Abstract: The invention provides a structure and method of its use comprising a filtering and interference suppression device (62), particularly of the broad band type, for an electric motor (34) comprising at least a first powering brush (16) for an armature commutator of the electric motor (34), of the type comprising a capacitor (64), one terminal of which is electrically connected to a strip conductor (38) that electrically powers the first brush (16) powering the armature commutator of the electric motor (34), and the other terminal of which is electrically connected to a ground strip conductor (58), connected, in turn, to the electrical ground (60) of the electric motor (34), characterized in that the capacitor (72) of the filtering and interference suppression device (62) is of the non-inductive type, and in that each of the non-inductive capacitors (72) is directly attached to a circuit board (73) comprising strip conductors, of which are at least one powering strip conductor (38, 40) for a brush and one ground

Abstract: A diffractive optical element has a support and a plurality of diffraction structures. The latter are applied on the support and are binary blazed by being split into substructures so that the aspect ratio of the substructures varies locally within an individual diffraction structure. One or more substructures with a large aspect ratio inside an individual diffraction structure are replaced by at least one substitute structure whose aspect ratio is less than that of the replaced substructures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffraction grating, a light-receiving element, and an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus utilizing them and provides a diffraction grating and a light-receiving element capable of detecting a signal of high quality and an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus utilizing them. A diffraction grating includes a diffracting region which is formed only on a light exit surface and which diffracts and separates first laser light or second laser light emitted by a two-wavelength semiconductor laser to generate a main beam and positive and negative first order sub beams. The depth of concavity formed on the diffracting region is 220 nm. The irregularities are formed such that the pitch length thereof is 22 ?m and such that a convexity thereof has a width of 17.6 ?m. The ratio of the width of the convexity to the pitch length of the irregularities is 0.8.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-lens is disclosed. The method includes providing a convex photoresist surface, forming a lens mold on the convex photoresist surface, removing the lens mold from the convex photoresist surface, forming a micro-lens in the lens mold and removing the micro-lens from the lens mold.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for polarizing electromagnetic radiation is provided. The electromagnetic radiation may be divided into first and second portions, substantially all of the first portion may be linearly polarized in a first direction and substantially all of the second portion may be linearly polarized in a second direction, the first direction being substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The linear polarization of at least one of the first and second portions may be changed such that substantially all of both of the first and second portions are linearly polarized in a third direction. At least one of the first and second portions may be redirected such that substantially all of both the first and second portions are propagating in a fourth direction.

Abstract: A lens system (10) includes a main lens (12) having a first surface (12a) and a second surface (12b) configured opposite to each other, a first film lens (11) and a second film lens (13) respectively secured on the first surface and the second surface of the main lens. The first film lens and/or the second film lens are radial gradient index lenses, which refractive index progressively decreases from the centers to the outmost sides. All of the main lens, the first film lens and the second film lens are converging lens, and the axles of them are overlapped one to another.

Abstract: An endoscope illuminating optical system having a gradient index lens capable of illuminating by a sufficient light amount and by a wider angle is provided. The endoscope illuminating optical system is constituted to illuminate an observed region by light guided by a light guide 1, by way of a gradient index lens 2, and the gradient index lens 2 satisfies Condition Equations (2) and (3) below: (AR)2?0.6??(2) 0.5k+0.35?AL/??0.5k+0.65??(3) where, R designates an effective radius of the gradient index lens, L designates a length in an optical axis X direction of the gradient index lens, A designates a constant coefficient, k designates a nonnegative integer.

Abstract: An optical element has a fluid container which contains an insulative fluid and a conductive fluid that are different in refractive index from each other, mutually immiscible, and optically transparent, the fluid container being transparent to light at least in a predetermined direction; a first electrode placed in contact with the conductive fluid in the fluid container; multiple transparent second electrodes placed on a transparent surface of the fluid container and insulated from the conductive fluid in the fluid container, with a voltage being applied between the first electrode and each of the multiple transparent second electrodes; and multiple transparent transistors placed on the transparent surface of the fluid container together with the multiple second electrodes to adjust the voltages applied to the multiple second electrodes.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly for a miniature camera, such as those used in cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices, is disclosed. One or more lenses of the zoom lens assembly are moved in and/or out of the optical path of the zoom lens assembly to change the magnification of the lens. Since the magnification does not necessarily require movement of lenses along the optical path of the camera, the length of the zoom lens assembly, and consequently of the camera as well, is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A three lens group zoom lens is provided and includes three lens groups of negative, positive, and positive in this order from an object side and varies a magnification by changing distances among respective lens groups. A first group includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side, a negative lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side, and a positive lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side. A second group includes, in order from the object side, a cemented lens including a di-convex lens and a di-concave lens, and a lens in a meniscus shape directing a concave surface on the object side. A third group includes a positive lens. Each of the first group and the second group includes an aspherical surface.

