Abstract: A device for implementing a method for controlling a switched-reluctance motor having a rotor and excitable phases is disclosed. The device comprises a controller and an interface for implementing a master control routine including a pre-alignment stage, a preliminary stage, and a primary stage. During the pre-alignment stage, the rotor is rotated to an initial position corresponding to one the phases being aligned. During the preliminary stage, the rotor is rotated from the initial position is rotated in a desired direction. During the primary stage, any operational losses are minimized when the rotor is positioned in a holding position.

Abstract: A motor controller for a motor operated by an AC line voltage includes solid-state switches connectable between an AC line and a motor terminal for controlling application of AC line voltage to the motor. A current sensor senses motor current. A control circuit is connected to the switches and the current sensor for varying relative duration of on time and off time during each cycle of line voltage to control motor voltage. The control circuit determines on time during each cycle of line voltage and compensates sensed motor current responsive to the sensed on time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery control device for controlling charging and discharging operations performed on a battery pack in which a plurality of serially-connected battery blocks each include a plurality of battery cells, and the device includes: a voltage measurement section for measuring a battery voltage value for each voltage detection unit determined according to a prescribed condition based on at least one battery characteristic; and an abnormal battery detection section for detecting an abnormal battery based on the battery voltage value measured by the voltage measurement section.

Abstract: A power charge system is provided for charging a plurality of portable electric devices. Each portable electric device has a charging port for receiving an operating voltage of the portable device. The power charge system includes a plurality of transformers for converting a plurality of different input voltages into a direct current (DC) standard voltage, and a plurality of converters for converting the standard voltage into the operating voltage of the plurality of portable electric devices. When a portable electric device needs to be charged, a converter corresponding to the portable electric device is capable of being electrically connected to any one of the transformers to receive the standard voltage from the transformer so as to charge the portable electric device.

Abstract: A battery charger is used for charging a battery incorporated in a portable audio device such as a portable telephone, and it comprises a connector and a circuit block for performing charging operation with the battery of the portable audio device via the connector. The circuit block contains a digital power amplifier that ensures digitization of audio signals transmitted thereto from the portable audio device via the connector. The battery charger can be connected with speakers, which produce sounds based on digital audio signals amplified by the digital power amplifier. Since the digital power amplifier has a good efficiency in power consumption and produces a very small amount of heat during operation, the battery charger can be considerably downsized, and it can reliably ensure a high quality reproduction of audio signals during charging operation for the battery of the portable audio device in progress.

Abstract: A monobloc battery including a plurality of interconnected electrochemical cells formed from electrodes and electrolyte and having end poles, wherein distances between selected cells and the end poles and, optionally, distances between the selected cells, are set such that no voltages of more than about 30V occur between the distances under normal operating conditions of the monobloc battery, and at least one gas collecting line connected to selected cells and located to collect explosive gas mixtures, if any, generated by the cells, the gas collecting line being substantially electrically insulating and, in at least one area, having a lining composed of an electron-conductive material electrically conductively contacting the electrodes or the electrolyte in an individual cell.

Abstract: A serial battery charger including a number of serially connected battery charging sections in which the battery charging section is characterized by a first and second parallelly connected branches. The first branch includes terminals for connecting to the battery to be charged and a current blocking device and the second branch includes a by-passing switch which shunts across the terminals of the first branch when activated. The blocking device in the first branch prevents adverse reverse current flow from the battery to the charger when there is no power supply and also functions as a current block to prevent adverse flow of current from the battery into the shunting by-passing switch when the power supply to the charging section is in operation. This invention provides a simple solution to fulfil the conflicting requirements of an intelligent serial battery charger.

