Abstract: A positioning controller includes a gear mechanism having a rotating gear for positioning a movable member, a brushless motor to drive the rotating gear, and a motor control circuit to rotate a rotor of the brushless motor by sequentially supplying a driving pulse to a plurality of fixed coils of the brushless motor. The motor control circuit includes a present stage number detector to detect a present stage number of the movable member in accordance with an output signal from a magneto-sensitive device of the brushless motor, and a driving pulse generator to generate a driving pulse to rotate the rotor until a target stage number converted from a specified position of the movable member is equal to the present stage number. The controller in an apparatus including a motor driving unit allows positioning of the movable member without using a component for the detection of the position of the movable member.

Abstract: This invention describes a bi-directional smooth transition switch with bumpless transfer. It is composed of two feedback loops. Each loop has feedback and forward-loop compensators. During loop operation, one feedback loop is active, while the other is inactive. The smooth transition switch operates in the following manner. The switch output is measured. Next, an error signal is formed as the difference between the forward-loop compensator output and the switch output. This error signal is fed to the input of a high gain feedback compensator. The output of the feedback compensator is a feedback signal. When no switching occurs, the feedback signal remains zero in the active loop, and the output signal of the inactive loop will track the output signal of the active loop. When the switchover occurs, the inactive loop will replace the original active loop and provide smooth transition switch's output.

Abstract: A means for an servo controller to use predetermined and stored parameters of the servo components to perform tuning of the servo system is disclosed. The present invention relates to tuning, compensating, returning or recompensating a servo system given the pertinent parameters of the servo components such as the motor, the load and the feedback sensor. The method is ideal for galvanometers and servo motors when the implementation includes incorporation of a memory device into the motor to store the motor constants.

Abstract: The invention indicates a method for signal processing of an amplitude-modulated and/or phase-modulated high-frequency signal (RF signal), in which the RF signal is broken down into two signals (FM1 and FM2) by relative phase displacement by an angle +&bgr; and −&bgr; and the signals are amplified before they are added to form a transmission signal, and to a circuit arrangement in which the pure phase-modulated RF signal is multiplied in a first branch by cos &bgr; and in a second branch by sin &bgr; and the two signals (FM1, FM2) are obtained by respective summation and subtraction of the multiplied signals.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electric motor using real time predictions of motor capability based on thermal modeling and measurements is provided. The invention includes controllers for receiving and processing system input signals, strategies for: determining a maximum energy amount that can be put into the motor before the motor reaches a maximum allowable temperature; determining a motor power assist value that the motor can provide in a predetermined period of time before the motor reaches the maximum allowable temperature; determining a battery power assist value; determining a maximum power assist value that is the minimum of the motor power assist value and the battery power assist value; and comparing the maximum power assist value to a driver demand signal. Strategy outputs can be sent to a vehicle system controller and/or a power assist gauge.

Abstract: Fuel cell modules are assembled in receiver sections of an assembly in a power generation system. Both fuel and reactant gas feed and return lines provide leak-tight shutoff of all porting connections to the modular fuel cell by using failsafe (spring-loaded to the closed or “off” position) cartridge-type plug valves in the headers. The fuel and air ports of gas distribution manifolds on the ends of the module connect to distribution headers using a low compression face seal that is maintained in compression by providing tapered mating surfaces between the manifolds and headers. Through the insertion of a module in a receiving section, the flow control valves are actuated at the header distribution ports, the manifold ports are aligned with the header ports with their seals placed in compression and an electrical connection is established between electrical plugs protruding from the module and the base of the receiving section.

Abstract: An apparatus using electrically stimulated smart material requires a power source to stimulate the material. This power source has three main functions, (1) to apply a known voltage potential across the smart material, (2) to convert from the control voltage to a level suitable for the smart material, and (3) to regulate the voltage based on a control input. The power source is a DC to DC converter with special properties achieved by supplying a variable stimulating voltage or actively discharging the actuator. The circuit also provides a dead band, or hysteresis, between the charge point and discharge point. When this circuit is applied with a proportional, mechanically leveraged smart material actuator, a general-purpose industrial actuator becomes a cost-effective solution.

