Abstract: The invention provide a cost effective way of determining the status of a light emitting device, such as a light emitting device in a non-emitting display device. The apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a predefined configuration, a voltage supply coupled to the light emitting devices for making a current flow through the light emitting devices, and electrically conductive devices positioned a predetermined distance away from the light emitting devices, wherein each of the electrically conductive devices generates a voltage in response to current flowing through one of the light emitting devices. An AND gate coupled to the electrically conductive devices receives the voltage from each of the electrically conductive devices through an input and generates an output. A status determining device coupled to the output of the AND gate determines the status of the light emitting devices based on this output.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for balancing current in multiple negative impedance gas discharge lamp loads. Embodiments advantageously include balancing transformer configurations that are relatively cost-effective, reliable, and efficient. Embodiments include configurations that are applicable to an unrestrained number of gas discharge tubes, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The balancing transformer configuration techniques permit a relatively small number of power inverters, such as one power inverter, to power multiple paralleled lamps or paralleled groups of lamps with balancing transformers coupling the lamps or groups of lamps in a zigzag topology. One embodiment of a balancing transformer includes a safety winding which can be used to protect the balancing transformer in the event of a lamp failure and can be used to provide an indication of a failed lamp.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a first source of monochromatic light, a second source of white light, and a third source of polychromatic light. The light from the three sources combine to produce a resultant color of light from the apparatus. The intensities of the light emitted by the first, second and third sources are independently controlled by a controller to produce a desired resultant color of light. Varying the amount of electric current applied to each such light source by substantially an equal amounts to changes the luminance of the combined light with out affecting the resultant color. The lighting apparatus can be operated to replicate a Planckian radiator with a color rendering index of at least 80 throughout a substantial portion of the visible light spectrum produced by the lighting apparatus.

Abstract: A description is given of an illumination device which emits mixed-color light containing light of at least two different color channels (R, R1, G, G1, B, B1). The illumination device contains at least one primary light source (1) of a first color, the light of which forms a first color channel (R, R1, G, G1, B, B1), and at least one primary light source (1) of a second color, the light of which forms a second color channel (R, R1, G, G1, B, B1), at least one sensor device (3), which is positioned such that it can receive mixed-color light and is suitable for detecting brightness of light of a wavelength range comprising the color channels (R, R1, G, G1, B, B1) and which determines the brightnesses of the different color channels (R, R1, G, G1, B, B1) separately and repeatedly during operation.

Abstract: A compact linear accelerator having at least one strip-shaped Blumlein module which guides a propagating wavefront between first and second ends and controls the output pulse at the second end. Each Blumlein module has first, second, and third planar conductor strips, with a first dielectric strip between the first and second conductor strips, and a second dielectric strip between the second and third conductor strips. Additionally, the compact linear accelerator includes a high voltage power supply connected to charge the second conductor strip to a high potential, and a switch for switching the high potential in the second conductor strip to at least one of the first and third conductor strips so as to initiate a propagating reverse polarity wavefront(s) in the corresponding dielectric strip(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for over current detection of a dual motor for use in a vehicle. This invention prevents each motor from burning out by more precisely detecting an over current of each motor in the dual motor within an overall drive area of the dual motor. This can be accomplished by setting, as an over current detection reference current, a predefined range between a normal current and a constraint current of each motor by drive input conditions of each use motor, detecting a current of each motor flowing in field effect transistor (FET) via a shunt resistor and a differential amplifier, and comparing the detected currents with the over current detection reference currents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for operating a magnetically levitated vehicle by means of an arrangement having at least one long-stator linear motor. The linear motors are sub-divided, longitudinally of a track, into individual motor regions (A) in each of which only one vehicle (7) is able to travel at a time. To make possible different frequencies of service for the vehicles (7), i.e. different intervals between the vehicles (7), the region boundaries (B) between at least two motor regions (A1, A2) which follow one another in the direction of travel are arranged to be variable.

Abstract: A drive control device for a brushless motor includes a full-wave rectifying-filtering circuit, a voltage regulating circuit, a drive control circuit and a protection circuit. A combination of the rectifying-filtering and voltage regulating circuit provides both the motor coil and the drive control circuit capable of operating at a normal working status to ensure the brushless motor with safe and reliable operation. Therefore, the brushless motor does not need a bulk and complex transformer for voltage drop, which may reduce the reliability of the operation.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system that moves a barrier between limit positions includes a barrier, a motor coupled to the barrier and adapted to move the barrier between a full open limit position, a danger zone position, and a full close position. The system further includes a position sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect the positions, and a force sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect an actual force value during movement of the barrier. A controller is connected to the sensors which determines a first threshold response value between the full open limit position and the danger zone position, and a second threshold response value between the danger zone position and the full close limit position. The second threshold response value is less than the first threshold response value, and the controller commands the motor to at least stop movement of the barrier if the actual force value is greater than either of the threshold response values.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for detecting the occurrence of a malfunction upon movement of an element by a driving system. While the element is being moved, a difference between a predetermined value and an actual value is determined at regular intervals by means of a processor. A derivative of the difference is determined by the processor at regular intervals. The difference and the derivative both fluctuate around an equilibrium value. Subsequently, only the values on one side of the equilibrium value of both the difference and the derivative are sampled. The sampled values are multiplied and the result is compared with a reference value by means of the processor. The occurrence of a malfunction is established if the result of the multiplication is higher than the reference value.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile robot (10) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode (51) and a random bounce mode (49). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling (45), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control system, and various escape behaviors are used to ensure full coverage.