Abstract: A method to extend the functionality of a battery, the method comprising drawing power from the battery, and repetitively drawing a current pulse greater than the minimum conditioning current from the battery, thereby conditioning the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system is disclosed having a plurality of electrical subsystems for supplying power to different component groups of the vehicle. A voltage regulator is provided each subsystem for setting the voltage on each electrical subsystem independently of the other electrical subsystems. One such subsystem includes a battery having a grounded terminal and an ungrounded terminal. An electrical system controller including data processing capacity provides control of the voltage level on the charging subsystem through a charging regulator having an output connected to the ungrounded terminal of the battery and a control input. An electrical power generator is connected to energize the charging regulator. Instrumentation connected to the electrical system controller provides measurements of current discharged from the battery, current delivered to the battery, and battery temperature.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for a starter comprises a capacitor. This capacitor is charged by a battery through a charging circuit including resistors that charges the capacitor by dividing a voltage of the battery by the resistors. This capacitor is discharged to the starter through a discharge circuit that applies to the starter a charged voltage of the capacitor in addition to the voltage of the battery. When the starter is driven, the connection of the capacitor is switched from the charging circuit to the discharging circuit by an ECU and switching relays.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for control of a vehicle generator. The voltage regulator is selectably responsive to a voltage representing the generator output voltage at the alternator output terminal, or to an external voltage sensed at a load or source point on the vehicle. The voltage regulator determines the relationship between these two sensed voltages and in response thereto chooses one of the sensed voltages for use in controlling the generator output by controlling the field excitation current input thereto. Certain conditions also cause the voltage regulator to latch in a mode where it is controlled only by one of the alternator output terminal voltage or the external voltage. Manual resetting may be required to discontinue the latched operational mode.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for an a.c. generator produces a power generation ratio signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the current supply to the field winding of the a.c. generator. This power generation ratio signal is applied to an external apparatus through a signal wire. The duty ratio of the power generation ratio signal is more than 10% when the a.c. generator is normal. When abnormality is detected, the power generation ratio signal is partly masked by an abnormality detection signal so that the duty ratio of the power generation signal is reduced to be less than 10% and this change may be detected by the external apparatus. Alternatively, the power generation ratio signal may be transmitted only intermittently when the abnormality is detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing protection to a generator are disclosed. A reference is determined out of rated capability of the generator. Based on the reference, and field current and output conditions of the generator, there is determined a drop in generator performance due to a temperature condition of the generator. Accounting for the drop in generator performance, operation of the generator may be modified to a generator output limit mode.

Abstract: An power supply apparatus for the input harmonic current suppression, input power factor compensation, and an output voltage regulation and a method thereof is provided. The power supply apparatus electrically connected to a AC power has a first power converter electrically connected in parallel with the AC power for providing a first compensating voltage and controlling the first compensating voltage to reduce harmonic components of an input current so as to cause the input current as a substantial sinusoidal wave and in phase with the input voltage, and a second power converter electrically connected in series with an output end of the power supply apparatus for providing a second compensating voltage in order to maintain the output voltage at a desired level and waveform. The related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A voltage regulator module includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to an integrated circuit, the power supply circuit including semiconductor switching devices and a drive circuit for driving the semiconductor switching devices; and charge storage means for smoothing an output of the power supply circuit, wherein charge storage unit having a smoothing capacitor includes an electric double-layer capacitor, wherein the electric double-layer capacitor includes a plurality of positive electrode terminals and a plurality of negative electrode terminals, and wherein the plurality of positive electrode terminals and the plurality of negative electrode terminals are disposed on a surface identical to a surface of the electric double-layer capacitor.

Abstract: A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) that operates in a burst mode when an electronic device that receives power from the SMPS demands a low level of power as when in a stand-by mode or cut-off mode. The SMPS contains a first power supply unit for receiving a power and rectifying it, and, according to a level of an output for the load, distinguishing between a normal mode and a burst mode to perform switching according to a timing corresponding to the normal mode and the burst mode to supply a first power. The SMPS also contains an output power supply unit for receiving the first power from the first power supply unit according to a winding ratio of a coil to generate a power for driving the load.

Abstract: In a non-insulated DC-DC converter for performing direct-current power conversion by operating a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor in mutually inverted phases, the second MOS transistor is held off during soft-start control. In soft-start control, the on-duty period of the first MOS transistor is short immediately after the switch-on of a power source, and is gradually extended afterwards.

Abstract: A progammable power supply for providing a regulated DC output power is disclosed. The power supply provides the output power to any one of a plurality of electronic devices adapted for receiving the output power at an operational voltage or an operational current. The power supply receives a programming signal to maintain the output power at the operational voltage or operational current associated with a particular selected electronic device. Accordingly, by varying the programming signal, the power supply can be programmed to provide output power to any one of several electronic devices having differing input power requirements.

Abstract: A power supply circuit that withstands voltages greater than or equal to a voltage capacity and prevents an increase in circuit area and manufacturing costs. The power supply circuit includes a first transistor for receiving a DC voltage and generating an internal power supply voltage. A clamp circuit is connected to the first transistor. The clamp circuit is activated when the DC current voltage is an excessive voltage to clamp the internal power supply voltage at a predetermined voltage that is less than the excessive voltage. A gate voltage control circuit is connected to the first transistor and the clamp circuit to supply the gate of the transistor with a control voltage so that the internal power supply voltage decreases when the clamp circuit is activated.

