Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for operating at least two discharge lamps and comprising an equalizer transformer, removal or extinguishing of one of the lamps is detected by monitoring the voltage over the equalizer transformer and switching off the circuit arrangement in case the voltage over the equalizer transformer is higher than a reference voltage.

Abstract: A non-blinking direct current fluorescent lamp circuit includes a switch, a bridge rectifier, a voltage regulation circuit, a filter capacitor, an ignition circuit, a contact points converter, a ballasting circuit, and a pole exchange circuit. The switch is a common switch or a contact switch circuit. Thus, the non-blinking direct current fluorescent lamp circuit does not produce electromagnetic radiation, has a steady illuminance, can be started at one time, has a higher working efficiency, can save the energy, can be worked safely, has a higher reliability, and has a longer lifetime.

Abstract: A video signal is split into a first signal and a second signal. The first signal includes low amplitude/high frequency components of the video signal, which can be properly amplified by a video amplifier. The second signal includes high amplitude/high frequency components of the video signal, which cannot be properly amplified by the video amplifier. The first signal is combined with the video signal, amplified by the video amplifier, and used to modulate the intensity of an electron beam. The second signal is amplified by a scan velocity modulation amplifier and used to modulate the horizontal scan velocity of the electron beam.

Abstract: An improved method, system, and apparatus for tuning a particle accelerator is provided which includes tuning side cavities while placing adjancent cavities in a de-tuned condition. A conductor is positioned such that a primary cavity under test is minimally excited, while adjacent side cavities are excited. Coupled modes are measured. The primary cavity is tuned based on the measured coupled modes. According to the invention, this tuning is accomplished without use of access ports to the interior of the side cavities.

Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system for a window in a room includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and a programmable logic unit for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to the programmable logic unit to operate at least one of the plurality of cornices. Each of the plurality of cornices further includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupance of the room. The programmable logic control unit is responsive to the sensed ambient light conditions and the detected occupance.

Abstract: A battery powered, joystick controlled wheelchair includes a battery by which a supply of power can be provided, a joystick by which voltages proportionate to degrees of lean from a neutral position can be produced from the supply of power, and a master power switch by which the supply of power to the joystick can be turned on and off. It is detected whether the voltages produced are forward or reverse direction voltages, and pulse width modulation, resulting in a pulse train, is provided. The pulse train is amplified to deliver driving power with a polarity consistent with a detected direction, and motors are driven by the driving power and, in turn, drive the wheelchair.

Abstract: There is provided a current limiting circuit to eliminate any harsh grating noise attributable to the decrease in an ON-OFF frequency of an electrified current from a normal range, for example, below 1 kHz when starting a brushless DC fan motor.

Abstract: A motor driver having output circuits each including upper and lower side switching elements connected in series. The motor driver includes: a current detection resistance connected in series with the output circuits in common; a phase switch circuit for turning ON a switching element on one side of one of the output circuits for a time period corresponding to a predetermined electrical angle and switching switching elements on the other side of a plurality of output circuits among the remaining ones of the output circuits; and an ON-period control section for generating a signal for controlling the switching operation so that each of periods obtained by dividing the time period includes a first period in which a plurality of switching elements are turned ON and a second period in which one of the switching elements turned ON in the first period is kept ON.

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor is presented. In a tracking action, an input to the motor is tracked. In a comparing action, the input is compared against a baseline value. In an adjusting action, a usage of the motor is adjusted when the input passes a threshold related to a motor performance parameter. A method of estimating a parameter of an ink carriage moved by a DC motor is also presented. In a tracking step, an input to the motor is tracked. In a comparing action, the input is compared against a baseline value to predict a level of the parameter.

Abstract: A sensorless detector 25 uses a rotor angle finally detected by a sensor interpolation detector 24 as an estimated value (&thgr;{circumflex over ( )}) of the rotor angle of a motor 3 in a first control cycle upon changing from a rotor angle detecting process carried out by the sensor interpolation detector 24. In subsequent control cycles, the sensorless detector 25 uses estimated values (&thgr;{circumflex over ( )}, &ohgr;{circumflex over ( )}) of the rotor angle and a rotor angular velocity in a preceding control cycle as calculation parameters, updates the calculation parameters with an observer which sequentially updates the calculation parameters depending on a phase difference (&thgr;−&thgr;{circumflex over ( )}) calculated in the preceding control cycle in order to eliminate the phase difference, for thereby calculating the estimated value (&thgr;{circumflex over ( )}) of the rotor angle of the motor 3 in the present control cycle.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus comprises a fundamental current command value determining device that determines a fundamental current command value for a motor current based upon at least a torque command value for an AC motor, a higher harmonics current command value determining device that determines a higher harmonics current command value for the motor current and a current control device that controls the current flowing to the AC motor based upon the fundamental current command value and the higher harmonics current command value.

