Patents Issued in January 11, 2007
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Publication number: 20070008707Abstract: A thermally efficient motor housing assembly including a plurality of transistors and a printed wire board (pwb) for controlling a stepper motor and also including a plunger array and a spring array along with a combined heat sink and pwb enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: David Coutu
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Publication number: 20070008708Abstract: A module connecting arrangement for mounting a module on a support rail includes a horizontal rectangular housing containing a longitudinal chamber, and a bottom surface that contains a recess for transversely receiving the support rail, the recess being in communication with the chamber. A pair of horizontal, superimposed, slidably-connected locking slide members are longitudinally mounted in the chamber. The slide members are spring-biased together toward a locking position in which integral opposed locking lip portions thereon extend below outwardly directed horizontal flange portions of the support rail. A separating member having a non-circular cross-section is rotatably connected with the housing and extends into a gap defined between spaced opposing walls on the slide members, whereby rotation of the separating members produces displacement of the slide members toward released positions relative to the support rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Walter Hanning, Jens Oesterhaus
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Publication number: 20070008709Abstract: The present invention provides a board supporting mechanism and a board supporting method eliminating an adjustment of a support height of a support pin upon position-changing of the support pin in accordance with a change in model of a circuit board, as well as a component mounting apparatus and a component mounting method. A single or a plurality of support pin(s) (42) having one end(s) brought into contact with a bottom face of a circuit board (14) to support the bottom face of the circuit board (14) and the other end(s) brought into contact with a surface of a support table (27) for raising/lowering the support pin(s) (42) is or are held in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the support table (27). The one end(s) of the support pin(s) (42) held in the direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the support table (27) is or are brought into contact with the bottom face of the circuit board (14); thus, the support pin(s) (42) support(s) the circuit board (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Keishi Ikeya, Kazuo Kido, Tetsutaro Hachimura, Hideki Uchida
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Publication number: 20070008710Abstract: A new lighting system is disclosed that may be used as an emergency lighting system, a night lighting system, and as a security lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of lights that are installed in a building. These lights are attached to low-voltages wires. In turn, the wires are attached to a control unit which includes timers and a controller. The controller is designed such that it may turn individual lights on and off at specified times during the day. Likewise, the system in constructed such that in the event of a power outage or other emergency, lights in the system will turn on and indicating to the building occupants where the building exits are located.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Lyman Nielson, Norman Hess
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Publication number: 20070008711Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunction lighting and audio apparatus. The apparatus includes a color-music file storage for storing color-music files; an output control unit for controlling the color-music data stored in the color-music file storage so as to separate the color-music data into music signals and color signals, and for producing the separated music signals and color signals; a lighting unit for producing color-lighting based on a color-lighting control signal inputted through the output control unit; an audio unit for producing music based on a music control signal inputted through the output control unit; and an operating unit for operating the above components respectively. It is possible to embody the optimal lighting and audio in which the music and lighting match each other, and to simplify an overall system structure, and decrease the system structure costs without requiring the conventional music parameter detection unit, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Byung-Chun Kim
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Publication number: 20070008712Abstract: A visual locating device comprises an elongate, inherently buoyant, flexible sheet for floating on the surface of a body of water that has a longitudinal axis. At least three buoyant support struts are secured to the sheet and disposed across the longitudinal axis of the sheet such that the sheet is divided into a plurality of sections defined between respective pairs of struts. A buoyant light source is disposed on the sheet to provide nighttime visibility to the sheet. A pouch, which receives the sheet when stowed, is configured to release the sheet when immersed in water. The sheet is at least z-folded inside the pouch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Kevin Schnitzer, Richard Elder
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Publication number: 20070008713Abstract: A water feature having a housing with an electronics section and a water channel. A printed circuit board with an at least one light emitting diode (LED) where at least a portion of the at least one LED is in direct contact with the water while the electrical section remains waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Kevin Doyle
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Publication number: 20070008714Abstract: A handbag includes a fastener which has a slide member and a plurality of interlocking teeth which engage and interlock under the action of the slide member. A magnet is mounted on the slide member and a reed switch is mounted on a substrate which supports the plurality of interlocking teeth. The reed switch operates an electrical circuit to power an electroluminescent panel which is mounted in the handbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Rosanna Kilfedder
