Abstract: A circuit for providing electrical current to an electrically operated bicycle device comprises a current supply circuit that supplies DC current from the power supply to the bicycle device along a current path and a current limiting circuit that includes an active resistance circuit that limits electrical current flowing through the current supply circuit when voltage applied to the current limiting circuit is above a minimum value.

Abstract: A method is proposed for evaluating a seat profile, in which a quality parameter with which the profile is evaluated, is first weighted with a dynamic factor. This dynamic factor is determined with the aid of the seat profile and/or at least one center of gravity. The seat profile characterizes the continuous changes in sensors of a sensor matrix, whereas, for the center of gravity, position changes in the at least one center of gravity are continuously monitored. The dynamic factor is then determined from a weighted sum of the changes in the sensors of the sensor matrix and the position changes of the at least one center of gravity. If appropriate, a holding function may be applied to the dynamic factor.

Abstract: A rotatable locking organ (13) is located between a plunger (2) of a switch (1) and a contact maker (16) that is configured as a slide, the rib-type locking elements (15) of said organ engaging in corresponding groove-type locking elements (14) of the plunger. The contact maker is fixed in the axial direction on the locking organ (13), but is mounted so that it can be rotated in relation to said organ. In an initial position of the plunger (2), an anti-torsion device, which can be released by an unlocking action, secures the locking organ (13) against torsion. This allows both the plunger (2) and the contact maker (16) to be accommodated by the housing (4) of the switch so that they can be axially displaced, but are resistant to torsion, thus increasing the adjustment reliability and preventing undesired torsion of the locking organ (13) before the start of the adjustment process.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: An immobilizer monitors the ignition status of a motor vehicle, in a low power sleep mode or while performing other tasks, and is responsive to a change in ignition status between an off state and an on state to become active from the sleep mode or to interrupt the other tasks. If the change is to an on state, the immobilizer initiates ignition control module interrogation of an ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition, authorizes or prevents engine operation according to the result and returns to the sleep mode when finished. If the change is to the off state, the immobilizer again initiates ignition control module interrogation of the ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition and sets a key in status datum true or false according to the result. Either the immobilizer itself or a separate body computer responsive to the key in status datum provides a key in ignition warning when a key in status datum of true is detected simultaneously with an open driver door.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a vehicle includes a code including the unique information and a reference code memorized in a vehicle. The start of an engine is allowed when the unique code is identified with the reference code. The unique code is provided on an ignition key and the unique code includes portions including different reflective ratios when a light is irradiated.

Abstract: A pneumatic arrangement comprising a plurality of servicing modules for the preparation of compressed air which are arranged on a common bus system adjacent to each other. Furthermore a control module for the implementation of control or/or monitoring functions and/or communication functions is connected with the bus system for the servicing modules. In addition a valve arrangement is connected with the common bus system, the control module also being adapted for the performance of control or/or monitoring functions for the valves of the valve arrangement, the valve arrangement constituting a subassembly with the servicing modules. As a result only one single control module is required for the servicing modules and the valve arrangement, there being a compact subassembly without unsupported connecting lines.

Abstract: A method and circuits for improving the inductive DC converter delivery of regulated current into the load(s), where the inductive DC converter provides the output voltage to an ensemble consisting of the load(s) and a current source or a current source circuit connected in series with the load. The load current is controlled by the current source or the current source circuit in series with the load and not by the inductive DC converter, which only provides the voltage and power required at the output, without directly controlling the load current. The inductive DC converter can operate under much more relaxed specs, while the load current regulation is much tighter, being current source controlled.

Abstract: A remote power controller circuit (58) including a main switch (98) and a current limiting circuit (82). The main switch (82) has a switching duty factor and is operative between a first state and a second state. The main switch (98) when in the first state allows current (60) to pass to an output terminal (92) and when in the second state preventing current (60) from passing to the output terminal (92). The current limiting circuit (82) is electrically coupled to the main switch (98) and includes a limiting inductor (134) that controls rate of change of current flow to the output terminal (92). A flyback diode (130) is electrically coupled to the limiting inductor (134) and provides a current path for the limiting inductor (134) to discharge when the main switch (98) is in the second state. A method of limiting current flow through the remote power controller circuit (58) is also provided.

