional to gray scales are supplied to the anodes (3) from a column driver (9) as column driving signals COL1, COL2, COL3, . . . , COLm. The output start timing of the column driving signals COL1, COL2, COL3, . . . , COLm is set to be different for every column. This prevents the output timing of the column driving signal from coinciding at neighboring columns, eases the concentration of supply current, and reduces power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinori Saitou
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Patent number: 6191536Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system is described that incorporates a two-terminal passive network for controlling the discharge of a capacitive energy storage device into an igniter plug, wherein the network comprises a solid-state switch for alternately providing high and low ohmic paths between the two terminals in order to selectively connect the capacitive energy storage device to the igniter plug. The passive network includes means responsive to a predetermined value of a voltage differential (&Dgr;V) between the two terminals for effecting the switching of the path between the two terminals provided by the solid-state switch from a high ohmic value to a low ohmic value, thereby controllably discharging the capacitive energy storage device into the igniter plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the solid-state switch is a series of SCRs, each of whose anode is connected to the trigger input of the SCR by way of a breakover diode (BOD).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Unison Industries, Inc.Inventor: Bruce E. Dolmovich
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Patent number: 6191537Abstract: A solid state igniter device for hot restrike of discharge lamps with an associated supply circuit. The ignitor device comprises a primary circuit with at least one solid state switch element controlled to switch to induce in the primary circuit a controlled oscillation phenomenon at a frequency greater than a megahertz and a secondary circuit including a resonant circuit with a high quality factor Q (at least 100), capable of resonating and producing a pulse signal for striking the discharge of the lamp, controlled through the controlled oscillation phenomenon produced in the primary circuit. A control unit acting on the switch element controls the oscillation phenomenon in a pulse mode as a function of the characteristics of the lamp and the power supply, wherein the control unit induces the controlled oscillation phenomenon for a predetermined time duration a programmable number of times in a predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Quality Light Electronics S.A.S.Inventor: Francesco Celso
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Patent number: 6191538Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp having a base at one end and whose return conductor (13) is protected with the aid of a bidirectional trigger (D) against high induced voltages of the radio interference suppression reactor (L1) connected to the return conductor (13).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbHInventors: Guenther Hirschmann, Arnulf Rupp
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Patent number: 6191539Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (10) includes a tube (12) and a fluorescent gas mixture sealed in the tube. A phosphor layer (20) is deposited on the interior surface of the tube. A pair of internal electrodes (14), connected by a first circuit (16) to a first power supply (18), are located in the tube at opposite ends thereof. The first power supply (18) causes a high-intensity arc discharge between the pair of internal electrodes (14) and, in turn, produces fluorescent light. An opposing pair of conductive traces (22, 24) connected by a second circuit (26) to a second power supply (28), are silk-screened onto the exterior surface of the lamp tube (12) along the length thereof. The second power supply (28) causes the opposing pair of conductive traces (22, 24) to produce a transverse electric field that creates a low-intensity transverse discharge. The low-intensity transverse discharge is used to lower the luminance range of the fluorescent lamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Korry Electronics CoInventor: John R. Green
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Patent number: 6191540Abstract: A power supply system for an automobile vehicle headlight discharge lamp, the system including a DC/DC converter with a capacitor at its output, a DC/AC converter powered by the voltage across said capacitor, and a module for generating a high-voltage breakdown pulse designed to be connected in series with said discharge lamp to the output of the DC/AC converter, wherein it further includes a module for heating the electrodes of the discharge lamp design to be connected in series with the discharge lamp and the high-voltage pulse generator module and adapted to deliver, after the high-voltage breakdown pulse, a decreasing voltage which, at the terminals of said discharge lamp, is added to the voltage across the capacitor at the output of the DC/DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Erick Herzberger, Jean-Marc Nicolaï