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Publication number: 20070008715Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle including a receptacle for coupling with an end of a bit. A front groove and a rear groove are respectively defined in a front end and a rear end of the handle. A plurality of light-emitting diodes are mounted on a circuit board in the front groove of the handle. A transparent cover is mounted in the front groove and in front of the light-emitting diodes. A front cap is mounted to the front end of the handle. A cell and a switch are mounted in the rear groove. A rear cap is mounted to the rear end of the handle. The switch, the cell, the circuit board, and the light-emitting diodes are electrically connected. The light-emitting diodes forwardly emit light beams passing through the transparent cover to provide illumination when required.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Shih-Chieh Chang, Juan-Hsin Lu
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Publication number: 20070008716Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a light fixture for retrofitting a non-recessed ceiling lamp, such as a pendant lamp, to an existing recessed light fixture. The light fixture includes a mounting bracket and a power adapter. The mounting bracket cooperates with screws that affix the existing, recessed light fixture to the existing mounting structure. The non-recessed lamp is mounted to the mounting bracket as it would normally be mounted to the ceiling. The recessed lighting baffle may be removed. The power adapter is screwed into the recessed light fixture's existing light bulb receptacle and includes an electrical outlet that receives a power plug that is wired to the non-recessed lamp's power cord. Alternatively, the power cord is wired directly to the power adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Mark Glickman
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Publication number: 20070008717Abstract: A lighted assembly includes a support having a wall and a light assembly with a light source and a body, which includes a light emitting surface. The light source is coupled to the body and is adapted for coupling to a power source for powering the light source. When powered light from the light source is directed into the body and is directed from the body through the light emitting surface. The support includes a corresponding recess formed in the wall, with the light assembly being mounted in the recess and facing outwardly from the support to thereby direct light outwardly from the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Richard Flaherty
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Publication number: 20070008718Abstract: Lighting units for use in a variety of enclosures/containers, such as Jack-O-Lanterns formed from hollowed-out pumpkin gourds, that define an interior region for receipt of a lighting unit, are provided. The enclosure/container and the lighting unit are combined to achieve a desired illumination effect, e.g., consistent with a holiday and/or seasonal theme. The lighting unit generally includes an elongate lighting element which can be placed in a number of different illumination modes, a hilt/handle to which the elongate lighting element is attached, and a control switch located on the handle for actuation by a user. A tip of the elongate lighting element is placed against the skin of the Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin, the tip being sized and shaped to permit itself and at least an adjacent part of the elongate lighting element to be pushed through the pumpkin flesh to depth of the hilt for internal illumination of the Jack-O-Lantern.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Paul Cayton
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Publication number: 20070008719Abstract: A hand-held flashlight with gripping means is connected by a retractable tether to a spool housing. The flashlight is a self-contained unit with a light emitting diode (LED) light source, batteries and a contact switch. One end of the tether is connected to the base of the flashlight. The other end of the tether is wound round the spool in the housing. A coil spring is mounted between the housing and spool to bias the tether in a retracted position around the spool. The contact switch automatically turns on the flashlight when the flashlight is extended away from the housing and turns off the flashlight when the flashlight is retracted back to the housing. The contact switch can be a magnetic reed switch or a pushbutton switch. The gripping means allow the flashlight to be held securely by hand in any weather condition or environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: James Hill
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Publication number: 20070008720Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp-reflector unit (3) provided with a first (15) and a second light source (17) axially disposed on a lamp axis (1), and a reflector (7) with a reflecting part (13). A modification of the reflecting part of the reflector to a shape somewhere in between a parabolic shape and a shape of a straight cone achieves that light of a narrow beam, i.e. a beam with a beam angle less than 15°, is obtained from the first light source, while the light beam as obtained from the second light source does not show any “optical hole” in its center.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2004Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Mathias Van Rijswick, Denis Van Oers, Andreas Van Der Putten
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Publication number: 20070008721Abstract: A light string has a pair of wires and a plurality of alternating current light-emitting diodes (AC LEDs). The pair of wires is arranged to provide an AC voltage. Each of the AC LEDs is electrically connected in parallel between the pair of wires. The light string can decrease the manufacturing cost, reduce the space occupied by additional circuitry, and lower heat produced thereby for enhancing the operational safety of long-term use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Chi-Tsung Peng, Kuo-Hsiang Wen