Abstract: Measuring the voltage level of a mobile telephone battery during a charging operation involves disabling the charge temporarily so that the battery rapidly enters discharge mode. The discharge mode voltage is more representative of the true battery charge level, so that the present invention can be implemented to provide a battery charge level display that is accurate even when the telephone is being charged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for protecting a boat generator and for synchronisation. The values of the generator are measured in an analogue manner and are digitally evaluated.

Abstract: A power plant comprises at least one turbine (5) driven by a variable medium flow and an electric generator (4) driven by the turbine and the induced voltage of which being an unambiguous function of the number of revolutions of the turbine. The plant has also first members (12) for detecting the electric power generated by the generator, second members (11) for detecting the voltage on the output of the generator, means (10) adapted to compare the values detected for said power and voltage with an ideal relation predetermined for the generator between these two quantities and an arrangement (10) adapted to regulate the induced voltage of the generator and thereby the number of revolutions of the turbine so that said ideal relation between power and voltage is obtained.

Abstract: A wide range of electric loads, has functional concepts hat lie outside the common standards (resistive, inductive, capacitive), as, for instance: gas-discharge lamps, or electronic loads; in fact, for their own functional features, these loads, introduce some harmonic distortions on the absorbed current, that cannot be solved with normal compensating systems (as, for example, phase advancers). A disadvantage which affects the feeders and their respective generators, therefore reducing: their efficiency, the power capacitance that can be supplied, and the qualitative level of energy distribution. Our system succeeds in evaluating and compensating (for the part of energy that its power section allows), the harmonic distortion on the network, therefore improving the various parameters which characterize it.

Abstract: A linear low dropout voltage regulator is described that makes use of a depletion mode NMOS pass transistor and of a PMOS transistor in series to the NMOS transistor and connected to its drain. The depletion NMOS transistor assures low dropout operations, while the series PMOS transistor allows the current regulation even under the condition of shorted load. The same PMOS transistor may be used to disable the current in the load without generating a negative voltage at the gate of the depletion pass transistor. This regulator is inherently stable without the need for an output capacitor in parallel to the load.

Abstract: A switching regulator utilizing on/off control that reduces audio noise at light loads by adjusting the current limit of the switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator includes a state machine that adjusts the current limit of the switching regulator based on a pattern of feedback signal values from the output of the power supply for a preceding N cycles of the drive signal. The state machine adjusts the current limit lower at light loads such that cycles are not skipped to reduce the operating frequency of the switching regulator into the audio frequency range until the flux density through the transformer is sufficiently low to reduce the generation of audio noise.

Abstract: A variable DC/DC converter system is provided that includes a feedback voltage device and a compensation device. The compensation device and compensation components are integrated into a single integrated circuit. The feedback voltage device is integrated into the single integrated circuit. The values of a first resistor and a second resistor determine the output voltage of the DC/DC converter system. The first resistor and second resistor can be external to the integrated circuit and selectable to provide a desired output voltage. Alternatively, the first resistor can be integrated into the integrated circuit, while the second resistor is external to the integrated circuit and selectable to provide a desired output voltage.

Abstract: Currents flowing in the various channels within a voltage regulator module (VRM) are suitably converted to digital equivalents that can be processed to control each module in a modular power supply. Functions that may be digitally implemented include current balancing between channels, current sharing between various modules in a power supply, and/or the like. By monitoring the current provided on each channel within a module, for example, a controller can determine an average current for the channels, which in turn can be used to identify and compensate for over- or under-production in any particular channel. Active voltage positioning techniques and overload protection may also be implemented using digital techniques.

Abstract: A multi-output switching power supply may include a PWM regulator circuit arranged in cascade upstream of each output to receive, as an input, a square wave voltage signal with a predetermined duty cycle. The regulator circuit may include an auxiliary switching device for modulating the duty cycle of the input signal to supply, as an output, a regulated direct current voltage. A control circuit for the PWM regulator circuit may include a detector circuit for detecting the trailing edges of the voltage signal input to the regulator circuit which emits a pulse coinciding with each of the trailing edges. The control circuit may also include a ramp signal generator that is controlled by the emitted pulses. The ramp signal generator may be connected to the non-inverting input of a comparator having an inverting input for receiving a signal indicative of the error in the regulator output voltage.

