Abstract: Control process for the automatic closing of a convertible top of a motor vehicle. Control process for the automatic closing of a convertible top of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle furthermore has moveable front side window panes and rear side window panes. Prior to the closing of the top, at least the rear side window panes are moved into a position that is characterized by a predefinable aperture between the edge of the respective side window pane and the closed top.

Abstract: A control apparatus rotates a drive motor reversely to reverse the moving direction of a roof glass when movement of the roof glass is obstructed by a foreign matter caught in the roof glass while the roof glass is moving toward the closing position, sets a home position of the roof glass by setting the count number to a predetermined value with the roof glass placed in a predetermined position. The control apparatus performs setting of the home position again when the number of times a reverse action of the roof glass originated from catching of the foreign matter in the roof glass has been carried out becomes equal to or greater than a specified number. An abnormality detecting device detects an abnormality in which the reverse action of the roof glass is not carried out at the time when the movement of the roof glass is obstructed, when the abnormality has occurred. When the abnormality is detected, the control apparatus avoids setting the home position again.

Abstract: An actuator position control system for brush-type DC motors. The system includes a sensor, amplifier or differentiator, central control unit (microprocessor), and motor driver. The system utilizes the differential signal di/dt to indicate the falling edges of commutation spikes in the motor current profile. In a first embodiment, an inductor is selected as the signal sensor, because voltage drops across the inductor are directly proportional to di/dt. The voltage drop, L(di/dt), across the inductive sensor is input to the amplifier, amplified, and then sent to the microprocessor. In a second embodiment, a sensing resistor and a differentiator are substituted for the inductive sensor and amplifier, respectively. The microprocessor reads the output pulses from the amplifier or differentiator and compares the pulse count to an input command signal. The microprocessor then sends shaft position control information to the motor driver.

Abstract: A controller for a motor is provided. The motor includes N redundant M-phase rotor/stator combinations (where N and M are both integers greater than 1). The controller includes N driver circuits each having M outputs. Each of the M outputs of a respective one of the N driver circuits provides pulse-width modulated (PWM) current pulses to a corresponding phase winding in a respective one of the redundant M-phase rotor/stator combinations. Furthermore, the controller includes a control unit operatively coupled to the N driver circuits for providing phase spacing between the N driver circuits. As a result, current pulses provided by the N driver circuits to a same phase winding in each of the redundant M-phase rotor/stator combinations are offset in phase.

Abstract: An electric power steering control device is provided, which comprises a vehicle speed detector, a steering torque detector, a steering shaft reaction torque meter, a motor speed detector, a motor acceleration detector, a steering torque detector for calculating a base target current, a damping compensator for finding a gain of a damping torque based on a steering shaft reaction torque to calculate a damping compensation amount based on the damping torque gain and motor speed, an inertia compensator for finding a gain of an inertia compensation torque based on the steering shaft reaction torque to calculate an inertia compensation amount based on the inertia compensation torque gain and motor acceleration, and an adder for compensating a base target current by a damping compensation amount and an inertia compensation amount to calculate a target current.