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Publication number: 20070008722Abstract: A light source apparatus and display apparatus are provided. The light source apparatus includes light-emitting devices for emitting lights of at least more than two kinds of colors and one light-emitting device group composed of the light-emitting devices located close to each other, wherein each of the light-emitting device group includes a plurality of light-emitting devices for emitting lights of at least more than one kind of color of more than two kinds of colors, a plurality of light-emitting devices being disposed such that central positions of light-emitting devices for emitting lights of respective colors are substantially matched with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Toyomi Fujino, Kazuyasu Onouchi, Hisataka Izawa, Masayuki Ohta
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Publication number: 20070008723Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an assembly comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light producing components mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a light housing designed to accept a standardized light producing bulb comprising a mounting adapter designed so that the pcb can snap/lock into position in the adapter and the adapter can mount into the housing in the manner of a standard bulb.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Little Giant Pump CompanyInventor: Steve Hampton
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Publication number: 20070008724Abstract: A light attachment member, for example a bar or plate, that can be made of wood, synthetic resin, or hard rubber used to attach strings of decorative lights to a pole, post, tree branch or tree trunk. A number of pegs, lugs, tabs, rods or the like are located at spaced positions from each other along the extent of the bar to serve as supports or anchors for the electrical cord connecting the string of lights. The bar or plate may be flat, curved or angled, as desired in cross-section. The pegs or rods can be separate items later attached to the pegs or rods, or they may be integrally formed as parts of the bar or plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Michael Raska
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Publication number: 20070008725Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for generating a variable illumination for diagnosis and therapy, in particular of the human eye. The illumination and irradiation unit consists of an illumination source that emits light, elements for generating special illumination patterns and/or profiles, in addition to elements for coupling the light from the light source into the parallel beam path of the viewing system of the ophthalmologic device. The inventive solution generates different marks, patterns and profiles and can also be used both for diagnosis and therapy in ophthalmology. The illumination unit is therefore suitable for different ophthalmologic devices. It can also be configured as a modular unit for retroactive assembly in the parallel beam path of an ophthalmologic device. To achieve this, a beam divider that is already present in the respective ophthalmologic device is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Egon Luther, Ingo Koschmieder, Jan Buchheister, Falk Moehr
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Publication number: 20070008726Abstract: There is disclosed a lighting apparatus comprising a light source (502) capable of outputting light in a plurality of different colours, a proximity sensor (501) for generating a proximity signal indicative of the proximity of at least part of a person to the proximity sensor, and a controller for controlling the light source on the basis of said proximity signal to output at least one of a plurality of colours.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2004Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Richard Brown
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Publication number: 20070008727Abstract: A lamp system having a housing, wall portions defining a cavity and an opening. A light source, generally an LED, is located within the cavity and at least one thermoelectric device is disposed in one of the wall portions. The thermoelectric device has a first side oriented towards the cavity and the second side oriented away from the cavity. When in operation, the thermoelectric device will transfer heat from inside the cavity, via the first side of the thermoelectric device, to the second side of the thermoelectric device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Jeyachandrabose Chinniah, Mitchell Sayers, Harvinder Singh, James Tarne, Alan Duszkiewicz, Paul Lyon
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Publication number: 20070008728Abstract: A lamp with combined spot and flood light distribution properties in which an elongate translucent shell defines an interior cavity with a reflector portion and a neck portion. A socket-engaging base includes a pair of electrical contact members for communicating with respective electrical contacts of a socket of a light fixture. A lamp capsule, disposed in the interior cavity, includes a light source that connects to a pair of electrical leads for connecting to electrical contact members of the socket. The light emitted from the light source communicates difusingly radially omni-directionally through the neck portion and directedly substantially longitudinally from the reflector portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Allan Kwong, Richard Takata
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Publication number: 20070008729Abstract: A space may be illuminated by installing a shade structure in a light fixture, such that the shade structure is placed on a fixture lens between the lens and a light source of the light fixture. The shade structure includes a thin translucent layer including an artwork pattern or image formed thereon or embedded therein. Light emitted by the light source passes through the shade structure and the artwork, then through the fixture lens and into the space, producing a lighting effect different from that produced by the light fixture in the absence of the shade.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: James Tarpo