Abstract: A multi channel power supply detector for selecting one of a plurality of power supplies is provided. The supply selector comprises a controller, and each channel has a switching device responsive to the controller in series with a current limiting device responsive to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy control circuit and method of a switching mode power supply (SMPS) for a plasma display panel (PDP), which includes an energy bank provided at an output of the SMPS for storing energy, and supplying current for driving the PDP; an active discharge controller for actively discharging the energy stored in the energy bank at time of power off for the PDP; a constant current unit and a constant voltage unit for recovering the actively discharged energy, and supplying a substantially constant current and a substantially constant voltage when the power off time occurs; a power converter for converting the energy actively discharged by the energy bank in response to the substantially constant voltage into power for the PDP following the power off time.

Abstract: A high voltage supply device including a power supply rectifying an externally inputted ac voltage and generating a first dc voltage and a second dc voltage, a controller generating a pulse signal having a predetermined duty ratio and a control signal having a first logic level when the first dc voltage is applied, a high voltage generator boosting the second dc voltage based on the pulse signal, and a power supply controller driven when the control signal is in the first logic level, and cutting off an application of the second dc voltage to the high voltage generator when the control signal is in a second logic level. Such a high voltage supply device, when used in electronic devices such as laser printers, facsimile machines and DC-DC converters requiring a high dc voltage, does not generate a surge voltage when the electronic devices are turned off.

Abstract: A power electronics interface in a microsource controller allows efficient connection in a power system of small, low cost and reliable distributed generators such as microturbines, fuel cells and photovoltaic. Power electronics provide the control and flexibility to insure stable operation for large numbers of distributed generators. The power electronics controls are designed to insure that new generators can be added to the system without modification of existing equipment. A collection of sources and loads can connect to or isolate from the utility grid in a rapid and seamless fashion, each inverter can respond effectively to load changes without requiring data from other sources, and voltage sag and system imbalances can be corrected.

Abstract: A power tool includes a tool housing provided with a set of first electrical contacts, an electric drive motor mounted in the tool housing and coupled electrically to the first electrical contacts, and a driver unit mounted in the tool housing and coupled to and driven rotatably by the electric drive motor. A power supply cartridge includes a casing connected removably to the tool housing, a set of second electrical contacts to connect electrically with the first electrical contacts when the casing is connected to the tool housing, and a power converter disposed in the casing and coupled electrically to the second electrical contacts. A power supply cable has a first end connected to the power supply cartridge to connect electrically with the power converter, and a second end adapted to be connected to an external power source.

Abstract: There is provided a circuit and method for providing a supply voltage to an operational amplifier. A switch has a plurality of inputs connected to a respective plurality of supply voltages. An output of the switch is connected to a supply voltage terminal of an operational amplifier.

Abstract: This invention includes a circuit that alerts an electronic device as to what type of accessory is connected thereto. For example, with respect to cellular phones, some accessories source power and others sink power. The phone must adjust its circuitry accordingly. The circuit includes a two-pin output, with one output being actuated by a power sourcing accessory and the other providing an interrupt sequence to let the device know that an accessory has been coupled or decoupled. The circuit employs a one-shot trigger to generate the interrupt sequence.

Abstract: An output buffer includes an output stage that includes a transconductance device configured to drive a capacitive load, and a first capacitor coupled to an input of the transconductance device. A converter converts an input clock signal into a current that is provided to charge the first capacitor during a specified interval. The converter includes a feedback loop to adjust the current so as to produce a specified logic level at the specified interval. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An operating device, where the device is actuatable by the fingers of a hand and is designed for control of functions in a functional apparatus that is equipped with a display screen or that communicates with a remote display screen. The operating device has a control element and a mounting ring designed for placing on a finger and designed for manipulation of said control element by using another finger on the same hand.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the supply of electrical power to an appliance such as a television, amongst many others. The apparatus comprises a controller that is operative to complete or to disconnect a supply of electricity to electrical apparatus in accordance with a programmed time schedule. The system further comprises one or more programming objects, such as RFID cards, by means of which a time schedule can be programmed in the controller, the programming object being removable from the controller during its normal operation.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes switching transistors connected to one of an input terminal and an output terminal of the switching circuit, and a control bias supply circuit that supplies a control bias for cutting off all the switching transistors to the switching transistors when all of the switching transistors are in a non-selected state.

Abstract: A sharp control voltage switch utilizing a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) having and a bypass resistance topology to sharpen the control voltage. Utilizing a total of six gates allows the switch to operate at a low control voltage without the need to increase device periphery or die size. Feed-forward capacitors connected between the gate and source of an uppermost FET and the gate and drain of a lowermost FET are used to reduce signal distortion and improve the linearity and harmonic noise rejection characteristics of the FETs within the switch and thus lower the harmonics of the switch.