Abstract: A current mirror divides an input source voltage dynamically, to provide a controlled voltage that corresponds to an output load voltage. The correspondence between this controlled voltage and the output load voltage determines the correspondence between the output current and the input current. By dynamically adjusting the controlled voltage, the correspondence to the output load voltage can be maintained to very low voltage. Preferably, the output load voltage is also dynamically divided to provide a comparison voltage for comparing to the controlled voltage when the output load voltage is high, thereby providing the appropriate output current at high voltage levels. The combination of these two techniques provides a wide output voltage compliance, and a high output impedance.

Abstract: A power-on management system for an on-chip voltage down-converter, monitoring both external and internal voltage supplies to independently determine when both supplies have reached minimum levels for proper operation of on-chip circuitry. The power-on management system supplies output signals that: control the discharge of the internal supply nodes at the initiation of power-on; force the active mode of the voltage down-converter; and deactivate a fast local voltage reference on completion of power-on.

Abstract: A system for electrically contacting a semiconductor wafer during implanting of the wafer includes one or more pairs of closely spaced contacts located adjacent the semiconductor wafer and a driving circuit connected to the contacts to provide a discharge from one contact to the semiconductor wafer and from the semiconductor wafer to the other contact of each pair of contacts. The contacts can be spaced apart from the wafer and the tips of the contacts closest to the wafer may have sharp points to aid in the establishment of corona at lower drive voltages. Alternately, the contacts may be rounded and may contact the wafer. The driving circuit may be adapted from a pulsed discharge circuit, such as a Kettering ignition circuit, a capacitance discharge ignition circuit, or a blocking oscillator circuit. Alternately, the driving circuit may be adapted from a continuous discharge circuit, such as a Tesla coil circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting or measuring defects in a rope having ferromagnetic tension members includes a magnetic field exciter and an array of magnetic flux sensors corresponding to the tension members in a known relationship. Measurements of magnetic flux leakage are indicative of defects. Another aspect of the invention includes a method and system for detecting or measuring defects in an elevator rope having electrically conductive tension members, whereby measured electrical resistance in the tension members is indicative of defects.

Abstract: Outputs of a linear RF detector and a logarithmic RF detector are multiplexed individually to a single digitizer or simultaneously to a respective digitizers. A process generates a composite waveform from the resulting digitized data, either at a later time in the former case or in real-time in the latter case. To achieve simultaneous routing, several routing relays are arranged in a specialized configuration between the outputs of the RF detectors and the inputs of the digitizers.

Abstract: In order to detect and measure the power of radio or microwave frequency signals it is known to employ thermoelectric devices such as a thermistor or a thermocouple. Such thermoelectric devices can have slow response times and lack sensitivity due to ‘thermal lag’ and poor conduction between a load resistor and the thermoelectric device. The present invention therefore provides an apparatus for the measurement of a power of a radio or microwave frequency signal comprising a resistive element for generating a thermal emission in response to an incident signal and an infra-red photodetector arranged to receive the thermal emission and thereby generate an output signal corresponding to the power of the incident signal. The present invention obviates or at least mitigates the disadvantages associated with known thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring, in real-time, and indicating power consumption of a product powered by a switching mode power supply (SMPS). Power is supplied to the product through a transformer having a predetermined primary coil inductance, wherein a current of a primary coil of the transformer is turned ON and OFF by pulse-width modulation to supply the power to the electronic device. A drive voltage across the primary coil is monitored and a pulse waveform having a first level corresponding to an ON time of the current in the primary coil and a second level corresponding to an OFF time of the current in the primary coil is developed. Power consumption is calculated based on the drive voltage, the ON time of the current in the primary coil, the predetermined primary coil inductance, and a switching frequency of a pulse width modulator of the SMPS.