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Publication number: 20070008730Abstract: A luminaire apparatus associated with decoration or text-image picture. By a removable frame shell, user can insert or put his favorite three-dimensional decorations or text-image pictures, and see enlarged and colorful three-dimensional decoration or picture via illuminating the decoration and picture by a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Chi-Sheng Hsieh
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Publication number: 20070008731Abstract: A mounting system for a light fixture includes a lamp holder and a mounting device coupled to the holder where the mounting device enables the lamp holder to be mounted in one of a plurality of mounting modes. The mounting modes include a flush mode, a semi-flush mode and attachment to a ceiling fan. The lamps that may be used in the light fixture include a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent, or a halogen lamp. The light fixture with the mounting system that enables multiple mounting modes can be provided as a single product in a single package.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Brian Halliwell, Usman Vakil
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Publication number: 20070008732Abstract: An illuminated translucent device including lighting at least one end thereof and a channel or passage therethrough or therealong for installing connecting electrical wiring therein. A method for installing the lighting such that the outer wall of the lighting means is coextensive with the housing containing the lighting means such that the light means is flush with and either coplanar (flat housing) or having substantially the same curvature (arcuate housing) as the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Jonas Robertson, Robert Currie, Problems Currie
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Publication number: 20070008733Abstract: An automobile auxiliary mirror includes a frame, a mirror body fixed in said frame, a first warning light and a second warning light fixed on an electronic board inside the mirror. The frame and the mirror body both have a light passing property. The first warning light is lit up in case of the subordinate light of an automobile lit up, and the second warning light is lit up in case of the indicator light lit up. So when the subordinate or the indicator light is lit up, the auxiliary mirror may at the same time shine and give vivid light for showing a vivid warning.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Wen Huang
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Publication number: 20070008734Abstract: A headlight having a multitude of headlight elements, which each have at least one semiconductor chip which emits electromagnetic radiation; a primary optics element, which reduces the divergence of the light which is incident through the light input; and at least one headlight element output, which emits a part of the headlight light from the headlight element. At least some of the headlight element outputs are arranged in at least two groups in such a way that the arrangement of at least one of the groups and/or at least overall arrangement of headlight element outputs of multiple groups corresponds essentially to a desired emission characteristic of the headlight, in that, in particular, it has a shape which corresponds essentially to the cross-sectional shape of a desired headlight beam, wherein the semiconductor chips which belong to the headlight element outputs of one group can each be operated independently of other semiconductor chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Georg Bogner, Stefan Grotsch, Joachim Reill
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Publication number: 20070008735Abstract: An illuminator assembly is provided for supplying night vision illumination. The assembly includes a support housing and an infrared illumination source. An infrared reflector receives the radiation emitted from the infrared illumination source and reflects the infrared radiation in a first substantially collimated field of view and transmits visible light therethrough. A visible light reflector is located behind the infrared reflective mirror for receiving visible light transmitted through the infrared reflector and reflecting scattering the visible light in a second field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Joseph Harter, Gregory Scharenbroch, Siddharth Rege
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Publication number: 20070008736Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a casing inside which there are arranged at least one main light source, at least one reflector associated with the main light source(s), optionally at least one intermediate screen that is substantially transparent and lies opposite said main light source or at least one of said main light sources, and a closing covering for the casing. At least one of the faces of the closing covering and/or of the optional intermediate screen is provided with a plurality of foci for diffusing light by means of surface alterations of said face.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Valeo VisionInventor: Jean-Claude Gasquet
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Publication number: 20070008737Abstract: This futuristic Christmas ornament has at least one externally illuminated light transmissive tube extending out of a hollow body which holds the light source internally. The power source can be a battery that is also within the hollow body or a low voltage electric feed with a plug connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: William Jenkins