Abstract: An electric circuit for capacitive sensor elements of a touch switch can be designed as a switch capacitor circuit and van be provided with a micro controller. The sensor elements are provided in sensor branches with a charging capacitor. In addition, a reference branch is provide. It contains a reference capacity and a reference charging capacitor, which have capacities that correspond to those of the sensor branches. By comparing the number of charge transfer processes required to reach the switching threshold in the sensor branch and the reference branch, fluctuations of the supply voltage, and consequently the switching threshold itself, can be compensated for.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent power distribution system capable of operating at a selectable output voltage, the system including a cable (1) with power bus conductors (1a, 1b) and an intelligent node (2) incorporating a controlled current switch (7) via which a power bus conductor is coupled to an output terminal (4) of the node (2) for supplying current to a load under control of the intelligent node (2). The effective value of the intelligent node output voltage is adapted settable by control of timing, or duty cycle, of the ON/OFF pulses of the controlled current switch (7).

Abstract: A device for rapid short-circuit protection in a power semiconductor is described. It has at least one power semiconductor (10, 38) via which a load current (IL) may be applied to at least one electric load (24). The current detection means (14, 18, 46) provide a measure (VIS) of the load current (IL) applied to the electric load (24). A semiconductor protective circuit (30, 32, 34, 36) triggers the power semiconductor (10, 38) to protective operation in the event of an imminent impairment of the power semiconductor (10, 38).

Abstract: A wiring sheet for installing a plurality of wires thereon includes a side plate portion, at which end portions of the wires forming circuits are collectively disposed.

Abstract: Motors are made thinner than conventional by adding a contrivance to a bracket. A housing composed of a case and a bracket is provided and an eccentric rotor and ring magnet are in the housing. A pair of brushes are provided with their base ends thereof anchored to a flexible base at the inside diameter of the magnet. The aforementioned flexible base leads to the outer periphery of the housing as a power-supply terminal, and an opening is provided in the part where the magnet is disposed in the housing. The flexible base leads to a side of the housing through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric motor for rotating an object around a central axis. The electric motor includes a motor casing. A circular segmented rail element is disposed within the motor casing about the central axis. The circular segmented rail element includes metallic non-ferrous segments interleaved with non-metallic segments. Each of the metallic non-ferrous segments has a predetermined segment length. At least one coil element is connected to the motor casing. The circular segmented rail element is disposed adjacent the at least one coil element. The at least one coil element has a predetermined coil length that is less than or equal to the predetermined segment length. The at least one-coil element is configured to apply electromagnetic energy to the circular segmented rail element, such that the circular segmented rail element rotates around the central axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting a push point of an actuator such that the push point more closely corresponds to a center-of-gravity of a stage being driven by the actuator are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for scanning a stage device which includes a stage, as well as an actuator which has a first coil and a second coil, includes driving the stage using the actuator and determining when driving the stage using the actuator includes driving the stage through a first location associated with the stage. The actuator is arranged to drive the stage through a push point associated with the first coil and the second coil. The method also includes altering the push point when it is determined that driving the stage using the actuator does not result in the stage being driven through the first location associated with the stage.

Abstract: An X-Y stage system is disclosed which is easy to assemble and compact or slim in construction. Both the X- and Y-stages are allowed to move without getting influence from the magnetic force created by the field magnets. The X-Y stage system has an X-stage movable relatively to a bed through a linear motion guide unit in an X-direction, and a Y-stage movable relatively to the X-stage through another linear motion guide unit in a Y-direction. The linear motors to force the X- and Y-stages are composed of paired field magnets of secondary side held to the bed and the Y-stage, respectively, and armature windings of primary side supported on the opposite sides of the X-stage in a way lying in clearances between the opposing field magnets.

Abstract: A stepping motor has a cylindrical case that houses a motor stator and a sensor stator. The motor stator and the sensor stator are located at the opposing ends of the case. A motor rotor and a sensor rotor are mounted on a shaft and face the motor stator and the sensor stator, respectively. The sensor rotor and the sensor stator together form a rotational position sensor. The incorporation of the rotational position sensor in the case reduces demand for installation space. The gap of approximately 40 to 50 microns between a motor stator core and motor rotor cores is achieved by accurately locating the motor stator and the motor rotor. The case is sealed by the front flange and the rear cover, thereby, unfailingly preventing the invasion of contaminating foreign matter such as dust particles, oil, moisture etc.