Abstract: A measurement and/or analytical device (1) comprises a insertable trolley (2) which is insertable into an insertion opening and can be pulled completely out of the insertion opening. The insertable trolley (2) furthermore comprises sliding and/or rolling elements that are provided on a frame (6) in order to brace the latter in a vertical direction against a displacement surface, electrical and/or electronic control components for the measurement and/or analytical device (1) that are detachably mounted on the frame (6), and a flexible conductor bundle (8) for transferring control signals between the measurement and/or analytical device (1) and the control components.

Abstract: A conveyance system E for wafers W includes a host computer 1 for carrying out the management of the production of semiconductor devices, a plurality of probers 2 for inspecting the electric characteristics of the wafers W under the administration of the host computer 1, an AGV 3 for automatically transporting the wafers W in block of a carrier in order to deliver the wafers W one by one to these probers 2 according to respective demands and an AGV controller 4 for controlling the operation of the AGV 3 under the administration of the host computer 1.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a less expensive, highly reliable mobile detection system that can be maintained easily.

Abstract: An instrumented bearing, in particular for an electric steering wheel (12), comprises an outer element (1) and an inner element (6) whereof one is mobile relative to the other which is fixed, via at least a row of rolling elements (14) arranged between the elements, and by detection (22, 23, 31) of rotational parameters of the rotating element. The bearing further comprises electronic elements (34) for processing signals emitted by the detecting elements and electronic elements (35) for controlling at least an actuator electrically connected to the device, advantageously arranged on a printed circuit plate (33) fixed in rotation.

Abstract: An angle transducer comprising a first disk, the rotor, with circularly arranged and radially directed receiver electrodes and a second disk, the stator, equipped with circularly arranged and radially directed transmitter electrodes arranged at the same radius as the receiver electrodes and with a fixed separation between the receiver and transmitter electrodes, whereby the disks are arranged coaxially and rotatable relative to each other, and the disks are further separated by a thin air-gap. The transmitter electrodes are each supplied with an alternating voltage with different phases for neighboring electrodes, whereby the number of supply phases, &phgr;, is greater than two, and the separation of the transmitter electrodes=the separation of receiver electrodes/&phgr;.

Abstract: A method and system for sensing linear position utilizing a magnetoresistive bridge circuit. A permanent magnet is provided having a gap formed therein. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally located within the gap of the permanent magnet. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit includes a plurality of magnetoresistors. The magnet can be positioned in proximity to the ferrous target, which is associated with a slider that moves along a shaft. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally biased by a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetic field can saturate the magnetoresistive bridge circuit and a response of the magnetoresistors thereof. An output signal of the magnetoresistive bridge circuit can then be detected such that the output signal is produced by a change in an angle of the magnetic bias field. The output signal determines a target position with respect to a torque applied to the shaft.

Abstract: A metallic contaminant detecting method and apparatus according to the present invention detect metallic contaminants mixed in objects under inspection, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and materials for industrial use, which are wrapped in electrically conductive packaging materials, e.g. aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses and a corresponding method for examining magnetic properties of objects, in particular sheet material, such as bank notes (20). The apparatuses comprise a magneto-optic layer (10) whose optical properties are influenceable by the magnetic properties of the sheet material (20), a light source (11) for producing light that is coupled into the magneto-optic layer (10), and a detector (13) for detecting light that is transmitted and/or reflected by the magneto-optic layer (10).

Abstract: A high vertical resolution antenna design is provided for use in an NMR measurement apparatus. Multiple coils are situated along the length of a magnet. A primary coil is energized to cause an oscillating magnetic field in a portion of earth formation surrounding a borehole. A secondary coil having smaller dimensions than the primary coil is operated to receive spin echoes from a depth of investigation associated with the secondary coil. A distance sufficient to minimize electrical coupling separates the coils. The separation distance can be reduced by selecting a secondary coil with orthogonal polarization to the primary coil. Alternatively, a cross coil configuration can be implemented where the orthogonal secondary coil at least partially overlaps the primary coil, thereby reducing the overall length necessary for the polarizing magnet.