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Publication number: 20070008738Abstract: A two-directions light transmission transflective prism sheet, a two-directions backlight assembly, and a two-directions liquid crystal display (LCD) device having the two-directions backlight assembly are provided. The two-directions light transmission transflective prism sheet includes a two-directions light transmission transflective film that reflects some incident light irradiated from a light source and transmits the remainder of the light, and a plurality of prism patterns that are formed on one surface of the two-directions light transmission transflective film to have a predetermined height and a predetermined width.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Byung-woong Han, Young-bee Chu, Kyu-seok Kim, Dong-cheol Kim
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Publication number: 20070008739Abstract: The present invention relates to a light source-guide structure having an LED as a light source and a backlight apparatus having the same. The light source-guide structure includes a light guide plate with grooves formed in a peripheral side thereof and a light source having a transparent package fitted into the groove of the light guide plate with an LED chip inside the transparent package. The structure also includes a wiring substrate for seating the LED chip and reflecting the light from the LED chip to the light guide plate and a reflection layer attached on upper surfaces of the light source and the light guide plate. With the light source inserted into the light guide plate, the loss of light is minimized while the horizontal beam angle of light from the LED is increased, minimizing the peripheral area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Chang Kim, Jae Roh, Seong Hong, Young Song, Byuna Kim
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Publication number: 20070008740Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display is provided. The backlight unit includes a surface light source, a diffuser sheet uniformly diffusing incident light from the surface light source, and a light collection sheet collecting light diffused by the diffuser sheet. The surface light source includes a first LED arrangement in which two green LEDs, a red Led, and a blue LED are arranged in this order and a second LED arrangement in which two green LEDs, a blue LED, and a red LED are arranged in this order. The first and second LED arrangements are done along rows or columns, and, in a combination of the first and second LED arrangement, the two green LEDs are surrounded by the red and/or blue LEDs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Hyun Ho Lee, Jae Wook Kwon, Hyeong Won Yun
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Publication number: 20070008741Abstract: An electrical power supply system including an engine driven permanent magnet generator (11) operable to produce a variable voltage and high frequency output which is converted by a series train AC/AC conversion circuit (14) into a fixed voltage and relatively low frequency AC output for supply through a trip switch (56-58) to an external load (53-55). A bypass circuit including a pair of normally-closed parallel connected oppositely biased thyristors (66-68) is connected between the generator output and the output of the AC/AC conversion circuit (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2004Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Nazar Al-Khayat, Wlodzimierz Koczara, Artur Krasnodobski
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Publication number: 20070008742Abstract: In a chaotic signal generator, a first signal generator generates a first signal. The first signal includes a first fundamental wave having a preset first frequency and a plurality of harmonic waves of the first fundamental wave. A second signal generator generates a second signal. The second signal includes a second fundamental wave having a preset second frequency and a plurality of harmonic waves of the second fundamental wave. Also, a mixer mixes the first signal from the first signal generator with the second signal from the second signal generator to generate a chaotic signal having a sum frequency of the first and second signals and the harmonic waves of the first and second signals. A filter passes a signal of a preset band out of the chaotic signal from the mixer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: KWANG DU LEE, CHANG SOO YANG, KYU HWAN AN, KYUONG REE KIM
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Publication number: 20070008743Abstract: The invention concerns a converter which includes two input terminals and two output terminals, a main transformer presenting primary and secondary windings connected between the input terminals and the output terminals respectively, a switching device, a first inductance and a first capacitance forming a first resonant circuit with the primary winding of the main transformer, a wound regulation transformer, presenting a primary winding, and a secondary winding connected in series with one of the windings of the main transformer, a switching device, a second inductance and a second capacitance forming a second resonant circuit with the primary winding of the regulation transformer and with this switching device and a command forming the first and second resonant circuits at a resonance frequency less than or equal to the resonance frequencies of the resonant circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Simon Weinberg
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Publication number: 20070008744Abstract: In the DC/DC converter, a switching part has first and second switches serially connected from a power supply to a ground. The first and second switches switch on/off in response to first and second switching signals having a fixed frequency. The first switching signal has a phase level that does not overlap a corresponding phase level of the second switching signal. A transformer transforms a voltage applied to a first winding into a second winding in response to switching operation of the switching part, and resonates by an inductor and a capacitor of the first winding. Also, a rectifier includes a rectifying diode for rectifying the voltage from the transformer into a direct voltage. A feedback circuit detects the voltage outputted via the rectifier. Additionally, a controller controls pulse width of the first and second switching signals in a PWM mode according to the voltage detected by the feedback circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: TAE WON HEO, DONG KYUN RYU, YOICHI OKADA, KIYOKAZU NAGAHARA