Abstract: Axial error calculation unit is provided for estimating an axial error &Dgr;&thgr; between a d-q axis and a dc-qc axis by using Ld, Lq, Ke, Id*, Iq*, Idc and Iqc in a range of all rotational speeds except zero of a rotational speed command of a synchronous motor, Ld denoting an inductance on a magnetic pole axis d of the synchronous motor, Lq an inductance on a q axis orthogonal to the magnetic pole axis d, Ke a generated power constant of the motor, Id* a current command of the d axis, Iq* a current command on a q axis, Idc a detected current value on an assumed dc axis on control, and Iqc a detected current value on an assumed qc axis orthogonal to the assumed dc axis. Irrespective of presence of saliency, position sensorless control can be achieved in a wide range a low to high speed zone.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus comprises a fundamental current control device that controls a fundamental current in a 3-phase AC motor in an orthogonal coordinate system constituted of a d-axis and a q-axis rotating in synchronization with the rotation of the 3-phase AC motor, a higher harmonic current control device that controls a higher harmonic current in the motor in an orthogonal coordinate system constituted of a dh-axis and a qh-axis rotating at a frequency that is an integral multiple of the frequency of the fundamental component of the current flowing to the motor, an estimating device that estimates the level of the harmonic speed electromotive force in the motor in the dhqh-axis coordinate system and a compensating device that compensates the harmonic speed electromotive force estimated by the estimating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing parasitic distortion in terminal voltages connected to a PWM inverter, the method comprising the steps of receiving each of a command operating frequency and a command carrier frequency, comparing the command operating frequency to low and high threshold operating frequency values, and where the command operating frequency is less than the low threshold frequency, restricting the carrier frequency to a minimum carrier frequency, where the command operating frequency is greater than the high threshold frequency, setting the carrier frequency equal to the command carrier frequency and, where the operating frequency is between the low and high threshold frequencies, setting the carrier frequency to an intermediate value between the minimum carrier frequency and the commanded carrier frequency.

Abstract: Processor-based field oriented control for brushless doubly-fed induction machine having first and second polyphase stator windings is programmed to operate the machine in various modes, as a motor or a generator, with bumpless switching between operating modes. An electronic power converter controls a current supplied to the first stator winding to control the torque of the machine, with the second stator winding selectively connected to an AC line. Stationary coordinates for in-phase and quadrature current commands are coordinate transformed using a voltage vector for voltage induced on the first polyphase stator winding to control current in the first stator winding, with or without a position sensor. The electronic power converter controls the voltage supplied to the first stator for generating, with the second stator selectively connected to a load. The machine can also be controlled to operate as a singly-fed motor at lower speeds, with the second stator winding shorted.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple energy storage devices in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the system generally includes a charger coupled to a direct current (DC) bus of the UPS system, and two or more energy storage circuits, each of which includes a power regulator coupled to the charger and coupled to the DC bus, at least one energy storage device coupled to the power regulator, and a processor coupled to the power regulator for controlling the charge and discharge of the at least one energy storage device. In another embodiment of the invention, digital communication between two or more controllers is accomplished over the DC bus through use of the Control Area Network (CAN) protocol.

Abstract: A power source circuit is provided which is capable of improving an efficiency of using energy of a chemical battery cell and of responding suitably to an intermittent change in a load current. Since, during a load burst period in an odd-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a first power storing section and, during a load burst period in an even-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a second power storing section, even if a duty ratio of the load burst period in one period during which the load burst period occurs intermittently exceeds fifty percent, energy required during the load burst period is fed from the first or the second power storing section and the chemical battery cell does not discharge during the load burst period.

Abstract: In a battery control device for controlling input to and output from a battery pack of the present invention, the battery pack includes a plurality of serially-connected battery blocks each including a plurality of serially-connected unit batteries. The device includes: an internal resistance measurement section for each battery block; and a first malfunctioning battery detection section for detecting the unit battery as a leakage malfunctioning battery based on an internal resistance variation measured for each battery block during a prescribed time interval of a charging operation, wherein detection information about the leakage malfunctioning battery is reflected in the control of charging and discharging operations.

Abstract: For charging a secondary battery, at least two operation modes including first and second operation modes, in which the secondary battery is charged to predetermined charge end voltages different from each other, are established. Both life and capacity of the battery can be maximized by a user selecting either of the two operation modes, or switching between the two operation modes automatically with a timer device, or according to a temperature of the battery, state of health thereof, or internal pressure thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for battery level detection of a remote control device including a voltage detection device coupled to a battery for generating a reset signal upon detecting a low voltage condition. A microprocessor is coupled to the voltage detection device, the microprocessor generating an output signal upon receiving a reset signal and a key signal. A display which is not coupled to the remote control device for receiving the output signal and indicating the low voltage condition. Further, a software algorithm is provided to calculate and analyze the voltage hysteresis of the battery to detect the low voltage condition of the battery.