Abstract: A vectorial magnetometer (1), measures the components of a magnetic field in three directions (Oxyz) using a scalar magnetometer (2). The field is periodically modulated in each of the directions by generators (Gx, Gy, Gz) which have a specific frequency for each direction and that power coils (Ex, Ey, Ez). Synchronous demodulation of the of the output signal of the scalar magnetometer (2) for each of the three frequencies permits the relative continuous component of each axis to be found. The vectorial magnetometer (1) is characterised in that it has means (Dx D′x, Dy D′y, Dz D′z) that can carry out a double demodulation for phase and quadrature for each of the frequencies and processing means (70) that use the continuous component modules for phase and quadrature to calculate a transfer function of the scalar magnetometer at the frequency in question, and to apply this function to the correction of the components.

Abstract: A method of compensating for eddy currents induced by the switching on and off magnetic fields in gradient coils in NMR imaging apparatuses, which method includes at least one compensation cycle including the steps of performing at least one detection of the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in a gradient coil, i.e., a gradient field; extrapolating the course of the effectively generated gradient field from the data of said at least one detection; generating a gradient fields excitation current compensating the eddy current effects on the gradient fields on the basis of the comparison of the effectively generated gradient fields and of the target gradient field.

Abstract: To position and fix the gradient coil assembly in a basic field magnet assembly of a nuclear magnetic resonance tomograph, an annular clamp element is clamped on a surface of the gradient coil assembly between the gradient coil assembly and the basic field magnet assembly. The clamp element has a conical internal surface which is form-fittingly in contact with a similar surface of the gradient coil assembly, so as to provide a self-centering force on the gradient coil assembly and to maintain the gradient coil assembly with an annular gap between the external surface of the gradient coil surface and the interior surface of the basic field magnet assembly.

Abstract: A supersensitive nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a superconducting magnet, a gradient magnetic field coil, a high frequency emitting coil, and a receiving coil, wherein a biosample, including at least one of cells, organic tissues, and laboratory small animals, is inserted in a sample chamber of generally 1 to 30 mm in diameter. The superconducting magnet is formed of laterally divided split magnets, and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet is generally horizontal. The receiving coil is in the form of a solenoid coil, and the biosample is inserted from a direction orthogonal to the direction of the magnetic field in a generally vertical direction. The spatial resolution in imaging of the biosample is not more than one-tenth of a cell that forms the biosample.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance probe may include a plurality of center conductors, at least some center conductors including a conductive core and an insulator disposed at least partially about the core along at least a portion of the core, a first dielectric layer disposed at least partially about the plurality of center conductors in a proximal portion of the probe, an outer conductive layer at least partially disposed about the first dielectric layer, and a plurality of electrodes, at least one electrode being coupled to one of the center conductors and disposed at least partly on a probe surface.

Abstract: The invention offers a position determining method that ensures high reliability in the determination of a digging position by sensing on the ground an AC magnetic field generated by a coil housed in a digging head, even in the presence of a noise magnetic field affecting the position determination. This is a digging position determining method in a non-open-cut method of excavation which senses the AC magnetic field provided from a magnetic field source by an above-ground magnetic sensor to calculate the position of the magnetic field source from the magnitude and direction of the sensed AC magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for determining geologic formation resistivity while drilling and a new method providing compensation for the vertical asymmetries of the tool response and the effects of borehole rugosity. The apparatus and method allows the construction of a tool body considerably shorter in length than previous devices and provides more radial depths of investigation for a given number of transmitter and receiver antennas when compared to previous devices. A method for calibrating data acquisition errors of the system is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing resistivity measurements for the purpose of geo-steering with 180-degree azimuth resolution. All the measurements represent a complementary set of data acquired in two operational modes. The directional mode providing sensitivity of the received signals to the azimuth characteristics of the formation. The deep mode provides a large depth of investigation for resistivity determination and bed boundary detection. The directional mode can be implemented using one receiving coil placed in between quadruple type transmitter. The deep mode represents either array induction measurements or multiple propagation resisitivity (MPR) measurements that provide high depth of investigation for resistivity determination and bed boundary detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing resistivity measurements for the purpose of geo-steering with 180-degree azimuth resolution. All the measurements represent a complementary set of data acquired in two operational modes. The directional mode providing sensitivity of the received signals to the azimuth characteristics of the formation. The deep mode provides a large depth of investigation for resistivity determination and bed boundary detection. The directional mode can be implemented using one receiving coil placed in between quadruple type transmitter. The deep mode represents either array induction measurements or multiple propagation resisitivity (MPR) measurements that provide high depth of investigation for resistivity determination and bed boundary detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device with a sensor (4) for monitoring the ignition voltage of an associated cylinder of an internal combustion engine, said sensor (4) being arranged along the ignition conductor (12), between the spark plug and the ignition coil. The sensor (4) is a bar-shaped probe which is arranged parallel to the axis of the ignition conductor (12), at a flashover-proof distance. The invention further relates to a measuring arrangement comprising such measuring devices.