Abstract: A renewable energy (RE) system is disclosed which comprises an energy source providing unit, a DC bus, a buck converter, an hydrogen generator, an hydrogen storage, an energy conversion device, a boost converter, a DC to AC converter, and a monitoring system.

Abstract: A cell voltage detector for fuel cell comprising terminals adapted to be brought into abutment with output terminals of separators for a stack, a voltage detecting unit for detecting the cell voltage of the stack through the terminals, a terminal holder for holding one end of the respective terminals and permitting the abutment of the terminals with the output terminals of the separators via a terminal opening opened in a fuel cell cover for encompassing the stack, the terminal holder having a leg portion adapted to be brought into abutment with the periphery of the terminal opening and a terminal cover retained onto the fuel cell cover, so that the terminal cover is brought into abutment with a head portion of the terminal holder on an inner surface thereof and covers the periphery of the terminal opening.

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: A method for determining the operating state of an energy-storage battery in assumed temperature and state of charge conditions, which has the following steps: a) measurement of a temperature variable (TACT) which is correlated with the battery temperature (TBAT), b) determination of the state of charge (SOCACT) of the energy-storage battery, c) determination of a further state variable (AACT) of the energy-storage battery, d) formation of a reference value (BV) from the reference between the determined state variable (AACT) and a corresponding state variable (ANEW) of an identical, new energy-storage battery with the same temperature variable (TACT) and the same state of charge (SOCACT), and e) determination of a predicted state variable (AP) as a measure of the operating state for an assumed temperature variable (TP) and an assumed state of charge (SOCP) from known comparison reference values (BT), which have been recorded as a function of temperature variables (T), states of charge (SOC) and the aging stat

Abstract: An industrial load, preferably an electric arc furnace or a plant for rolling of metallic materials, is supplied from a three-phase electric ac network. A device for compensation of the reactive power consumption of the load comprises a first compensation device for controllable consumption of reactive power and a second compensation device for generation of reactive power, both connected to the electric power network in a parallel connection with the load. The first compensation device comprises a thyristor-controlled reactor for each of the phases of the ac network. Control equipment is supplied with measured values of sensed amplitude values for voltages and currents.

Abstract: A switching circuit for switching an input dc voltage of predetermined polarity is used, for example, for a synchronous dc-dc converter. The switching circuit is divided between a high side package (52) and a low side package (56) each having a logic input (90) and a switch (6,8) connected between switching outputs (84,86). The switching outputs (84,86) of the high and low side packages (52,56) are connected in series between input voltage terminals (4,2). A pulse width modulator (18) is connected to the logic inputs (90) of the packages for supplying an alternating control signal for switching the high and low side switches (6,8) alternately. Each of the high and low side packages (52,56) contains logic circuitry (150) for controlling the respective switch (6,8) based solely on the voltages on the respective logic input (90) and respective switching outputs (84,86) to prevent the switches (6,8) in the high and low side packages (52,56) from conducting at the same time.

Abstract: A light emitting diode driver is arranged to supply a drive current to a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode forms a radiant output and is arranged with a photo detector that forms a monitor signal based on the radiant output. The drive current comprises a first current and a second current. A comparison signal is formed by comparing the monitor signal and a level control signal. A buffered output signal is provided based on the comparison signal. The first current is provided based on the buffered output signal. A difference voltage is formed based on the first current. An amplified signal is provided based on the difference voltage. The second current is provided based on the amplified signal.

Abstract: A power cutoff device is provided to adjust the transient characteristics of a power voltage caused at a cutoff of the power voltage. The power cutoff device is provided between power lines, which supply constant voltages generated at a multi-power circuit to a plurality of load circuits respectively as power voltages, and ground lines. The power cutoff device detects, by means of an error detection unit, a change in the power voltage in the transient state caused at a cutoff of the power voltages, and outputs an error detection signal. Further, variable current sink units respectively connected to the power lines set their respective sink currents equivalent to values of the level of the error detection signal amplified by their respective coefficients.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling power and reducing power consumption in a system including a switching mode power supply. (SMPS), and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a switch that is set to an ON state when a user contacts the switch, a detection portion connected in parallel with the switch and detecting whether a signal for requiring a predetermined operation is applied to the system from outside, and a power supply portion supplying the power to each part in a system when the switch is set to the ON state or the signal is input from the detection portion. The power supply portion terminates the power to each part in the system including the system controller when a power off signal is applied from the system controller when the switch is set to an OFF state and when signal is not input from the detection portion.