Abstract: An electrical accessory device controller system and process for controlling for a motor vehicle having a vehicle battery and an alternator. The system is provided with an electrical interface for an electrical accessory device, a device for detecting the voltage of the vehicle electrical system, and a power supply control unit to connect the electrical accessory device to the battery according to the detected battery voltage or to disconnect the electrical accessory device from it. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary energy storage device rechargeable by the alternator and which is connected to the power supply control unit. The power supply control unit is made such that depending on the detected voltage of the vehicle electrical system it electrically connects the auxiliary power storage device to the electrical accessory device to the battery or disconnects the electrical accessory device from it.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced battery control improves the performance of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV includes an internal combustion engine, at least one motor operable as a generator and a battery. A hybrid control module determines various discharge and recharge allowances limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. It also determines various periods of time limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. The allowances and periods of time may be used as limits that are imposed on commands for the motor.

Abstract: A battery charger, a method for charging a battery, and a software program for operating the battery charger. The battery charger is capable of charging different types of batteries and capable of operating on alternate sources of AC power or alternate sources of DC power. Also, the battery charging circuit will not operate if one of the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the control means (including the microcontroller) malfunctions. In addition, in the battery charging circuit, the battery under charge enables the operation of the battery charging circuit.

Abstract: A ballast load control system and method is presented that regulates the output electrical power supplied by a turbo-generator such that appropriate turbine loading may be achieved. Such enables the use of a turbo-generator having an expansion turbine to be used to provide a controlled, required amount of cooling to a thermal control system. By effectively varying the coupled electrical load, the loading provided to the expansion turbine may be controlled while maintaining output power requirements to connected electrical utilization equipment. Use of a common system controller for both the cooling system and ballast trim load system of the present invention ensures coordinated operation between the required amount of cooling and electrical power quality supplied to the coupled utilization equipment.

Abstract: A multiple power factor audio amplifier with a power draw up to a maximum amplifier power draw flowing through at least two power flow circuits with at least one circuit including a power factor corrector electrically connected between the amplifier and input terminals. One embodiment including a power factor corrector sized to provide a first output less than the maximum amplifier power draw of the amplifier and a high output power factor bypass adapted to provide a second output to supplement the first output when the amplifier power draw exceeds the first output. Also described are methods for controlling the amplifier demand power factor including adjusting the draw of a first portion of the direct current power at a first level to improve the power factor of an input demand at the rectifier to provide a first part of the demanded amplifier power; and transferring a second portion of the direct current power without power factor correction to provide a second part of the demanded amplifier power.

Abstract: A boosting and step-down switching regulator includes one error amplifying circuit, and an output of the error amplifying circuit is compared with a triangular wave for boosting and a triangular wave for step-down different in voltage level from each other but synchronous with, each other in comparison circuits, respectively, to switch the boosting operation and the step-down operation over to each other. Thus, the boosting operation and the step-down operation can be readily switched over to each other irrespective of an input voltage and an output voltage.

Abstract: A synchronous voltage regulation circuit having an energy storage circuit for controlling the output signal is disclosed. The voltage regulation circuit includes a circuit which advantageously uses leakage inductance from loose coupling of input and output inductors to control regulator switching.

Abstract: A regulator circuit with at least two independently selectable and adjustable adjustment circuits. Each adjustment circuit may be connected across a standard voltage divider circuit used to create a reference voltage for operating a voltage pump. Between each adjustment circuit and the voltage divider circuit is an associated connection circuit that is controlled by an associated control signal. When activated by its respective control signal, the connection circuit connects its associated adjustment circuit to the voltage divider circuit so that the reference voltage is generated by the voltage divider as adjusted by the connected adjustment circuit. The amount of adjustment each adjustment circuit can introduce is independently selectable, the regulator circuit can adjust the operation of the pump for different modes of operation and can compensate for process variations without the need to re-design, re-mask or re-fabricate the circuitry.