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Publication number: 20070008745Abstract: A wide range power supply capable of delivering 20V to 5000V is provided. The power supply of the present invention uses switch mode technology to achieve high overall operating efficiency and is capable of operating from no load to full load without loss of regulation. The power supply in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention operates directly from the utility supply (e.g., 110V/220V and 50 Hz/60 Hz). In one embodiment, the power supply's power conversion stage includes the following stages: an input rectifier; a buck converter; a quasi-resonant inverter; and a voltage multiplier. The above indicated stages are connected in series to achieve the large output voltage range. High precision is obtained from a use of a digital feedback loop, possibly in connection with an analog feedback loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Rahul Joshi, Don Hutson
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Publication number: 20070008746Abstract: A power device includes a transformer, a control signal outputting unit, and a power adjusting unit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil. The control signal outputting unit variably controls a parameter value and outputs, based on the parameter value, a control signal for controlling output power from the secondary coil. The power adjusting unit receives the control signal from the control signal outputting unit and adjusts power supplied to the primary coil based on the control signal. The power adjusting unit modifies a rate of change within a range in which the parameter value can be variably controlled, the rate of change being a rate of change in the power supplied to the primary coil with respect to the parameter value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Katsumi Inukai, Hiroyuki Naganawa
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Publication number: 20070008747Abstract: A circuit is provided for converting power from an AC power source to DC power. The circuit including bi-directional switches capable of conducting and blocking a current flow in both directions. One or more control switches are coupled to a bi-directional switch to enable and disable the current flow through the bi-directional switch, the control switches are controlled by a signal voltage to turn a bi-directional switch ON by discharging a threshold voltage on one of the bi-directional switch gates and turning a bi-directional switch OFF when the threshold voltage is not discharged by the control switches. Additionally, the circuit includes a transformer having one or more primary windings and a secondary winding, each primary winding being coupled to one of the bi-directional switch sources. The current flow through the primary winding is disabled when the current flow through the corresponding bi-directional switch source is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Marco Soldano, Maurizio Salato
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Publication number: 20070008748Abstract: A controller and method for a switched-mode power converter adaptively provides overcurrent protection by detecting a current in the power converter exceeding a current limit during substantially a minimum on time of a power switch. A count N is computed for the number of consecutive active switching cycles that a current exceeds a current limit during substantially the minimum on time of the power switch. Conduction of the power switch is inhibited for a number of cycles that is a function of the count N, which is an increasing function of N. The function of the count N is preferably the function 2N?1. The count N is reset to zero if the current in the power converter does not exceed the current limit substantially during the minimum on time of the power switch. The controller can be easily implemented with a digital integrated circuit for a wide range of applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Ning Tang
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Publication number: 20070008749Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to regulate an output of a power converter. One example power converter includes an energy transfer element coupled between an input and an output of the power converter. A switch included in the power converter is coupled to the input of the energy transfer element. The power converter also includes a controller circuit coupled to the switch. The controller circuit is also coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of the output of the power converter and coupled to receive a signal representative of the power converter input voltage. The controller circuit is coupled to control switching of the switch to provide a regulated output parameter at the output of the power converter in response to the feedback signal. The controller circuit is coupled to latch the power converter into an off state in response to a detection of a loss of regulation of a power converter output parameter if the power converter input voltage is above a threshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Stefan Baurle, Alex Djenguerian, Kent Wong
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Publication number: 20070008750Abstract: The proposed DC/AC power converter for transforming a DC input source to an AC output source includes a transformer having a primary and a secondary windings, a switch network having a first switch electrically connected between the DC input source and the primary winding, a two-way current-transmitting module electrically connected between the secondary winding and the AC output source and a controllable conducting circuit electrically connected to the secondary winding. In which, the controllable conducting circuit is conducting when the two-way current-transmitting module transmits an electrical energy from the primary winding to the secondary winding and a current flowing through the primary winding is decreasing so as to lower down a voltage stress of the first switch of the switch network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Lin Chen, Zhiqiang Jiang, Jianping Ying