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Patent number: 6191541Abstract: The present invention includes a vehicle light and method for use in applications experiencing vibrational loading and wide temperature variations. The light includes a solid state illumination device and a thermal compensator in thermal communication with the solid state illumination device. The thermal compensator operates to maintain the solid state illumination device above a temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Godfrey Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Anish Vikram Patel, Timothy Scott Kielbon, Gregory Alfred Bernotas, Todd Christopher Knight, Raymond Henry Draves
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Patent number: 6191542Abstract: Commutators on a direct current motor run at low speed for an extended period of time get covered with a coating that makes the interface between the commutator and the brushes unreliable especially with the low speed, low current operation. This is especially true for drive motors in a data processing tape drive unit where speed control is critical. The brush to commutator interface can be cleaned by applying a very high electrical current to the motor and varying the polarity of the current with a variable duty cycle to obtain the maximum cleaning currents in a relatively short time without dismantling the motors.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Alex Chliwnyj
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Patent number: 6191543Abstract: The present invention is an integral-type IC for multiple-axis position control to provide highly integrated and modular design for the positioning control of automatic system. The inventive IC comprises a plurality of digital differential analyzers (DDA) with output pulse circuit which convert the position command to pulse form, a plurality of servo motor position closed loop control positioning circuit, and a plurality of counters that works with motor encoder to precisely control the rotation speed and motion position of the motor. Thus the invention the position control function in a single IC.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Kuo Lai, Wen-Chuan Chen, Ying-Min Chen, Chang-Yu Ho
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Patent number: 6191544Abstract: A device for compensation of voltage drop at light sources of a vehicle has light sources having a resistance R0 and connected to a vehicle battery. An auxiliary charging device with electric motor is provided. The electric motor has an on/off switch and is connected to the vehicle battery. The electric motor is connected parallel to the light sources. A resistor is serially connected upstream of the light sources and is selected, based on the resistance R0, such that a nominal current I flowing through the light sources causes a voltage drop &Dgr;E=I×R in the resistor that matches a voltage drop occurring when the electric motor is switched on. A first switch is connected parallel to the resistor for short-circuiting the resistor when the electric motor is switched on by the on/off switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AGInventor: Nu{overscore (n)}zio D'Alfonso
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Patent number: 6191545Abstract: A phase signal generation circuit is constituted by using a comparison circuit 10, a delay circuit 11, a gate signal preparation circuit 13, and a selection holding circuit 12. A phase signal generated in the phase signal generation circuit 9 is pattern recognized in a control circuit 6 and a position of a rotor is detected and a PWM control area, PAM control, and a change-over PWM/PAM is carried out. The rotor position detection accuracy can be heightened and a wide control. range can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Kawabata, Yasuo Notohara, Kazuo Tahara
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Patent number: 6191546Abstract: An electronic device has a heat producing component thermally coupled to a heat dissipation structure. The electronic device further has control circuitry connected to a temperature sensor that senses the component temperature of the heat producing component. The control circuit is further connected to a cooling device also thermally coupled to the heat dissipation structure. The control circuit varies the cooling rate in a manner that cancels out a lag time which occurs during a change from a steady state condition of the component temperature. The cooling rate of the cooling device is varied by the control circuit in proportion to variation in sensed component temperature from the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: James F. Bausch, Andrew L Van Brocklin, Chadwick W Stryker
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Patent number: 6191547Abstract: The focus angle of a search light mounted on a helicopter or other platform is narrowed or widened by rotating a bidirectional focus control cam in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as selected by a manually operated three-position control switch which determines the rotational direction of a DC motor driving the bidirectional focus control cam. The DC motor has first and second terminals which are selectively connected to either a DC power source or ground by a double-pole, single throw dual relay which reverses the polarity and thus the direction of rotation of the DC motor. The dual relay is connected by the same single wire interface currently in use to the manually operated control switch, which manually operated control switch is within a control box located in the helicopter.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Fricke, David Mendez