Abstract: A two-wire sensor (6) is attached to one pole of a voltage distribution source (U) by an initial connecting line (V1) in which a current-limiting resistor (R1) is positioned and is attached to the other pole by a second connecting line (V2). Parallel to the series connection consisting of the two-wire sensor (S) and the current-limiting resistor (R1) is at least one limiting diode (D1). A current regulator (SR) which is attached to the poles of the power source (U) regulates a parallel current (I) which runs parallel to the current through the two-wire sensor (D), so that there is a sum current at the poles of the power source (U) that always corresponds to the measured value delivered by the two-wire sensor (S). The regulating inputs of the current regulator (SR) are connected to the terminals of a current-sensing resistor (R2) positioned in a connecting line (V1). When a HART®-interface is used with the two-wire sensor (S) a HART®-resistor (RH) is positioned in one of the two connecting lines (V1).

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: A power supply in accordance with the present invention includes: a resistance voltage-dividing circuit for generating an intermediate voltage, to which a targeted voltage value is allocated, from a supplied voltage; an N-type transistor which causes a current flow into from an outside when the intermediate voltage is higher than the targeted voltage value; a P-type transistor which outputs a current to the outside when the intermediate voltage is lower than the targeted voltage value; differential amplifier circuits having a voltage-follower arrangement, in each of the circuits the fluctuation acceptance range of the intermediate voltage with respect to the targeted voltage value being arranged so as to be equivalent to the difference between the operation-starting voltage of the N-type transistor and the operation-starting voltage of the P-type transistor; and resistances which activate either the P-type transistor or the N-type transistor so as to regulate the intermediate voltage by making the intermediat

Abstract: An internal step-down power supply circuit is capable of improving response performance (transition from a standby state to an active state in particular) of a system without increasing current consumption. The internal step-down power supply circuit includes an internal step-down power-supply output node (N15) for outputting an internal step-down power-supply potential and a driver (120) for adjusting an external power-supply potential VDD and supplying it to the internal step-down power-supply output node (N15). The internal step-down power supply circuit further includes a divider circuit (160) for diving a voltage developed at the internal step-down power-supply output node (N15) and outputting a divided voltage and a differential amplifier (100) for comparing the voltage outputted from the divider circuit and a reference voltage (Vf). The differential amplifier (100) outputs a voltage equivalent to twice predetermined gain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference voltage generator capable of operating stably at a low power source voltage, suppressing the increase of a current consumption and providing a stable reference voltage at a high power source voltage, and reducing a layout area. A pMOS transistor, a resistance element, an nMOS transistor, a resistance element and an nMOS transistor are connected in series between a supply line of a power source voltage and a common potential line.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the instantaneous frequency of FM modulated signals, comprises a sampling means, an instantaneous frequency computing means and a lowpass filtering means. The sampling means samples FM modulated signal at prescribed intervals to provide digitized FM signal. The instantaneous frequency computing means manipulates the digitized FM signal mathematically using a new mathematical equation proposed in this invention to provide the instantaneous frequency based on digitized FM signal samples. More accurate instantaneous frequency values can be obtained by filtering the computed instantaneous frequency values using a lowpass filter.

Abstract: In a device for the monitoring and the prognosis of the failure probability of inductive proximity sensors (1) for the monitoring of the position of movable switch rails or rail components, in which the proximity sensor (1) has at least one coil (5) that is supplied by an oscillator (7), and the sensor current flowing by means of variable attenuation is measured and then fed to an evaluation circuit, characteristic lines (18, 22) of the sensor (1) are stored for the course of the sensor currents in dependency of the distance of the movable switch rails or rail components, i.e. the mechanical attenuation in an electric not additionally attenuated condition, and in an electric additionally attenuated condition. The measurement currents (22) corresponding to a mechanical attenuation condition (18), as well as to respective additionally electric attenuated condition are cyclic scanned.