Abstract: An improved technique for limiting current in a switching power converter. The switching power converter includes a soft-start circuit which slowly increases a switching duty cycle upon power-up. Once the converter is operating normally, the duty cycle is controlled to regulate the output voltage. In the event an excessive output current is detected, soft-start circuit is controlled to reduce the switching duty cycle. More particularly, a soft-start capacitor may be discharged during portions of a clock period used to control switching.

Abstract: This invention includes an improvement to a power regulation and thermal management circuit. The power regulation and thermal management circuit includes a pass element coupled serially between a power source and a load. A voltage sensing circuit senses the voltage across the serial element and selects a corresponding current path based upon the sense voltage from a plurality of current paths. The invention includes a filtering circuit coupled serially between the voltage sensing circuit and the plurality of current paths to reduce noise on the sensed pass element voltage. The power regulation and thermal management circuit also includes a linear regulator to terminate charging at the appropriate voltage. The invention includes a peak detection circuit with the linear regulator to reduce noise caused by, for example, a pulsing load during charging.

Abstract: Multiple phase switching regulators with stage shedding are provided. Multiple phase switching regulators of the present invention have a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled in parallel to an output capacitor. The plurality of single phase switching regulators supply current to a load at a regulated voltage. A comparator monitors the load current and causes one or more of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF at a low load current threshold. At least one of the single phase switching regulators that remains ON increases its output current so that the multiple phase switching regulator output current continues to match the load current. The present invention may include a second comparator that causes additional single phase switching regulators to be OFF at a second low load current threshold that is lower than the first low load current threshold.

Abstract: A current source circuit is described for generating control current. The circuit is capable of generating a very accurate reference current and in particular dealing with the problem which can arise from injected noise. A feedback loop is implemented to reject the charge injection noise.

Abstract: A housing for a subsurface object locator has a bubble level vial for leveling surfaces using the housing and a scribe tip for marking a surface being probed with the locator.

Abstract: A frequency measurement circuit comprises a plurality of frequency measurement units 10, 20, K0 each of which counts a reference clock Cb during a counting period having a predetermined number of waves of an input signal Cin, each of the frequency measurement units counts the reference clock, with shifted counting periods, respectively. Moreover, an adder 14 is provided to add the counted numbers of the plurality of the frequency measurement units. By shift the counting periods, even if the phase of the input signal agrees with the phase of the reference clock at the time counting starts and at the time counting ends on a certain frequency measurement unit, there is scarcely any possibility of agreement of the phases on other frequency measurement units. Therefore, by utilization of the added number of counts, frequency can be measured with high accuracy. In addition, by making the counting periods being shifted with overlaping each other, extension of the measurement time is not required any longer.

Abstract: An alternating current detector includes a current transformer having a primary winding through which a current to be detected flows, and a secondary winding and an auxiliary winding, magnetically coupled to the primary winding via a core, of which one ends are connected to each other and thus form a common terminal, and an operational amplifier for amplifying a voltage induced in the auxiliary winding, and applying the voltage to the secondary winding with the current assuming such a polarity as to restrain a change in magnetic flux of the core, whereby a voltage corresponding to the current to be detected is induced in the secondary winding. A waveform of a large current having a low frequency can be thereby observed highly precisely with an output of the detected voltage having a large amplitude.

Abstract: A variable reluctance sensor interface module having a variable attenuation circuit and a rectifier and differential to single-ended conversion circuit for operating in a current mode to attenuate a differential input voltage. The variable attenuation circuit receives an input differential voltage from a magnetic sensor, converts the differential voltage to current, and variably attenuates the current. The rectifier and differential to single-ended conversion circuit converts the variably attenuated current to a voltage output. The input circuit includes an RC filter that attenuates high frequency signals. An initial threshold circuit generates an initial threshold voltage that compensates for internal resistance variations.