Abstract: A tracer material is embedded in a component of electrical equipment to detect excessive wear of the component when it is exposed to an electrical arc. As the component wears, the tracer material becomes exposed to the electrical arc and emits electromagnetic radiation, which is monitored continuously. The tracer material is selected so that it emits electromagnetic radiation when it is exposed to an electrical arc that is distinct from electromagnetic radiation emitted by any other parts of the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining how a vehicle battery would perform when used to start a vehicle. A discharge voltage/current of the battery is predicted as a function of a battery dynamic parameter, an open circuit voltage of the battery, a battery temperature and a fixed current/voltage value at which the battery is to be discharged. This discharge voltage/current value is compared to a minimum starting voltage/current required to start the vehicle in which the battery is employed and an output indicative of a starting capability of the battery is provided.

Abstract: A technique for estimating current consumption of an electronic device such that current consumed during reception of bursts is utilized in calculating the remaining battery power. By determining the time duration of each reception burst and the charge consumed during each burst, the total charge consumed by the reception bursts is calculated. The total charge calculated is used to determine the remaining battery power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly and safely estimating the high-rate load test voltage of a storage battery utilizing open-circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance. An output indicative of the condition of the battery is provided as a function of the estimated load test voltage of the battery compared to industry standards without the necessity to charge the battery or discharge the battery with high-rate loads using bulky load testing equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assessing the state of organisms and natural products wherein one or more substances are determined in a gaseous mixture, determination being effected by a mass spectrometer wherein an ion beam acts on the sample of gaseous mixture in high vacuum in such a way that the test molecules are ionized with the aid of the internal energy of the ions of the ion beam, and the values obtained upon determination are evaluated for assessing the state.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for detecting the occurrence of partial discharge in electrical equipment, such as high voltage transformers. The apparatus comprises a detecting means including an ultrasonic transducer (11) mounted at one end of an electrically insulating elongate rod (13). The ultrasonic transducer (11) is adapted to detect ultrasonic pulses or waves generated by the occurrence of a partial discharge in the electrical equipment. A radio frequency (RF) transducer (17) is also utilized to detect radio frequency (RF) pulses or waves also generated by the partial discharge. The rod (13) can be mounted in the wall of the electrical equipment and so provide a mechanism for adjusting the position of the detecting means within the electrical equipment. The apparatus is also removable from the electrical equipment and re-locatable to other equipment.

Abstract: A testing device for testing resistors of a telecommunications component, the testing device having a control system and an automatic test mechanism. The control system controls a test sequence performed by the automatic test mechanism. The testing device is programmed with a variety of selectable test sequences to automatically test and determine the resistive value and each individual resistor in a variety of telecommunication component arrangements.

Abstract: An aircraft multi-function wire and low voltage insulation tester, having a time domain reflectometer, a digital multi-meter, and a matrix switch integrated in a computer, and a connector having a plurality of output pins allowing a plurality of wires to be hooked up simultaneously. The matrix switch connects the output pins to either the digital multi-meter or the time domain reflectometer perform the respective tests. Corresponding to the output pins, the matrix switch has a plurality of input/output channels, such that wire paths can be established between the output pins. The time domain reflectometry and characteristic tests can thus be performed on each line of a cable to be tested, and each wire path established between the output pins or the lines.