Abstract: A zoom lens has a field view of 60° to 70° at a wide-angle end, a magnification change ratio of about five to six times, and a small number of component lenses, enables retraction to a compact size when not in use, provides high resolution, and is compatible with a compensation function for zoom lens vibrations. Comprised are, in order from an object side, a first lens unit (G1) of positive optical power, a second lens unit (G2) of negative optical power, a third lens unit (G3) of positive optical power, and a fourth lens unit (G4) of positive optical power. When zooming from the wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the first lens unit (G1) and the second lens unit (G2) move so as to trace a convex path toward an image side, and the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit (G4) move monotonously toward an object side.

Abstract: A zoom lens, comprising: a first lens group (I) having positive refractive power, a second lens group (II) having negative refractive power, an aperture stop (S), a third lens group (III) having positive refractive power and a fourth lens group (IV) having positive refractive power, wherein the first and third lens groups (I, III) move toward the object side according to a change in magnification power as the zoom lens shifts from a wide-angle position to a telephoto position, the aperture stop (S) moves independently from the lens groups (I, III), and a following formula is satisfied: 0.30<X1/fT<0.85 (1), where X1 represents a total amount of a movement of the first lens group in accordance with a change in magnification power and fT represents a focal length of an entire optical system of the zoom lens in the telephoto position.

Abstract: A lens assembly suitable for use in miniature cameras is disclosed. The lens assembly can have a plurality of glass lenses having spherical surfaces and a single plastic lens having aspheric surfaces, for example. Optionally, all of the lenses can be disposed within a common lens barrel. A pupil plane can be located just in front of the first lens to provide a small chief ray angle. Both the cost of the lens assembly and alignment sensitivity are advantageously mitigated.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera module in which lens frames having lenses are assembled together by stacking. The camera module includes a first lens frame having at least one first lens therein, and at least one second lens frame fastened with the first lens frame. The second lens frame has a second lens fixed therein in optical alignment with the first lens. An image sensor is disposed in the lower portion of the second lens frame to sense an image of an object introduced through the lenses. The invention allows combinations of diverse forms of lenses, and further, the second lens frame can be additionally assembled to adjust the number of lenses in the module.

Abstract: Actuator arrays for use in adaptive-optical elements and optical systems containing at least one such element are disclosed. The actuator arrays provide more precise control of the shape of the adaptive-optical surface while utilizing fewer actuators than conventional systems. An adaptive-optical system of an embodiment includes an array of force devices coupled to a deformable optical surface. The force devices of the array are arranged in braking groups and force-altering groups such that each force device belongs to a respective combination of braking group and force-altering group. A respective force controller is coupled to the force devices of each force-altering group, and a respective braking controller is coupled to the force devices of each braking group.

Abstract: A lightweight reflective film formed into one or more frustums of cones with the large diameter of the cones pointed toward the sun concentrate the sun's rays as the rays are reflected through the cone(s) to the narrow end(s). The rays are concentrated onto one or more absorbing surfaces, and the collected energy can be used to heat a fluid that flows in channels within the absorbing body or bodies. The reflective film can be inexpensive plastic. An enclosing lightweight plastic or other flexible material surrounds an assembly of one or more of the cone concentrators, and the entire structure is made rigid by slight interior air pressure and by interior diagonal wires or by lightweight structural members. This system is less expensive than standard parabolic dish solar collectors and is lighter in weight. It requires less precise sun-tracking systems than dish or trough collectors. It can achieve higher temperatures and higher solar collection efficiency than solar troughs.