Abstract: An electrical contact spring probe for testing circuit continuity attaches to the end of a shielded cable for RF (radio frequency) transmission. The probe has a collapsible shield surrounding a contact plunger to prevent leakage of RF energy to or from neighboring circuit points.

Abstract: An opto-electric device for measuring the root mean square value of an alternating current voltage comprises : a) an electric field-to-light-to-voltage converter having 1) a light source; 2) an electro-optic material: (a) receiving light from the light source; (b) modulating said light; and (c) providing a modulated light output; 3) an electric field applied to the electro-optic crystal to modulate the light from the light source to produce the modulated light output; b) an optical receiver for receiving and converting the modulated output light from the electro-optic material to a first voltage that is proportional to a square of the electric field applied to the electro-optic material; c) an averager circuit receiving the first voltage and providing a second voltage that is proportional to the average of said square of said electric field over a period of time; and d) an inverse ratiometric circuit receiving the second voltage from the averager circuit and returning a third voltage that is an inverse voltag

Abstract: A power detector (50) detects a power level of an amplified signal (S20) produced by a power amplifier (16) on the same integrated circuit (100). The power detector compensates for an effect of temperature variations on the magnitude of the detected power level.

Abstract: An electronic meter includes a sensing circuit for sensing voltage and current values of a waveform, an analog-to-digital converter for converting the sensed voltage and current values to digital voltage and current values, a digital filter for delaying one or both of the digital voltage and current values to compensate for a phase shift error in the sensing circuit, and a computation circuit for computing one or more parameters of the waveform in response to the phase compensated voltage and current values. The electronic meter may be calibrated by applying to the meter a test waveform having a known phase shift, measuring the phase shift using the electronic meter, determining a phase shift error based on the difference between the known phase shift and the measured phase shift and determining digital filter coefficients to produce a digital filter delay that corresponds to the phase shift error.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuity testing of a pogo pin in a probe comprises a substrate having a pad, a power supply providing a voltage difference between the pad and the pogo pin, and a sensing device signaling when the substrate contacts the probe, and a current is generated by the connection of the pogo pin and the pad.

Abstract: In a pin contact test, a voltage across an external pin is measured by setting a voltage to be supplied to the power supply nodes in input protection circuits in their respective chips at a prescribed amount by means of voltage control circuits and by supplying a prescribed constant current to external pin. Based on the measurement results, a pin contact failure in chips can be detected.

Abstract: A chuck adapted to test electrical and/or optical components on a device-under-test (DUT).

Abstract: There is described a method for determining the speed of a wheel on a motor vehicle, for which purpose an acceleration sensor is mounted on the wheel. It is proposed according to the invention to measure the frequency &ohgr; or the period T of an alternating signal contained in the acceleration signal supplied by the acceleration sensor and produced by the influence of gravitational acceleration g. The method is suited for use in automatic tyre-pressure monitoring systems for assigning signals, that have been transmitted by radio from a wheel-mounted electronic module, to a particular wheel position and for controlling the transmission rate of a wheel-mounted electronic module as a function of the speed.

Abstract: A position sensor which is particularly suitable for the rotational angle detection of throttle or exhaust gas valves comprises a permanent magnet and at least two magnetic field sensors arranged adjacently to the permanent magnet. The magnetic field sensors are, for example, Hall sensors. By a relative movement between the permanent magnet and the magnetic field sensors, a position-dependent signal, for example in dependence on a rotational angle of the shaft, is produced. According to the invention, the two magnetic field sensors are arranged behind each other in field direction of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A sensor attachment structure is provided with grooves for attaching, to an actuator body, magnetism-detecting sensors each of which is constructed to have a substantially rectangular cross section. The groove is designed to have a substantially rectangular open cross section. The groove includes a tapered section which has widths gradually narrowed inwardly from the contour surface, and a spread section which is spread from narrow width ends of the tapered section and to which pawls of the magnetism-detecting sensor are installed.

Abstract: A measurement method for a mechatronics apparatus, which includes an electromagnetically actuated component, an electronic control circuit, and at least one sensor, is selectively timed to minimize electromagnetic interference between the electromagnetically actuated component and the sensor(s). This is accomplished by restricting a sensor measurement to a time window, during which time the electromagnetically actuated component either has no current flow, or has a current change magnitude that is lower than a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle sensor and a method for adjustment of an angle sensor, An angle sensor

Abstract: The support that bears and positions the head in a head holding apparatus is further supported by a heat-compensating member, so that when the support is expanded by the heat source of the head holding apparatus, the heat-compensating member expands in the direction opposite to the direction of expansion of the support. Moreover, supplying of heat to the support and heat-compensating member is further alleviated by insulating said heat source with an insulating material. The amount of displacement of the recording element per unit of time with exposure to heat is controlled by the above-mentioned structure and effects.