Abstract: A coil support wedge for a high speed generator is integrally constructed and includes a plurality of flow passageways. Because it is integrally formed, the support wedge is substantially fluid tight. Thus, it is less susceptible to cooling fluid leakage from the flow passageways, which increases the overall reliability of the generator into which the wedge is installed.

Abstract: An alternator for an automotive vehicle is substantially composed of a housing, a rotor having a field coil and a stator having stator coils. A cooling fan is connected to an axial end of the rotor. The stator is fixedly disposed in the housing and the rotor is rotatably supported in the housing. According to rotation of the rotor, alternating current is generated in the stator coils, and the alternating current is rectified into direct current to charge an on-board battery. Inlet ports for introducing cooling air into the housing are formed between spokes formed on an axial end wall of the housing. The spokes are slanted in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the rotor relative to the radial direction to thereby reduce airflow noise generated around the spokes.

Abstract: A flat motor is composed of a rotor 1 provided with a driving magnet 3 in a ring shape and a shaft 8, and a stator 5. The stator 1 is composed of a stator yoke 6 provided with a bearing mounting section 12 for mounting a bearing 10 for holding the rotor 1 and a driving coil mounting section 13 for mounting a plurality of driving coils 4 disposed in conjugating with the outer side of the bearing mounting section 12. The plurality of driving coils 4 is disposed in a concentric circle with facing towards the driving magnet 3. The bearing mounting section 12 is formed flat in a circular shape with centering the shaft 8.

Abstract: An electronically commutated motor contains a rotor position determination, which detects a surface at which the rotor and stator poles (10 through 15; 17 through 20) diametrically oppose one another. The total surface is taken into consideration in the position determination. The pole angles (&bgr;S, &bgr;R) of the stator and rotor poles (10 through 15; 17 through 20) are each set to values at which a rotor rotation results in a surface change.

Abstract: A small-diameter fin and a large-diameter fin, each extending in a direction normal to an axial direction of a rotor, are disposed at both sides of a terminal base so as to be overlapped in the axial direction of the rotor. The small-diameter fin is disposed far from the rotor compared with the large-diameter fin. The small-diameter fin is provided with a plurality of independent ribs each protruding in the axial direction of the rotor and extending in a radial direction of the rotor from or along an opening periphery of the receiving hole of the rectifying element.

Abstract: A slack-forming mechanism for stator coils that is able to impart slack of appropriate size to the stator coil without imposing an excessively heavy burden on the coiling machine. The slack-forming mechanism includes a coiling machine attachment jig having a protruding member that passes through a clearance formed between a stator body and connector, and has a top edge positioned higher than a clearance pass-through part of a stator coil. As it is possible to form slack in the stator coil without changing the configuration of the coiling machine, deficiencies in prior art slack-forming mechanisms are overcome such as the difficulty of maintaining uniform slack amounts, and unreliability. Moreover, since design-related restrictions are few, an adequately large slack is imparted to the stator coil to adequately suppress breakage of the stator coil induced by temperature change.

Abstract: The present invention provides for its object a compact electric motor effective to provide a high reliability against the leakage of grease from a bearing on one side adjacent the output shaft or the ingress of oil from a counterpart machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric rotary machine comprising:

Abstract: Using electromagnetic or magnetic fields to transfer magnetic force from one rotating machine to another and a method of providing a smooth transition of kinetic energy between two rotating machines or between a rotating machine and a linear rail using a brushless electromagnetic coupling, with the possibility to fully control the speed of the rotating or moving machine by sensing the actual speed and regulating the electrical power to the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: Electromagnetic retarder brake systems, and methods for their use, are provided utilizing specified thickness conductive layers. The specified thickness of the conductive layer in each system is determined to obtain a certain desired torque at a certain desired low rotational frequency. The specified thickness conductive layer is disposed between a winding and a rotor within each system. By utilizing a specified thickness conductive layer, torque on the rotor at low rotational frequencies is increased, thereby improving deceleration capabilities.

Abstract: A motor rotor containing a permanent magnet being covered with a synthetic resin tube. The synthetic tube is shrunk by heating to coat the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is protected by the synthetic resin.

Abstract: In a permanent magnet rotor, a power transmitting shaft is connected to an axial end of a solid cylindrical permanent magnet, and a reinforcement sleeve is fitted on the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet. Thus, the shaft is not required to be passed through the permanent magnet as was the case with the conventional permanent magnet rotor for the purpose of transmitting the rotational torque and increasing the overall rigidity, and the increase in the axial dimension of the rotor due to the reduction in the cross sectional area of the permanent magnet can be avoided. Also, because the sleeve surrounds the permanent magnet, the resistance to centrifugal stress resulting from a high speed rotation and repeated bending stress owing to vibrations can be improved.