Abstract: A tilting assembly and a tilting actuator having the same are provided in the present invention. The present invention comprises a stationary member having an inner space, a mirror holder having a shaft supported rotatably by the opposed sides to tilt about a shaft, and a drive unit connected to the mirror holder to apply vertical external force on the mirror holder via the reciprocal action by a magnetic field and an electric field. The present invention allows tilting movement of the mirror without any noise or vibration, saves the costs, and results in uniform tilting quality across the products.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a generally Z-shaped mirror mounting bracket configured for attachment to a structural portion of the vehicle inside an engine bay of the vehicle, and a support member connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first flange and a second flange extending laterally in opposite directions from opposed edges of a connecting web. The first flange has two through-holes sized and positioned for connection to the structural portion inside engine bay by existing body panel mounting screws. The second flange and the connecting web are sized and configured so that the second flange extends out of the engine bay upon installation of the bracket. The support member carries a pivot element sized and configured to pivotally support a first support arm assembly for a rear view mirror unit and a second support arm assembly for a cross view mirror unit.

Abstract: An optical device includes a transparent substrate, and a multi-layer film including a dielectric film having a multi-layer structure formed on the transparent substrate, and a transparent conductive thin film having a predetermined thickness formed at a part of the dielectric film. The transparent conductive thin film may be formed at the outermost layer of the dielectric film and may have a thickness of 5 to 20 nm.

Abstract: A solution to the problem of long, e-beam mastering times needed for patterning masters for patterned magnetic disk media is disclosed. A process for fabrication of masters takes advantage of the circular symmetry of magnetic disks and reduces the total required mastering time by an order of magnitude over prior art processes. This process relies on e-beam mastering of one small arcuate portion of the master, and then replicating that portion around a circular path on the master several times to create a full disk master. The architecture of this design also corrects for errors in head positioning on the final patterned media disk that may be introduced by the mastering process.

Abstract: The present invention achieves technical advantages as a Preamp enabled to use different functional blocks inside the Preamp only during their own “active” modes. When a block is “inactive”, its corresponding I/O's are put into the High-impedance (Hi-Z) state so that all of the other “inactive” blocks do not affect operation of the one “active” block.

Abstract: Address information/ID information is recorded to a magnetic disk whose recording tracks are formed of lands.

Abstract: A disk array unit connected to a host unit to give information thereto and receive information therefrom. The disk unit includes a plurality of disk units for storing information transmitted from the host unit and a management information recording device, formed by utilizing information storage areas in the disk units, for causing information relating to a logical unit for storing information from the host unit to correspond to information relating to the units. The invention further includes a control unit, when there is no access from the host unit to the logical unit for a predetermined time, for determining the disk units corresponding to the logical unit based on information recorded in the management information recording device and performing power saving of power supply for the disk units.

Abstract: An intelligent disk drive is described which includes means for executing distributed computing tasks including a CPU and associated memory. The communication interface with the host computer is modified to allow the host computer to send executable code for a task to the drive and to allow the drive to communicate the results and status information about the task to the host computer. A method of organizing data for distributed processing in the intelligent disk drive is described which utilizes physical placement of the data around the rotating disk to optimize the execution of the task. In one embodiment head switching is used as further optimization in a disk drive having a plurality of heads to implement alternatives in the task program. In another embodiment, the intelligent disk drive has means for reading from at least one or more heads simultaneously while writing to another head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for head-to-disk contact-induced disturbances in a hard disk drive is disclosed. The method includes determining topographical variations across a surface of a disk during the manufacturing or operation of the hard disk drive. Error signal variations that occur as a result of head-to-disk contact-induced disturbances resulting from the topographical variations are recorded. Current to a voice coil motor in the hard disk drive is varied to correct for the contact-induced disturbances before they occur.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention prevent or alleviate head damage ascribable to the TA-causing sections (projections) of disks (TA is thermal asperity). With respect to a TA-causing section that has been detected during initial defect registration, X±A tracks in a radial direction and Y±B sectors (or Y±B bytes of space) in a circumferential direction, with the TA-causing section as a center, are registered collectively during primary registration. Following this, secondary registration is conducted to register a region ranging from±several tens of tracks to several hundreds of tracks present in a radial direction, and all sectors (or all bytes of space) present in a circumferential direction, with a track of the detected TA-causing section as a center. Furthermore, a cylinder of a region equivalent to the same radial positions as those of the secondary registration is registered (as tertiary registration) for all disks, except for the disk where the TA-causing section was detected.