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Patent number: 6191548Abstract: A single shaft type table feed device comprises a movable body and an auxiliary movable body 34. The movable body is supported by a guide rail 31 and can be freely moved by a feed screw shaft 35 in the axial direction thereof. The auxiliary movable body 34 includes an inside diameter portion through which the feed screw shaft 35 can be inserted. The auxiliary movable body 34 is supported by the guide rail 31 and freely movable in the axial direction thereof. The inside diameter portion 38a of the auxiliary movable body 34 is slidingly contacted with the feed screw shaft 35.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Toshiharu Kajita, Hiroshi Fujita
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Patent number: 6191549Abstract: A circuit for use with a limited resolution device such as a stepper motor to convert a high-resolution signal such as from a computer into a high fidelity signal for driving the limited resolution device. The input to the limited resolution device being an average of the integrated difference between the high-resolution signal and a limited resolution signal consistent with the values used for driving the limited resolution device. This average being a high fidelity signal which is substantially the same as the high-resolution signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: David Arthur Bailey
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Patent number: 6191550Abstract: In a rotation sensor having a resolver attached to a rotor and a signal processing unit for angle detection for supplying a reference signal having a predetermined periodic waveform to the resolver, allowing the resolver to generate a sin signal having a waveform obtained by amplitude-modulating the reference signal by sin &thgr; and a cos signal having a waveform obtained by amplitude-modulating the reference signal by cos &thgr;, and detecting the angle &thgr; on the basis of the sin signal and cos signal, there are provided a signal processing unit for rotation detection for outputting a rotation pulse signal and a reference position signal on the basis of the angle &thgr; and a signal process abnormality detecting unit for detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in the signal processing unit for angle detection on the basis of the angle &thgr; and an angle &thgr;′ calculated from both of the rotation pulse signal and the reference position signal of the signal processing unit for rotatioType: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeyuki Yoshihara
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Patent number: 6191551Abstract: A system includes a charging cradle that receives a electronic hand-held device powered by a battery. Inside the charging cradle a controller performs a method of internal-device battery cell detection, i.e., distinguishing between NiMH/NiCd and other types of cells in the battery, before recharging the battery. A method determines the cell chemistry without any modifications to the battery and/or without any user input by performing tests on the battery. The tests include a Battery Voltage Test, an Internal Resistance Test, and a Timed Voltage Test. The testing is performed through a combination of hardware and software in the charging cradle. By performing the tests in a preferred order, detected alkaline, lithium, rechargeable alkaline, and carbon-zinc cells, damaged NiMH and NiCd cells, and close to fully charged NiMH and NiCd cells cause termination of a recharging operation before damage to the device or battery is sustained.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Research in Motion LimitedInventors: Daniel Fischer, Steven Carkner
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Patent number: 6191552Abstract: An external universal battery charging apparatus which can include external universal battery charger circuitry having at least one universal battery charger circuitry input and at least one universal battery charger circuitry output. The universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one battery charger output, which itself can include at least one universal battery connector and at least one universal battery charger cable. The at least one universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one adapter pass through output, which itself can include at least one connector adapted to operably connect to an electronic device. The external universal battery charger circuitry can include at least one battery recognition and parameter adjustment circuit, battery current parameter adjustment circuit, charged voltage parameter adjustment circuit, and maximum power draw parameter adjustment circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Barry K. Kates, Greg R. Fiebrich
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Patent number: 6191553Abstract: A portable charger, and particularly a portable charger for a mobile phone, includes a charger base having a reduced housing, an attaching mount, and a concealed plug. The charger base is provided with a pair of slide hooks, power contacts, stops, and an indicating light on a front side thereof. The attaching mount and the concealed plug are both provided on a back side of the charger base. The attaching mount is provided at an upper end of the back side of the charger base and adapted to be attached to abelt of a user. The concealed plug is capable of being movably pulled out about an angle of 90 degrees to be inserted into an electrical socket for recharging purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Tu Feng-Jung