Abstract: An RF electric field probe device for measuring an RF electric field intensity in a plasma. The device is composed essentially of an electric field sensing unit and an output unit. The electric field sensing unit is composed of a first electro-optical component positionable in the plasma and operable to modulate light as a function of variations of the RF electric field in the plasma at the fundamental frequency and harmonics of the RF electric field, and a first antenna unit electrically coupled to the first component for coupling the first component to the RF electric field. The output unit is coupled to the electric field sensing unit for providing an output signal containing information relating to the magnitude and frequency of the modulation which occurs in the first component. The probe device may be used to map a plasma region by moving the probe device to any selected point in the plasma region.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition adapter for diagnostic oscilloscopes which an interface box, an oscilloscope connection cord and several inductive pick ups. The oscilloscope connection cord has a first end connected to the interface box and a second end terminating in an oscilloscope plug. The several inductive pick ups are connected to the interface box, whereby passage of electrical current through ignition coils is sensed and data relating to properties of the electrical current is transmitted to an oscilloscope via the interface box and the oscilloscope connection cord. Preferably, each of the several inductive pick ups is sufficiently flexible to wrap around an ignition coil. This enables the inductive pick ups to be adapted to different sizes of ignition coil. Preferably, each of the several inductive pick ups is detachably secured to the interface box. This enables a technician to alter the number of inductive pick ups to correspond with the number of ignition coils for a particular model of engine.

Abstract: A circuit tester (1) for testing circuit integrity in a series-wired string of Christmas fairy lights powered by domestic mains electricity, the tester comprising or including a housing; a probe including a pair of matching current sensors (1,2) protruding from the housing, the probe being adapted to be positioned between a respective pair of wires extending from a fairy light bulb socket, each sensor in the probe being electrically connected to a respective one of a matching pair of signal amplifiers (3,4) to provide a pair of amplified signals, one for each sensor; a logic gate (5) for receiving amplified signals output from the pair of signal amplifiers and comparing said signals for matching characteristics, the gate providing an output signal to a first display (6) on or in the housing indicative of received and matching signals and a, different, output signal to a second display (7) on or in the housing indicative of received mismatching signals from the amplifiers, the latter thereby indicating a disco

Abstract: A measuring standard to measure the rotational speed of a machine is described. A ring (4) is integrally secured to the periphery (1.1) of a drum-shaped base member (1), by using soldering in accordance with the present invention. Through soldering, a stable measuring standard for an angular-position measuring system is created for high rotational speed applications.

Abstract: An electronic speed-measuring device for a beach buggy includes a magnetic member and a sensor. The magnetic member is fixed on the chain wheel driven by an engine of a beach buggy so the magnetic member rotates together with the chain wheel. The sensor is provided on an unmovable portion of a beach buggy, facing the moving track of the magnetic member and maintaining a proper distance from them. The sensor can detect the function of the magnetic member and transmit immediate digital data (signals) to a speedometer so that the speed of a beach bugay shown on the speedometer is extremely precise, achieving practical effect of installing with quickness and detecting speed with precision.

Abstract: To provide an angle sensor which can equalize the magnetic flux distribution while using inexpensive magnets manufactured easily and which can reduce the detection error even if the relative position between the magnetoelectric conversion element and the magnet changes. The permanent magnets M1a, M1b, M2a, M2b each of which is rectangular solid are fixed to the yoke 13 of the rotational angle displacement sensor 11. The permanent magnets M1a, M1b are separated from each other with a clearance L. The permanent magnets M1a, M1b are magnetized in such a manner that the side fixed to the flat wall portion 15a of the yoke 13 is N pole and that the side opposing to the fixed surface side is S pole. Further, the permanent magnets M2a, M2b are separated from each other with a clearance L. The permanent magnets M2a, M2b are magnetized in such a manner that the side fixed to the flat wall portion 15b of the yoke 13 is S pole and that the side opposing to the fixed surface side is N pole.