Abstract: In a magnetic head measuring apparatus for measuring a magnetic head, an amplitude-modulated electric current whose amplitude is modulated by a specified carrier wave frequency and modulation frequency is applied to a magnetic head.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring cross sectional area and flaws in a continuous sucker rod string as the string is conveyed within a borehole. These measured parameters are useful is monitoring the physical integrity of the sucker rod string. A magnet is used to saturate an increment of continuous sucker rod, and a coil is used to measure induced flux. Cross sectional area of the rod increment is computed from the flux measurement. One or more Hall effect transducers are used to measure leakage from the increment as a function of distance along the increment. This measurement is used to detect and quantify the type of flaw within the rod increment being investigated. The process is repeated as the sucker rod string is conveyed into or out of the borehole.

Abstract: A self-adjusting assembly and method are disclosed. In the disclosed embodiments, a support assembly for supporting a device comprises a pair of support members for supporting the device. One of the members is adapted to help support the device from a ground, and another of the members is adapted to provide lateral support for the device and to permit free longitudinal movement of the device as it expands or contracts due to temperature variations.

Abstract: A method and instrument for measuring, with a high spatial resolution, a magnetic or electric field that varies repeatedly at high speed. An electron beam is deflected by passage through a magnetic or electric field to be measured and is allowed to pass through a deflection electrode to thereby be deflected in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic or electric field to be measured. A track of the deflected electron beam is detected by a two-dimensional sensor, and a waveform or pattern is displayed wherein a time base and an axis of the magnetic field to be measured are orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor has a semiconductor substrate and an insulator over the substrate. A magnetoresistive film is embedded in the insulator responsive material, and a conductive strap is wound into a coil around the magnetoresistive film but not around the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic field sensor, including the step of providing a keeper material proximate to at least a portion of a magnetic field sensing structure. The magnetic field sensor includes at least a substrate, the magnetic field sensing structure, and at least one current strap.

Abstract: There is provided a thin-film magnetic field sensor, which has a simple structure and a high detecting sensitivity, and reduces measurement errors due to temperature variation or the like. In the thin-film magnetic field sensor according to the present invention, two arms of a bridge circuit are formed of an element 5 having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and soft magnetic thin-films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals, and an element 10 having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and conductive films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals. The electrical resistance value of the element 10 has sensitivity relative to the magnetic field, such that it is substantially zero when the magnetic field is small, but it changes equally to the element 5 due to causes other than the magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic detection device and a manufacturing method for the same that allows effective control of the magnetization of a free magnetic layer in a design with narrower tracks. A second antiferromagnetic layer is deposited on a free magnetic layer, and a thin nonmagnetic layer formed from an element such as Ru or the like is deposited on the second antiferromagnetic layer. Third antiferromagnetic layers are deposited on both end portions of the free magnetic layer. Both end portions of the second antiferromagnetic layer exhibit antiferromagnetic properties so that the magnetization of both end portions of the free magnetic layer is firmly fixed. A central portion of the second antiferromagnetic layer is non-antiferromagnetic. A central portion of the free magnetic layer is formed into a weak single domain so it permits inverted magnetization in response to an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method. Layer or volume areas are selected by radiating high-frequency pulses and applying a magnetic gradient field which is optionally composed of several individual components. Nuclear magnetic resonances are excited and detected as measured signals in said areas. According to the inventive method, the measured signals are detected in a first acquisition sequence for different echo times. Essentially similar phase positions are selected for different echo times in the acquisition sequence and the acquisition sequence is repeated at least once. The invention also relates to a device for processing image data. Said device comprises at least one memory for storing detected measured data in a kx-dimension, a t-dimension and a ky-dimension. The inventive device is characterised in that said device contains a sorter which rearranges the raw data into a sequence, wherein the data of the ky-dimension is arranged upstream in relation to the t-dimension.