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Patent number: 6191554Abstract: An improved charging system for preventing battery deterioration and for accurate indication of the remaining battery charge level includes an electric power tool (2) and a charger (1). The electric power tool (2) is provided with an internal rechargeable batteries (6) and a second controller (9). The charger (1) is provided with circuitry for charging, a microcomputer (19), and discharge circuitry which is comprised of a manually-operated battery refreshing button (25), a discharge relay (23) and a discharge resistor (24). Upon depression of the battery refreshing button (25), the microcomputer (19) causes the batteries (6) of the electric power tool (2) to be charged to a full level and discharged to a predetermined level twice. When the two-cycle operation of full charge and discharge is completed, the second controller (9) of the electric power tool (2) updates the remaining charge level of the batteries (6).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignees: Makita Corporation, Hondas Giken Kogyo KabushikiInventors: Shinichi Nakane, Yutaka Matsunaga, Tomoo Muramatsu, Kazuyoshi Horikawa
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Patent number: 6191555Abstract: Voltage dividing circuits P1 to P3 are connected between the GND line connected to a battery B and the positive terminals of cells C1 to C3, respectively. Correcting discharging circuits D1 to D3 are connected between an output line on the side of the positive terminal of the battery B and the positive terminals of the cells C1 to C3, respectively. The amounts of discharges of the cells due to the correcting discharging circuits D1 to D3 are set to be equal to those of the cells due to the voltage dividing circuits P1 to P3, respectively, thereby leveling the capacities of the cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Japan Storage Battry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Konishi, Yoshihiko Mizuta
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Patent number: 6191556Abstract: An apparatus is provided for estimating the service life of a battery. The apparatus includes a temperature measurement circuit that measures a temperature of an operating environment of the battery and outputs a signal representative of the temperature of the operating environment. A controller coupled to the temperature measurement circuit receives the temperature signal therefrom and estimates the service life of the battery based on the temperature signal. Preferably, the temperature measurement circuit outputs a signal representative of a temperature range in which the measured operating environment temperature resides and the controller estimates the service life of the battery based on the temperature range signal output by the temperature measurement circuit. A method and a computer program product also are provided for similarly estimating the service life of a battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert Edward Galbraith, Jessica Marie Gisi, Steven Paul Norgaard, Dennis David Reetz, Donald James Ziebarth
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Patent number: 6191557Abstract: A method and an apparatus for informing a system user of the remaining battery terminal voltage as the battery approaches the fully discharged condition. One horizontal fuel gauge icon for each battery is displayed on the host system display panel. The fuel gauge is displayed as two overlapping rectangles which are left justified. The first layer is a solid outline, always the same width, representing the full charge capacity of the battery. The second layer is a filled-in rectangle representing the present (actual) charge capacity as a percentage of the full charge capacity in a charge depletion mode and representing the battery terminal voltage in a voltage mode. The fuel gauging switches from the charge depletion mode to the voltage mode is response to detection of a battery terminal voltage threshold greater than a shutdown voltage threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: GE Marquette Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: James M. Gray, David L. Schieble
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Patent number: 6191558Abstract: A junction box includes a battery controller. The battery controller includes a high voltage battery remaining capacity measuring portion, a low voltage battery remaining capacity measuring portion and a charging instruction portion. The high voltage battery remaining capacity measuring portion collects predetermined plural pairs of voltage value and current value, obtains an approximate straight line on current-voltage coordinates based on the predetermined plural pairs of the data according to least square method, and then obtains a voltage value based on the approximate straight line and a predetermined current value so as top estimate a remaining capacity of the high voltage battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yoichi Arai, Syuji Satake
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Patent number: 6191559Abstract: A system for, and method of, calculating a capacity of a rechargeable battery having an initial terminal voltage and a battery power supply incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a dummy load couplable to the battery to initiate a battery discharge cycle of a given discharge rate and (2) a controller, coupled to the dummy load, that periodically collects, and generates an accumulation of, terminal voltage samples during the battery discharge cycle until the terminal voltage reaches a predefined terminating level, the capacity being a function of a magnitude of the accumulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Berthoud, Mohd M. Hobbi, Lakshmi N. Jampanaboyana