Abstract: A servo control circuit provides seamless transition between seek and track modes while enabling both rapid seek mode operation and accurate tracking. The control circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter having a non-linear characteristic. The non-linear characteristic provides disproportionately large control voltages to derive speed and settling in the seek mode and essentially linear control voltages in the track mode to provide low noise and accurate tracking operation.

Abstract: A data storage library for the storage of a plurality of data storage media, the library including a Z-direction mechanism for raising and lowering the media within the library, the Z-direction mechanism comprising support means for a picker mechanism for inserting storage media into and withdrawing them from storage locations within the library, a motor driven rotateable lever arranged to raise and lower the picker mechanism, and a counter-balancing mechanism including a spring which serves to reduce the power required to drive the motor.

Abstract: The spindle motor described herein comprises a rotor having a rotor hub and a shaft connected to the rotor hub, a cylindrical bearing sleeve having a central bore to accommodate the shaft and a collar disposed at the receiving aperture, a cup-shaped bearing housing closed at one end to accommodate the bearing sleeve, a baseplate to hold the bearing receiving portion, a stopper ring disposed at the inside circumference of the rotor hub between the collar and the baseplate, and at least one radial bearing region formed between the outside diameter of the shaft and the inside diameter of the bore and defined by surface patterns. According to the invention, an annular axial bearing region is provided formed between a lower face of the collar and an upper face of the stopper ring. This design and construction makes it possible to realize spindle motors having small dimensions and, in particular, low overall heights.

Abstract: A magnetic head has a sensor which employs the “Hall effect”. In one illustrative example, the sensor includes a generally planar body made of a semiconductor heterostructure; first and second contacts comprising first and second drains, respectively, which are formed over a first end of the body and spaced equally apart from a centerline of the body; and a third contact comprising a source formed over a second end of the body which is opposite the first end of the body. The semiconductor heterostructure is comprised of a high mobility two-dimensional electron or hole gas close to an air bearing surface (ABS) of the magnetic head so as to be exposed to magnetic field lines substantially normal to it from magnetically recorded bits. Advantageously, the sensor does not require magnetic materials utilized in conventional sensors and therefore does not suffer from magnetic noise associated therewith.

Abstract: A transducing device includes a writer having a pole tip region and a heater circuit. The heater circuit has a heating portion and a heater current return path. The heating portion has at least two branches positioned with respect to the writer so that current flowing through the at least two branches heat the writer. The heater current return path is electrically connected to the at least two branches of the heating portion near the pole tip region and includes an electrically conductive portion of the writer.

Abstract: A tape cartridge according to the invention includes: a main case; a display window opened on a part of an outer circumferential wall of the main case; and a selection piece placed inside the display window for preventing erroneous erase, wherein the selection piece integrally has a cylindrical section and an operation dial each provided in such a way as to face the display window, and rotation shafts provided upper and lower sides thereof, wherein the cylindrical section has a major arc-shaped cylindrical wall formed concentrically around the rotation shafts and a planar wall which connects end sections of the cylindrical wall, and wherein an outer surface of the planar wall and an outer surface of the cylindrical wall opposing the planar wall have a prohibition display signifying an unrecordable state and an admission display signifying a recordable state, respectively.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium including a servo pattern region having a servo pattern formed of a concave/convex pattern having convex portions and concave portions and a data recording region, the region having a data track pattern, the concave portions are formed in an address pattern region of the servo pattern region such that the maximum lengths, which are located in the respective same radius regions of the respective lengths along the rotating direction of a substrate of the projecting end surfaces of the convex portions constituting the concave/convex pattern are set to first lengths that are double the minimum lengths along the rotating direction of the projecting end surfaces of the convex portions in the respective same radius regions. With this arrangement, the magnetic recording medium can securely read a magnetic signal and has a servo pattern having excellent surface smoothness.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to making reconnection when a soldered connection fails in a head/slider used in a magnetic disk drive. In one embodiment, a solder mass deposited on a slider pad of a head/slider is separated from a lead pad and a solder ball connection is yet to be made between the slider pad and the lead pad. A shaping tip is heated to a temperature near a melting point of a solder. The shaping tip is moved in parallel with a surface of the slider pad toward the side of the lead pad to soften the solder mass. The solder mass is thereafter irradiated with a laser beam so as to form a solder fillet, thereby making a soldered connection between the lead pad and the slider pad.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interface for improving resonance control. The interface includes a first member having a first coupling portion, a mounting surface having a second coupling portion for coupling to the first coupling portion of the first member, and a raised engagement member located on at least one of the first member or the mounting surface. The raised engagement surface provides contact between the first member and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A HGA of the invention includes a slider; a micro-actuator to adjust the position of the slider; and a suspension to load the slider and the micro-actuator. The micro-actuator includes two side arms; a load plate for supporting the slider, which is connected with at least one of the side arms; a piezoelectric element connected with the side arms; and a base shaft to couple with the suspension, which is connected with the side arms and positioned between the load plate and the piezoelectric element. The invention also discloses a disk drive unit using such a HGA.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly (HGA) for a disk drive unit that includes a micro-actuator, a slider and a suspension to load the slider and the micro-actuator. The micro-actuator includes a pair of actuator side arms, a PZT element extending between and connecting the actuator side arms; a rotatable plate positioned between the actuator side arms, wherein the slider is mounted on the rotatable plate; and a pair of connection elements that connect the rotatable plate to the actuator side arms, respectively. The rotatable plate rotates in a first direction when the PZT element contracts and a second direction when the PZT element expands.