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Publication number: 20070008751Abstract: First and second semiconductor switches which are activated alternately are provided between ends of a primary winding and a common potential point, wherein a DC power supply voltage is supplied to a center tap. An electric current flowing into a load is fed back to thereby subject the semiconductor switches to PWM control. Series circuits consisting of capacitors and semiconductor switches are connected between the center tap of the primary winding and the ends of the same. The semiconductor switches are activated in synchronism with the first and second semiconductor switches, thereby preventing occurrence of an anomalous high voltage, which would otherwise be caused at the time of switching operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroki Toda, Kenichi Fukumoto, Yosuke Aoyagi, Hiroyuki Fujita
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Publication number: 20070008752Abstract: The invention deals with a controlling device (22) for an electrical device such as for example a hearing aid (20). The hearing aid (20) includes a power supply (23) and a functional unit (21) controlled by the controlling device (22) via a reset signal (2). In order to reduce undesired behaviour of the hearing aid in case of transients, brown-out or other oscillations of the input voltage (1), the controlling device (22) is built such that the functional unit (21) is resetted as long as the rising supply voltage (1) is lower than a startup threshold. Once the functional unit (21) is enabled, it remains enabled as long as the supply voltage (1) does not fall below a shutdown threshold where the shutdown threshold voltage is lower than the startup threshold voltage. This hysteresis is implemented via a reference generator (24) generating a constant reference voltage (27) and a modifiable voltage divider (28) which generates different output voltages (1.1) in dependency of the output of the comparator (25).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: EMMA MIXED SIGNAL C.V.Inventor: Noureddine Senouci
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Publication number: 20070008753Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to limit the current in a switch of a switching power supply. An example switching regulator circuit includes a switch to be coupled to an energy transfer element. A controller is coupled to the switch to control switching of the switch. A current sensor is included in the controller. The current sensor includes first and second comparators coupled to compare a current in the switch with first and second current limits, respectively. The controller is to open the switch for a remainder of a current switching cycle of the switch until a next switching cycle of the switch in response to the first or second comparators. A frequency adjuster is also included in the controller and coupled to the second comparator. The frequency adjuster is to adjust an oscillating frequency of an oscillator included in the controller in response to the second comparator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Derek Kroes
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Publication number: 20070008754Abstract: A charge pump can be used with a bus-powered device connected to a bus. The charge pump comprises a power connection from the bus carrying a DC power signal constrained to not exceed a given current limit and a given voltage limit, a DC-to-DC step-down voltage converter, a capacitor, and a DC-to-DC step-up voltage converter. The step-down converter has an input connected to the power connection and produces an intermediate signal having a voltage the same or less than the voltage of the power signal. The capacitor is connected to the output of the step-down converter. The step-up converter has an input connected to the output of the step-down converter and to the capacitor, and produces a final output signal having a voltage greater than the given voltage limit. The output of the step-up converter is connected to and provides DC power to the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Reynolds, Jay Johnson
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Publication number: 20070008755Abstract: There is provided a power source apparatus that includes a master circuit and a slave circuit provided in parallel and outputs an electric current that adds an electric current output from the master circuit and an electric current output from the slave circuit as a power-supply current. The master circuit includes: a main circuit side output section operable to output an electric current depending on a given voltage; a main circuit side reference power source operable to generate a reference voltage corresponding to a power-supply voltage that the power source apparatus is to output; and a main circuit side control section operable to supply the voltage corresponding to the reference voltage to the main circuit side output section in order to control the current output from the main circuit side output section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: Advantest CorporationInventors: Hironori Tanaka, Kunihiro Matsuura, Satoshi Kodera
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Publication number: 20070008756Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to limit the current in a switch of a switching power supply. An example switching regulator circuit includes a power switch to be coupled to an energy transfer element of a power supply. A controller to generate a drive signal is coupled to be received by the power switch to control the switching of the power switch. A short on time detector is included in the controller. The short on time detector is to detect an occurrence of a threshold number of one or more consecutive short on times of the switch. A frequency adjuster is also included in the controller and coupled to the short on time detector. The frequency adjuster is to adjust an oscillating frequency of an oscillator included in the controller in response to the short on time detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Alex Djenguerian, Andrew Morrish