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Patent number: 6191560Abstract: A map is retrieved based on a battery temperature and a temperature rise value (in a step S40) and an allowable current value, with which a battery can be charged while battery temperature rise is being suppressed, is obtained and the battery is charged with the allowable current value (in a step S42). By doing so, it is possible to charge a nickel metal hydride battery in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise. If it is determined that a battery state is not in a final charging period from the change of battery voltage (‘Yes’ in a step S30), a change in temperature is corrected (in a step S34) and a relatively high allowable current value is thereby obtained from the map (in a step S40). That is, before the final charging period, battery charge can be completed in a short time by applying high current without switching current values for adjustment purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Kazuyuki Sakakibara
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Patent number: 6191561Abstract: The present invention is directed to a downhole apparatus for quickly generating and regulating variable output electric power by varying the alignment of a pair of axially adjacent permanent magnets rotating within an armature having electrically conductive windings. Each of the permanent magnets comprises a plurality of permanent magnetic segments having circumferentially alternating magnetizations. One of the permanent magnets is fixed to the drive shaft, and the other permanent magnet is movably mounted on the drive shaft to enable the alignment or misalignment, as desired, of the magnetizations of the respective magnetic segments on the pair of permanent magnets. When the magnetizations are completely aligned, the maximum electrical power is generated in the windings of the main armature; conversely, when the magnetizations are completely misaligned, zero electrical power is generated.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roger P. Bartel
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Patent number: 6191562Abstract: Circuit configuration for degradation of the stored magnetic energy of a field winding of a generator, where a battery voltage is applied to the field winding, having a power switch that is in operative connection with the field winding and is controllable by timed pulses from a clock control and which controls the storage and degradation of energy of the field winding. A zener diode is arranged between the field winding and a control input of a power switch for control of the energy degradation of the field winding, in particular of the power switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Mueller, Oliver Luz, Richard Schoettle, David Frey
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Patent number: 6191563Abstract: Apparatus and methods for AC power regulation primarily intended for inductive loads (e.g., fluorescent lights, motors, etc.) which provide substantial reduction in power consumption while also providing a leading power factor, reduced harmonic distortion, reduced crest factor and reduced noise. The system is self-adjusting for a wide range of loads and can reduce power consumption by 25 percent in lighting loads while producing minimal reduction in light output. The system utilizes a Triac and parallel capacitor bank in series with the load. The Triac is turned on in response to a near-zero differential voltage measured across the Triac and is turned off near the peak of each AC half cycle by shunting current around the Triac. The capacitor absorbs the inductive turn-off voltage spike caused by the collapsing magnetic field in the ballast at the instant of Triac turn-off. This energy, in turn, provides longer on-period for the lamp, thereby permitting more light and increased operating efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Ultrawatt.comInventor: Fred F. Bangerter
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Patent number: 6191564Abstract: A power factor correcting eletrical converter apparatus receives an alternating electrical input signal from a power source. The apparatus preferably includes an input tracking circuit connected with the power source for tracking the input signal and providing the input signal at an input tracking node. The converter apparatus includes a rectifying circuit connected with the power source for receiving the input signal and generating a rectified input signal, and a filtering circuit connected with the rectifying circuit to filter and smooth the rectified input signal. An input sensing circuit is connected with the input tracking circuit for receiving the input signal and generating an input-indicating signal at an input-sensing node. An output circuit is connected with the filtering circuit for delivering the rectified boost signal to a load. The output circuit senses an electrical parameter associated with the load to produce an output-indicating signal at an output-sensing node.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Hengchun Mao