Abstract: A position determining apparatus including a magnet that is attached to a movable member which moves along a defined path of finite length. An array of distributed bridge sensors are located adjacent to the predefined path. The distributed bridge sensors each have one or more magneto-resistive elements positioned at a first location along the defined path of the magnet, and one or more other magneto-resistive elements positioned at a second location along the defined path. The magneto-resistive elements at the first location experience a different magnetic field component than those at the second location. The distributed bridge sensors produce an increased linear range relative to non-distributed bridge sensors of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring both magnetic and electric fields of a DUT via an electro-optic probing technique at the same time. Also, the present invention provides a method for measuring both electric and magnetic fields via a magneto-optic probing technique simultaneously. The method utilizes the modulation of the position of a probe to measure the electric and magnetic field signals. The DC and AC components of the modulated electric (or magnetic) field signals can be obtained by means of a low pass filter and a lock-in amplifier, respectively. Through a simple calculation, the electric and magnetic field can be obtained simultaneously.

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: Imaging apparatus are used in a toroid cavity detector for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to hold samples relative to a principal detector element which is a flat metal conductor, the plane of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toroid cavity. A sample is held adjacent to or in contact with the principal detector element so that the sample can be subjected to NMR analysis when a static main homogeneous magnetic field (B0) produced by a NMR magnetic device is applied to the toroid cavity and an RF excitation signal pulse is supplied from a potentiostat to the principal detector element so that an alternately energized and de-energized magnetic field (B1) is produced in the sample and through the toroid cavity.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus having a magnet arrangement which generates: a basic magnetic field in a horizontal direction, an imaging volume with a central region that is freely accessible in at least one horizontal direction substantially orthogonal to the basic magnetic field, upper and lower elements that are spaced apart in a vertical direction and between which the imaging volume is disposed, and a connector element that connects the upper and the lower elements, at least one gradient coil is provided which extends at least in regions of the upper element, the lower element and the connector element.

Abstract: Increased distributed capacitance for an NMR resonant probe coil is obtained by a surrounding conducting surface which is congruent to and spaced from the major portion of the RF current density distribution on the surface of the inductive component of the resonator. This surface is interrupted with one or more gaps to avoid or control circulating currents on the conducting surface which reflect the circulating currents of the inductive component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring an electrical property of the ground. The apparatus includes a graphite electrode. The graphite electrode includes a graphite body and a first and second opening. The first opening extends longitudinally throughout the graphite body and is configured to receive a multi-wire cable. The second opening is configured to secure one or more wires of the multi-wire cable to the graphite body. Using a graphite electrode, measurements of the ground can be made over a long period of time without having to clean or otherwise maintain the electrodes because the graphite material withstands operating conditions over many years without degradation.

Abstract: A method for grouping unit cells of a similar impedance spectrum uses pattern matching technology to optimize the performance of a battery pack made of primary or secondary batteries as the unit cells connected in series, in parallel or in combination of them. To make an optimal battery pack with unit cells of a different internal characteristic, the method includes measuring the impedance spectrum of the individual unit cell in a wide frequency region at the same temperature and in the same state of charge (SOC), digitizing the difference in impedance spectrum among the unit cells into a relative value using the pattern matching technology, and selecting unit cells of a most similar impedance spectrum (i.e., a smallest relative difference in impedance spectrum) to make a battery pack.

Abstract: A vehicle provides the automatic activation and deactivation of vehicle lights in a predetermined sequence upon user request to assist the user in making a sight inspection of operation of the lights without further human help.

Abstract: A circuit protection device connected between two lines of an AC power source self checks for an introduced simulated ground fault every half cycle during a period when a trip SCR cannot conduct. If the self check fails, the device is tripped on the next half cycle of different phase. Possible responses to the self check failure include lighting an indicator lamp and locking out the device reset mechanism.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a method and system for multi-port synchronous high voltage testing, which mainly uses two or more sets of testing circuit with variable output condition and a high voltage generator with zero intermediate voltage for synchronous high voltage testing. Therefore it is not only possible to prevent operators from electric shock but also to provide correct multi-port testing voltages so as not to cause object under test damage. The testing circuit uses a plurality sets of individual high voltage generator and a current detector for providing functions for reading and determining individual voltage and current, so that it is possible to perform several high voltage tests during a single test period and complete tests on electric products. It is therefore possible to achieve both reduction of test-time and safety of operators.

Abstract: The effects of electromigration have been shown to lead to damage of metal electrodes of electronic devices such as thin film resonator (TFR) devices in only a few hours, for a test input power that is within the operational range of these devices. It has been determined that this failure is sensitive to the frequency of the input power. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining high power reliability in electronic devices, so as to enable an accurate determination of the failure time of the electronic device, and hence projected lifetime. This determination is independent from the frequency of an input power applied to the electronic device as part of the method for testing the device. Based on the above results, a TFR device has been developed, which includes a protective or electromigration-reducing layer such as titanium being deposited atop an electrode of the device.