Abstract: To optimize in advance an amount of a desired parameter incorporated in a pulse sequence performed by an imaging scan, a preparation scan is adopted. The preparation scan is performed with the amount of the desired parameter changed every preparatory image, so that data of a plurality of preparatory images at a desired region of the object can be acquired. For example, such parameter is a TI (inversion time) and its amount is a period of TI. The acquired data are produced into a plurality of preparatory images for display. A desired preparatory image is then selected from the plural preparatory images displayed, and the amount of the desired parameter given from the selected preparatory image is set to the pulse sequence. Hence the desired parameter of the pulse sequence is able to have an optimum amount before actual imaging.

Abstract: A relay circuit test extender is adapted to facilitate testing of relays and relay circuits in a vehicle. The test extender includes a plurality of elongated bundled wires having first and second opposing ends, and adapted for carrying current in an electric circuit between a vehicle relay receptacle and a removable electric relay. A male connector is located at the first end of the bundled wires, and includes a plurality of electric pins electrically connected to respective wires and adapted for being inserted into respective pin openings of the vehicle relay receptacle. A female connector is located at the second end of the bundled wires, and defines a plurality of pin openings adapted for receiving respective pins of the removable electric relay.

Abstract: A sensor for an electrostatic detector comprising an elongated vibratory element supported at a mechanical node at one end in the manner of a cantilever beam, a sensitive electrode on the vibratory element near the other end and adapted to be disposed toward an electrical charge, field or potential being measured, and a driver transducer on the vibratory element for vibrating the element in a direction to vary the capacitive coupling between the electrode and the electrical charge, field or potential being measured. The driver transducer is at a location along the beam and is operated at a vibratory frequency such that a virtual mechanical node appears along the beam. This, in turn, prevents vibration of the mechanical node so that the degree of stiffness of the mechanical node does not affect the operating frequency and/or the displacement at the free end of the cantilever.

Abstract: LED lamp circuitry that emulates an incandescent lamp's behaviour upon remote verification of the LED lamp. The invention presents a fuse blow-out circuit and a cold filament detection circuit permitting the use of LED lamps in applications, such as railway signal light applications, where there is a need for remote monitoring of the lamps, while keeping the advantageous features of lower power consumption and longer life. The invention also provides a control circuit for enabling/disabling the power supply to LED lamps in relation to the level of the line voltage. The advantage of this embodiment is to avoid unwanted functioning of the LED lamp caused by interference from surrounding electrical cables.

Abstract: A short-circuit detector has connected between positive and negative terminals of a DC power source a series connection including sequentially a first switch, a first detection resistor, a second detection resistor and a second switch, a third switch between a grounding terminal such as a vehicle chassis and a point between the first and second detection resistors and a voltage detector circuit connected in parallel with the first and second detection resistors.

Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for testing a DC isolation resistance of a large capacitance network experiencing voltage stress, adds capacitance and resistance to a large resistance network under test, such that the direct current (DC) isolation resistance may be determined without distortion from the alternating current (AC) components of the circuit. The capacitance that is added is determined based on the capacitance of the object, the resistance of the object, and the resistance of the testing apparatus. In one embodiment, because the precise capacitance of the network under test may be unknown, the testing apparatus and method may utilize an additional large capacitor designed to obviate small fluctuations in the capacitance of the network.

Abstract: Minute surface damage or irregularities on the sensing surface of a capacitive sensor integrated circuit is detected by acquiring a preliminary image of the capacitance readings for the sensor array, coating the sensing surface with an electrolyte solution, then acquiring an additional image while the sensing surface is coated and/or after the electrolyte solution is removed. The electrolyte solution accelerates manifestation of pixel degradation or failure caused by surface damage or irregularities. Defective regions are identified by change of grayscale pixels in the preliminary image while the electrolyte coating is on the sensing surface and then again after the electrolyte coating is removed.

Abstract: A router for funneling a plurality of conductors is disclosed. The router includes a routing unit and a plurality of conductor paths. The conductor paths are directed through the routing unit and are adapted to receive the conductors. The routing unit and the plurality of conductor paths are formed by a three-dimensional fabrication process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the electrical characteristics of a telecommunication cable (10) comprising a bundle of electric wires (11) conveying a service voltage (U) delivered by equipment (15) referenced to ground, arranged in an insulating sheath comprising a conductive screen (12). According to the present invention, the method comprises one step of measuring the insulation resistance (Riso) of the screen (12) relative to the ground, one step of measuring the electric potential (Pe) of the screen (12) relative to the ground, and one step of determining a global insulation resistance (Ri) of the bundle of electric wires (11) relative to the conductive screen (12), using the result of the measurements of the insulation resistance (Riso) and of the electric potential (Pe) of the screen. Application to characterising or to maintaining telecommunication cables.