Abstract: A detector for detecting magnetic field disturbances resulting from the movement of equipment 11 through a pipe 10 of magnetic material. A pair of linear ferrite magnetic elements 22A, 23A are positioned end to end and aligned with the axis of the pipe, and a Hall effect device 21A is positioned between the magnetic elements. The ferrite rods concentrate magnetic field changes due to the equipment 11 through the Hall effect device. Two pairs of elements 22A-23A and 22B-23B are spaced around the pipe, and a second set of pairs of elements 25B-27B, 26B is spaced along the pipe. The detector can be attached to an existing pipe, or mounted in an instrument package which passes through the pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic detection element of the present invention for detecting a strength of an external magnetic field, comprises a magnetic thin film formed on a single non-magnetic substrate, a circuit that applies a high-frequency current to the magnetic thin film, and a spiral type planar coil that is stacked on the magnetic thin film through an insulating layer, wherein the magnetic thin film is formed in a longitudinal shape and magnetic anisotropy is given so that direction of easy magnetization axis is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining flow velocity within a formation utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in which the shape of the resonance region is restricted so that sensitivity to radial flow or vertical flow is obtained (or both when more than one NMR tool is used). Flow velocity using these NMR tools is determined using decay amplitude, frequency displacement or stimulated echoes (where the spins are stored along the magnetic field instead of the transverse plane to exploit echo decays and frequency displacements) based on the application of adiabatic pulses. Based on the described NMR measurement of flow velocity, additional wellbore parameters may be obtained such as a direct measurement of permeability, an assessment of drilling damage to the wellbore, formation pressure, invasion rate of the mud filtrate or the migration of fine mud particles during sampling operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining flow velocity within a formation utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in which the shape of the resonance region is restricted so that sensitivity to radial flow or vertical flow is obtained (or both when more than one NMR tool is used). Flow velocity using these NMR tools is determined using decay amplitude, frequency displacement or stimulated echoes (where the spins are stored along the magnetic field instead of the transverse plane to exploit echo decays and frequency displacements) based on the application of adiabatic pulses. Based on the described NMR measurement of flow velocity, additional wellbore parameters may be obtained such as a direct measurement of permeability, an assessment of drilling damage to the wellbore, formation pressure, invasion rate of the mud filtrate or the migration of fine mud particles during sampling operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining flow velocity within a formation utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in which the shape of the resonance region is restricted so that sensitivity to radial flow or vertical flow is obtained (or both when more than one NMR tool is used). Flow velocity using these NMR tools is determined using decay amplitude, frequency displacement or stimulated echoes (where the spins are stored along the magnetic field instead of the transverse plane to exploit echo decays and frequency displacements) based on the application of adiabatic pulses. Based on the described NMR measurement of flow velocity, additional wellbore parameters may be obtained such as a direct measurement of permeability, an assessment of drilling damage to the wellbore, formation pressure, invasion rate of the mud filtrate or the migration of fine mud particles during sampling operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining flow velocity within a formation utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in which the shape of the resonance region is restricted so that sensitivity to radial flow or vertical flow is obtained (or both when more than one NMR tool is used). Flow velocity using these NMR tools is determined using decay amplitude, frequency displacement or stimulated echoes (where the spins are stored along the magnetic field instead of the transverse plane to exploit echo decays and frequency displacements) based on the application of adiabatic pulses. Based on the described NMR measurement of flow velocity, additional wellbore parameters may be obtained such as a direct measurement of permeability, an assessment of drilling damage to the wellbore, formation pressure, invasion rate of the mud filtrate or the migration of fine mud particles during sampling operations.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus for obtaining an image of a wide area using a multiple coil where a plural number of small receiving coils are arranged such that adjacent coils overlap spatially. An image is picked up while thinning a part of the measured data such that the low spatial frequency region of k space is dense and the high spatial frequency region of thereof is sparse. The substantial sensitivity distribution of each small receiving coil is determined using the data about the low spatial frequency region, and an image is composed using the sensitivity distribution and the measured data to produce a high resolution image having no aliasing artifact in a short time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ex-situ nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for use on samples outside the physical limits of the magnets in inhomogeneous static and radio-frequency fields. Chemical shift spectra can be resolved with the method using sequences of correlated, composite z-rotation pulses in the presence of spatially matched static and radio frequency field gradients producing nutation echoes. The amplitude of the echoes is modulated by the chemical shift interaction and an inhomogeneity free FID may be recovered by stroboscopically sampling the maxima of the echoes. In an alternative embodiment, full-passage adiabatic pulses are consecutively applied. One embodiment of the apparatus generates a static magnetic field that has a variable saddle point.