Abstract: Corrosion, mold and moisture can be detected under outer layer of structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels and/or buildings, using nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Characterizing the dielectric properties of materials associated with a target can be executed by directing primary microwave energy from a source towards a target, receiving secondary microwave energy signals returned from the target, analyzing the secondary microwave energy signals, and characterizing dielectric properties of materials associated with the target based on analysis of the secondary signals.

Abstract: The present invention is an adaptable pre-matched tuner system and calibration method for measuring reflection factors above &Ggr;=0.85 for a DUT. The system includes a first and second large-band microwave tuners connected in series, the first and second large-band tuners being mechanically and electronically integrated; and a controller for controlling the two large-band tuners. The first tuner is adapted to act as a pre-matching tuner and the second tuner is adapted to investigate an area of a Smith Chart that is difficult to characterise with a single tuner, so that the combination of the first and second large-band tuners permits the measurement of reflection factors above &Ggr;=0.85. The pre-matched tuner system allows the generation of a very high reflection factor at any point of the reflection factor plane (Smith Chart).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for nulling drive feedthrough error in a sensor having first and second drive electrodes which impart vibratory motion to first and second proof masses in response to first and second opposite phase drive signals, and having first and second capacitances defined between the drive electrodes and their associated proof masses. A mismatch between the first and the second capacitance is measured. Drive feedthrough caused by the measured capacitance mismatch is nulled by adjusting the relative amplitudes of the first and second opposite phase drive signals, whereby the ratio of the amplitudes is proportional to the ratio of the first and second capacitances. A servo loop may adaptively effect the ratio of amplitudes.

Abstract: An impedance measuring apparatus for an electronic component measures the impedance of the electronic component using a four-terminal method. The impedance measuring apparatus for the electronic component includes a first current-carrying line and a first voltage detection line connected to one electrode of the electronic component. A first resistor establishes a connection between the first current-carrying line and the first voltage detection line. A second current-carrying line and a second voltage detection line are connected to the other electrode of the electronic component. A second resistor establishes a connection between the second current-carrying line and the second voltage detection line. In the impedance measuring apparatus, the first resistor and the second resistor have sufficiently high resistances compared to contact resistances occurring among the electrodes of the electronic component, the current-carrying lines, and the voltage detection lines.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a measurement tool are disclosed. In one aspect, a measurement tool is provided that includes a frame that has a first member. A second member is provided that is moveable relative to the first member along a first axis and a second axis. The first and second members have first and second cooperating structures engageable to enable the second member to be moved downward along the second axis to a preselected elevation when the second member is moved to a preselected position along the first axis. The movement of the second member along the first axis is constrained when the second member is moved to the preselected elevation. A meter is coupled to the second member for measuring feature heights. The meter has a contact surface that contacts the feature when the second member is moved to the preselected elevation. The tool provides for non-destructive probe card pin height measurement.

Abstract: A micro compliant, test probe interconnect apparatus for an integrated circuit device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated housing and a probe pin extending from a first end of the housing. A biasing mechanism holds the probe pin in a normally extended position, wherein the biasing mechanism is formed from a portion of the elongated housing. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a flexible tab, formed from a generally rectangular section of the elongated housing and bent inwardly therein to form a cantilever.

Abstract: A testing head having cantilever probes is presented. The testing head, comprises a backing ring and a resin holder attached to the backing ring, as well as a plurality of contact probes held by the resin holder and formed with respective contact tips arranged to mechanically and electrically contact a plurality of contact pads of at least one device to be tested. The holder is formed with at least one suitably shaped outline to allow different probe rows to emerge in a cantilever manner.

Abstract: The voltage output terminals of a semiconductor integrated circuit are connected to the first ends of resistors while the second ends of the resistors are connected to a common signal line. Taking advantage that the potential of the signal line presents the mean voltage value of the voltages output from all the voltage output terminals, the deviation of the potential at each voltage output terminal from the mean value and the difference of this mean value from the ideal value are determined, whereby the suitability of the output voltage from each of the output terminals is examined.

Abstract: In a method of testing a semiconductor integrated circuit, setting of a logical state of elements that constitute a semiconductor integrated circuit to be measured is sequentially changed. The current from a static-time power source current passing through the elements is measured several times while the settings are changed. Any two consecutive currents are obtained. When the difference between the two consecutive current exceeds a threshold value it is determined that the semiconductor integrated circuit is defective.