Abstract: According to the present invention, film-shaped insulating materials (32) are provided in core slots (12), the insulating materials being extended by a specific dimension from the ends of outer peripheral cores (17) and inner peripheral cores (18) of core segments (11) to the outsides of the cores, and the plurality of core segments (11) are separated and held at specific intervals, so that winding can be continuously performed on split cores while a winding capability is maintained. Further, the core segments (11) are brought close to one another and rounded to form an annular shape while the film-shaped insulating materials (32) extended by the specific dimension to the outsides of the core are sequentially bent, so that it is possible to manufacture a stator ensuring an insulation distance between an exciting coil and the core and interphase insulation between out-of-phase coils.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating fan comprises a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a ring magnetic mounted to an outer periphery thereof. The stator includes a core. A plurality of poles integrally extend from the core of the stator. An induction coil is wound around at least one of the poles and located on an end of the pole. The heat-dissipating fan has only one stator having only one core with even-numbered poles integrally extending from the core. The fan wheel can be smoothly driven while increasing the amount of air output and improving the heat-dissipating efficiency. Further, since the poles are integral with the core, a closed loop of the magnetic field is formed when cooperating with the inductive ring magnet, thereby preventing magnetic field leakage.

Abstract: The An aspect of the invention relates to a machine comprising a rotor that is mounted so it can rotate about a rotational axis, and a superconductive winding located in a winding support. Further, Connection connection devices are provided to retain the winding support inside a rotor external housing. To compensate changes caused by the expansion of the winding support, a connection device should have at least one connection element that extends axially. One with one end of the element is connected to the winding support in a fixed manner, and the opposite free end is connected to a centering retaining element of the rotor eternal housing in a non-positive radial fit, so that it can be displaced axially.

Abstract: Electromechanical transducer element for converting mechanical stress into electrical signals, said transducer comprising: at least one transducer elements (119,120), said element having first and second surfaces; at least one signal electrode layer (209) arranged between two transducer elements, said signal electrode layer being a metal layer arranged in direct contact with first surfaces of the two transducer film elements. Bosses may be arranged adjacent to and/or partly onto at least one electrode layer. The invention relates also to a manufacturing method where adjacent to and/or partly onto a signal electrode and/or a ground electrode a thicker layer of isolating material is deposited, or for composition of the film bosses are arranged in the signal and/or ground electrode.

Abstract: The system makes it possible to control at least one piezoelectric actuator having a capacitive impedance and includes

Abstract: A multi-layered piezoelectric device has, on a ceramic-made substrate, a plurality of piezoelectric portions and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the piezoelectric portions, in layers, wherein a first piezoelectric portion is made of a piezoelectric ceramic composition containing Ni in an amount of 0.08 to 0.31% by mass (in terms of NiO), second and upper piezoelectric portions are made of a piezoelectric ceramic composition of higher Ni content than in the first piezoelectric portion, and an electrode is provided at least between the first piezoelectric portion and the second piezoelectric portion. This multi-layered piezoelectric device has a very high piezoelectric characteristic, is superior in transmission of oscillation between ceramic substrate and piezoelectric portions, and can be suitably used in actuators, sensors, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoactuator having a stack (1) of piezoelectric layers (2) that lie on top of one another, which are separated from one another by means of an electrode layer (3), in each instance, in which a stabilization element (4) is attached at a side surface of the stack (1), which fixes in place the height of the stack (1) at the side surfaces in such a way that this height does not change when an operating voltage is applied to the electrode layers (3). It is particularly advantageous if the stabilization elements (4) are designed as pieces of sheet metal, whereby they can be used for electrical contacting and for mechanical stabilization of the piezoactuator at the same time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for micropositioning of an object (4). e.g. for use in a microscope. The device comprises an acceleration unit (1) and an intermediate part (3), connecting said acceleration unit (1) with said object (4). The position of the object relative to the acceleration unit (1) is variable at high acceleration or retardation of said acceleration unit (1), owing to mechanical inertia of the object (4). Further, the intermediate part (3) has a first end (3′), being attached to said acceleration unit (1), and a second end (3″), being provided with an essentially circumferential contact surface (3a), and the object (4) is provided with clamping elements (4′).