Abstract: An integrated servo and read device implementing Extraordinary Magnetoresistive (EMR) sensors. In one embodiment, dedicated EMR sensors are employed: one for data reading and one for servo operations. The sensors are preferably configured in an abutted configuration. In addition to magnetic recording systems, the device is also useful in a magnetic imaging device such as a scanning magnetometer. The integrated device may also be useful in other devices requiring a high sensitivity, high resolution sensor.

Abstract: A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor with strongly pinning and pinned layers is described for magnetic recording at ultrahigh densities. The pinning layer is an antiferromagnetic (AFM) iridium-manganese-chromium (Ir—Mn—Cr) film having a Mn content of approximately from 70 to 80 atomic percent and having a Cr content of approximately from 1 to 10 atomic percent. The first pinned layer is preferably a ferromagnetic Co—Fe having an Fe content of approximately from 20 to 80 at % and having high, positive saturation magnetostriction. The second pinned layer is preferably a ferromagnetic Co—Fe having an Fe content of approximately from 0 to 10 atomic percent. The net magnetic moment of the first and second pinned layers is designed to be nearly zero in order to achieve a pinning field of beyond 3,000 Oe.

Abstract: A startup failure detection system provides an indication of motor startup failure based on a flux amplitude signal value. The flux amplitude signal is derived from motor flux estimations in combination with a rotor angle estimation. The flux amplitude signal value is compared to an upper and lower threshold value, and a startup failure is indicated if the flux amplitude signal value is outside the range determined by the upper and lower threshold value. The motor drive system can be set to attempt a restart when a motor drive startup failure is detected, with the retrial current, duration and the total number of retrials being user selectable.

Abstract: A power semiconductor apparatus is provided with power controlling semiconductor modules connected in parallel to each other. Each power controlling semiconductor module controls driving of a power semiconductor device. The power semiconductor apparatus includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit provided in one and another power controlling semiconductor modules, respectively. The transmission circuit transmits a predetermined communication signal to another power controlling semiconductor module based on a predetermined activation signal generated by one power controlling semiconductor module. The reception circuit receives the transmitted communication signal, and controls driving control operation of another power controlling semiconductor module based on the received communication signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a GFCI that not only has ground fault protection, but also is capable of providing reverse wiring protection as well as detection of end of the service life of the GFCI by way of utilizing an end of life detection control circuit in connection with the reset button. In addition, the GFCI of the present invention provides a forcible mechanical tripping assembly by way of utilizing the test button. Finally, the present invention provides method for detecting whether the service life of the GFCI has ended.