Abstract: A detecting method and detector expands the capabilities of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. A Rotational Exchange Gradient Imager (REGI) allows for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force by NMR analysis. The REGI comprises a cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, and a conductor located along a central axis of the cylindrical stator. A sample is contained within the rotor. The stator and central conductor serve to generate the RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. The rotor containing the sample is rotated within a stable air bearing formed between the cylindrical stator and rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the projection of magnetic gradient fields for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The projection of a gradient outside of a field generating assembly allows imaging of samples which will not physically fit inside the coil confines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coil system which includes a plurality of series-connected coils (1, 2, 3, 4) which are provided with parallel coil turn configurations (10, 11, 12, 13) which are insulated from one another and connected to those of the neighboring coil (1, 2, 3, 4) so as to form conductive paths (10a, 11a, 12a, 13a) which span coils. Conventional coil systems have the drawback of lack of flexibility in respect of the numbers of turns. It is an object of the invention to provide a coil system which does not have an integer effective number of turns and nevertheless satisfies the requirements imposed as regards the quality of the magnetic field.

Abstract: In order to allow easy estimation of the operating condition of a magnet by a technician of any skill level, and to allow accurate prediction of a potential failure beforehand, a data processing section 52 is provided for resolving pressure data for a cooling helium gas, level (remaining amount) data for a liquid helium, first temperature data for a first stage of a refrigerator, second temperature data for a second stage of the refrigerator, and third temperature (room temperature) data for an equipment room 13 in which a compressor 40 is placed, as prespecified parameters, into a plurality of elements, using the elements as magnet data, calculating the Mahalanobis distance D2 of the normalized magnet data, and comparing the calculated Mahalanobis distance D2 with data stored in a database 53 obtained by developing magnet data in a normal condition into a Mahalanobis reference space to estimate the operating condition.

Abstract: Improved superconducting coils for a nuclear magnetic resonance probe use capacitive elements that are located in regions further from an active sample volume than magnetic field generating elements to which they are electrically connected. The sample volume is a substantially oblong shape, and the magnetic field generating elements run substantially parallel to the major axis of the shape, while the capacitor elements run perpendicular to the major axis. The magnetic field generating elements and the capacitor elements may vary in length relative to their distance from a center of the oblong shape. The total number of capacitors formed by the loops may vary from one embodiment to another, typically depending on the necessary resonant frequency. A coil may use sub-coils, each of which incorporates a plurality of the magnetic field generating elements and interdigital capacitor elements, the capacitor elements preferably being located to both sides of the oblong shape.

Abstract: A portable locator and method are described for tracking the position of a boring tool and/or one or more buried lines within a region. In tracking a boring tool, a flux plane may be used to establish a flux vector as at least an intermediate step in guiding an operator of the portable locator to one or both locate points seen in the boring tool dipole locating field. The horizontal flux vector is used in determining a predicted locate point position. Locating of a locate line in the dipole locating field is performed by determining a predicted locate line angular orientation that is based upon horizontal flux vector determinations. The predicted locate line angular orientation, at least to an approximation, limits the possible directions to and orientations of a predicted locate line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point.

Abstract: A time-domain electromagnetic target discriminator (ETD) sensor system and method are provided capable of measuring a metal target's time decay response based on the physical parameters of the metal target and its environment and for identifying the metal target. The ETD sensor system includes a pulse transmitter connected to a receiver via a data acquisition and control system. The transmitter and receiver include coil configurations for placement in proximity to a visually obscured, e.g., buried, metal target (or underground void) for inducing eddy currents within the metal target. The ETD sensor system measures the eddy current time decay response of the metal target in order to perform target recognition and classification. The identification process entails comparing the metal target's (or, underground void or other object's) time decay response with a library of normalized object signatures, e.g., time decay responses and other characteristics.