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Patent number: 6191565Abstract: A power factor compensation controller for use in a switching power supply having a switch, an inductor, and upper and lower reference signals that are proportional to an input voltage to the switching power supply includes a multiplier that multiplies an error signal and a signal representative of a current in the switch to produce a multiplier output signal. The power factor compensation controller further includes an adder that adds the multiplier output signal to the lower reference signal to produce an adder output signal and a comparator that compares the adder output signal to the upper reference signal to produce a comparator output signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Fairchild Korea Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Woo Lee, Kyung-Hee Jang
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Patent number: 6191566Abstract: A board mountable power supply module is described. The power supply module includes a power train for converting an input voltage into a regulated output voltage and a controller operable to control the power train. The power train is connected to the input and output voltages through an input voltage pin, an output voltage pin and a common pin. The controller includes a multifunction control pin, which allows for disabling the power supply module and for trimming the output voltage. Additionally, two or more power supply modules can be connected in parallel to form a power supply that is capable of meeting increased load current requirements. Each of the multifunction control pins in the power supply is electrically connected together to improve current sharing between modules by reducing internal variances between modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Shea L. Petricek, James Carroll Wadlington
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Patent number: 6191567Abstract: A converter for converting an input voltage (Ui) into an output voltage (U0). The converter has several modes of operation. The converter can, for example, operate in an up-conversion mode, a down-conversion mode, or a window conversion mode. The converter has at least one switch (S1-S4) for controlling the converter so as to obtain a desired value of the output voltage (U0) in the up-conversion mode and in the down-conversion mode. This is achieved by changing the duty cycle of a binary signal (BS) which controls the switch (S1-S4). The converter further includes means (DMNS) for detecting the duty cycle of the binary signal (BS). This duty cycle is compared with a reference duty cycle (RFDCCL). The result of this comparison is used for deciding whether or not to change over from the up-conversion mode (or the down-conversion mode) to the window conversion mode. In the window conversion mode each switch (S1-S4) in the converter is permanently closed or open.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Ferdinand Jacob Sluijs
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Patent number: 6191568Abstract: The invention is a load voltage and power control and supply system for the supply of power to a load for which, over particular periods of time, usually on a daily basis, it is desired to reduce power. The invention has particular application to street lighting systems in which, for a period of several hours during the night (when traffic is minimal and many people are asleep), the luminaires of the lighting system can operate at reduced power. The power control system is able to act as a voltage stabilizer as well as a controlled power reduction system. The power control system may operate the bank of spaced luminaires from a single control location. Moderately reduced power (say a 30% reduction in power) supplied to luminaires does not noticeably diminish the adequacy of the illumination provided. Further, the power control system reduces power in stepwise decrements each of which reduces power by a small amount insufficient to diminish noticeably the ambient illumination.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Franco Poletti
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Patent number: 6191569Abstract: A feedback circuit is included in paralleled power supply modules using a modified master/slave current sharing scheme. The feedback circuit is activated in the slave modules to force the internal control signal generated by each of the controllers acting as slaves to operate in a predetermined manner. This predetermined manner can be by adjusting the local control signal such that it approximates the master control signal, either by forcing it to follow the master control signal, or by separately regulating the local control signal to approximate the master control signal, or it can be by maintaining the local control signal at a predetermined value. The feedback circuit acts to prevent sudden changes in the output voltage when the master module fails and another module becomes master by placing its control signal on the current-share bus.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Barry Steven Arbetter, Milivoje Slobodan Brkovic
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Patent number: 6191570Abstract: A method for testing node isolation on a circuit board. The method utilizes an automated test system having a plurality of test channels, wherein each test channel has a digital driver with a first input and a first output, and a digital receiver with a second output and a second input. The second input of the receiver is coupled to the first output of the driver, to a number of switches, and to a test probe. The test probe is configured to couple the driver and receiver to one of a plurality of nodes on a circuit board. The number of switches are configured to selectively couple the first output and second input to ground. During a node isolation test, each node of a test node group is coupled to one of the test channels. But for a selected node of the test node group, each node of the test node group is coupled to ground via the number of switches of the test channels coupled to the nodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Chandler, Barry A. Alcorn, Bryan D. Boswell, John M. Heumann, Ed O. Schlotzhauer