Abstract: Nanotube ESD protective devices and corresponding nonvolatile and volatile nanotube switches. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit is coupled to an input pad. The ESD circuit includes a nanotube switch electrically having a control. The switch is coupled to the protected circuit and to a discharge path. The nanotube switch is controllable, in response to electrical stimulation of the control, between a de-activated state and an activated state. The activated state creates a current path so that a signal on the input pad flows to the discharge path to cause the signal at the input pad to remain within a predefined operable range for the protected circuit. The nanotube switch, the input pad, and the protected circuit may be on a semiconductor chip. The nanotube switch may be on a chip carrier. The deactivated and activated states may be volatile or non-volatile depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system includes a plurality of separate consumer modules for supplying power to a plurality of consumer loads, respectively. Each of the consumer modules includes an overload fault detection device for automatically interrupting the supply of power to a given consumer load upon the detection of a fault therein by an overload protection arrangement. When the voltage drop across a measuring resistor exceeds a given threshold value, a non-conducting transistor becomes conductive, thereby opening a gate circuit to disconnect the consumer load from its power supply. Resistors of varying resistance values may be selected manually or by remote control to correspond with the demand requirements of the consumer loads.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a sensing module, a feeding module, a control module, and a common line adapted for connection to a battery when in use. In some embodiments, a battery management apparatus for managing a substring of cells in a string of cells includes a DC bus, a multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit operative to selectively couple nodes of the substring of cells to the DC bus, a DC/DC converter circuit having a first port configured to be coupled across a plurality of cells of the string and a second port coupled to the DC bus, the DC/DC converter operative to transfer energy between the first and second ports, a sensor circuit coupled to the DC bus, and a controller circuit configured to connect to a communications bus and operatively associated with the multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit, the DC/DC converter and the sensor circuit.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker comprising a casing containing at least one fixed contact and at least one mobile contact. The circuit breaker moreover comprises, inside said casing, a first communication bus, designed to interface a plurality of accessories and devices of said circuit breaker, and an interface unit, which comprises a plurality of ports that are designed to be connected to said accessories and devices via said first communication bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the detection of shorts circuits in the electrical system in a vehicle provided with a battery comprising—measuring and storing the value of the battery voltage at a first moment in time,—measuring the value of the battery voltage at a second moment in time,—comparing the values of the battery voltage at the first and second moments in time,—checking, if the battery voltages at the two moments in time differ from each other by more than a predetermined value, whether one or several of certain predefined systems in the vehicle have been engaged during the interval of time between the first and the second moments in time, with a short circuit being assumed to have taken place if none of the systems in the vehicle have been engaged during the interval of time.

Abstract: An electromechanical contactor device is disclosed for use in a wire feeder for an electric arc welder having a power source and a gun with a contact tip through which welding wire is fed and a weld cycle start trigger switch having a closed condition to initiate and hold a weld cycle and an open condition. The contactor device comprises a power inlet lead connected to the power source, an output lead connected to the contactor tip, one or more current branches between the input lead and the output lead with a mechanical contactor having an open condition and closed condition for opening and closing the branches. A solenoid operates the contactor device based upon the condition of the trigger switch, with a first position to close the contactor when said trigger switch is shifted from the open condition to the closed condition and to hold the contactor closed when the trigger switch is in the closed condition.

Abstract: Provided is an intelligent electronic device-to-intelligent electronic device direct communication system in a power system, for performing a power system data redundancy check therebetween. The communication includes a first intelligent electronic device adapted for deriving power system data from a selected portion of the power system. The first intelligent electronic device is associated with a first transmit module for transmitting the derived power system data. A second intelligent electronic device is further provided and adapted for deriving power system data from the selected portion of the power system, wherein the second intelligent electronic device is associated with a first receive module.

Abstract: An ionizer of a corona discharge type is configured to increase the yield of ions while minimizing contamination of a discharge electrode by foreign matters. In the ionizer, a gas path unit (11) supplied with clean gas has internal clean gas paths (50, 48) in an electrode assembly (40), and clean gas is released through each internal clean gas path (50, 48) to make a clean gas flow enclosing a front end portion of a discharge electrode (12). The electrode assembly (40) has a guard ring (46) encircling the discharge electrode (12), and the guard ring (46) has external air inlet openings (46b) permitting free passage of atmospheric air. The clean gas flow enclosing the tip of the discharge electrode (12) inhales atmospheric air through external air inlet openings (46b) of the guard ring (46) and changes to ionized air.