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Patent number: 6191571Abstract: A measuring device and method use a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer comprises a display screen controlled by a processor on which a spectrum of an input signal is displayed in a frequency region on a half portion of the display screen and a noise level at a frequency associated with the input signal is displayed in a time region on another half portion of the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Advantest CorporationInventors: Takayoshi Fukui, Kouichi Yamashita, Takahiro Yamaguchi, Osamu Aoyama, Takashi Kosuge, Yoshiaki Miyamae, Toshiharu Kasahara, Hiroaki Takaoku
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Patent number: 6191572Abstract: A mechanical press for testing printed circuit boards in conjunction with a conventional probe card testing assembly is presented. A press assembly attached to a press mount mounted over the probe card testing assembly includes a movable frame including a plate that is height-adjustable relative the movable frame and a plurality of synchronized force-applying members that are actuatable to extend the plate downward a predetermined distance with equal downward pressure across the plate. The plate is height-adjustable within the movable frame via four elongated rotatable screws that protrude through the upper surface of the press mount in order to moveably support the press assembly. Each screw has a timing belt pulley for synchronous power transmission disposed above the stationary frame upper surface. A timing belt or similar continuous belt or chain engages each belt pulley, thereby synchronizing the rotation of the screws.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dwight Fowler, Chris R. Jacobsen
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Patent number: 6191573Abstract: To remove ringing from pulse. A buffer amplifier (30) is inserted in series into a path through which a signal is transmitted. Ringing caused in the output of the buffer amplifier (30) is detected by an L side comparator (31) and an H side comparator (32). When ringing is detected a current is supplied into the input of the buffer amplifier (30) through an L side current supply circuit (33) or an H side current supply circuit (34). By supplying a current from the L side and H side current supply circuits (33, 34), the overshooting portion due to ringing can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Noda
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Patent number: 6191574Abstract: An apparatus for quantifying the position of a released arrow as it passes across the bow riser. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor detects a signal from an arrow shaft for the purposes of collecting data pertaining to arrow position. The electronics measurement unit provides a user configurable gain to control the variation and sensitivity of the collected data. The optical trigger mechanism used to stimulate the sensor does not require arrow shaft modification. Statistical parameters of the collected data are displayed on the bow and are used to determine and improve archery tackle performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: John Patrick Dilger
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Patent number: 6191575Abstract: The proposed device comprises a primary detector and a measuring amplifier, the primary converter comprising a central cylindrical core and an external cylindrical core arranged coaxially along a longitudinal axis, a movable member being mounted coaxially with the cores, a measuring winding arranged on the central core along the longitudinal axis in such a manner that the turns of the winding encompass the central core in a transverse direction, and an additional winding having a common electrical connection point with the measuring winding and disposed on one of the cores so that its turns encompass the core in a longitudinal direction and pass through the corresponding central axial opening. The measuring winding and the additional winding are connected with the measuring amplifier, and alternating current voltage is fed to the input thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Micro-Epsion messtechnic GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Felix Mednikov, Mark Nechaevsky
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Patent number: 6191576Abstract: A geartooth sensor utilizes an algorithm for establishing an adaptive threshold for the switch point of the sensor to minimize drift in the point at which the sensor output changes in relation to the target features it is tracking. The algorithm utilizes measured waveform peak and average outputs and applies a separate empirically derived constant to each value to quickly obtain the major portion of the adaptive threshold value from the product of the first constant and the peak output, and to refine the threshold value further with the product of the second constant and the average output.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Lamar F. Ricks, Wayne A. Lamb, Peter G. Hancock