Abstract: A second member and a first member are applied with bias force to mechanically engage with each other at one of detent positions defining relative positions therebetween. An electric motor rotating a rotor therein when being supplied with electricity. Rotation of the rotor is transmitted to an output shaft manipulating the first member. A main controller controls the electric motor to switch the one of the plurality of detent positions. A rotor angle detecting unit detects rotor angle of the rotor. An output angle detecting unit detects output angle of the output shaft. The main controller includes a backlash calculating unit that calculates a backlash amount between the rotor and the first member in accordance with at least one of occurrence of a first region, in which change in the output angle is small with respect to change in the rotor angle, and a range of the rotor angle in the first region. The main controller incorporates the backlash amount into the control of the electric motor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for phase current detection used for driving a motor by supplying outputs from a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter to the motor. One method presented provides detecting a DC link current and a vector pattern, determining whether a voltage vector lengths exceeds a predetermined value, and adjusting the voltage vector by adding a positive or reversed voltage based upon the above determination and an integrated error value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an inverter are disclosed to allow an inverter to provide a stable output voltage to a motor regardless of a change in a DC input voltage. A difference value between a reference voltage according to a predetermined rated voltage of a motor and a DC voltage of the inverter is obtained, a ratio of an output command frequency to a predetermined reference frequency is applied to the difference value to obtain a compensation output voltage value, a final compensation output voltage value is obtained by compensating the detected DC input voltage value with the compensation output voltage, and an output voltage of the final compensation output voltage value to the motor by the inverter. Thus, the stable output voltage of the inverter can be provided to the motor regardless of the change in the input voltage.

Abstract: A circuit system that includes a sensor circuit for a sensor that detects the state of a motor is provided in an inverter unit for driving the motor. A 0V of the circuit system is connected with a shield braid of a shielded cable that connects the sensor circuit and the sensor. Further, the shield braid of the shielded cable is connected to an earth plate.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced battery control improves the performance of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV includes an internal combustion engine, at least one motor operable as a generator and a battery. A hybrid control module determines various discharge and recharge allowances limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. It also determines various periods of time limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. The allowances and periods of time may be used as limits that are imposed on commands for the motor.

Abstract: A battery performance monitoring system anticipates the sudden fall of battery output. The system measures the battery voltage at a time point when the discharge current of a battery becomes smaller than the reference current value or at a time point when the current to the load which is connected to the battery becomes smaller than the reference current value, and judges the battery to be abnormal if the difference of the measured battery voltage from the approximate formula in regard to the current-voltage relation in the former half of a same discharge event becomes out of the reference range.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicular generator, includes: a voltage controlling device 1 for adjusting a generator output voltage of a generator 10 connected to an in-vehicle battery 4 to a predetermined voltage, the voltage controlling device 1 including an external voltage sensing terminal S for detecting an external voltage of the generator 10, and the generator output voltage being adjusted through on/off control of a field current of the generator 10 in accordance with the external voltage, in which an external control unit 5 is inserted between the external voltage sensing terminal S and the battery 4 to cause a voltage drop. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with an exclusive input terminal for external signal, thereby enabling simple system configuration cost reduction.

Abstract: An integrated torsional mode damping method for a current source converter, including a rectifier, an inverter, and a DC link inductor coupled between the rectifier and the inverter, includes sensing a signal representative of torque on a shaft coupled to the inverter or rectifier; using the sensed signal for detecting a presence of a torsional vibration on the shaft; and damping the torsional vibration by modulating active power through the respective inverter or rectifier.

Abstract: A power supplying power supply circuit which supplies power to an N-phase PWM control DC/DC converter power supply circuit multiplies the output voltage thereof by 1/N by use of a voltage divider and outputs the result of multiplication to the inverting input terminal of an error amplifier. Further, the power supplying power supply circuit inputs the output voltage of the N-phase PWM control DC/DC converter power supply circuit to the non-inverting input terminal via a switching circuit. An output of the error amplifier is supplied to a transistor so as to control and set the voltage value of output power of the power supplying power supply circuit equal to N×output voltage of the N-phase PWM control DC/DC converter power supply circuit.

Abstract: A differential amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, an output terminal, a bias terminal and a ground terminal is provided. The differential amplifier comprises a differential pair circuit and a current mirror circuit. Wherein, the differential pair circuit is coupled to the positive input terminal, the negative input terminal, the output terminal, and the bias terminal of the differential amplifier. The current mirror circuit receives a constant current from a current source, and mirrors the constant current to the differential pair circuit. The current mirror circuit further connects to the ground terminal of the differential amplifier, and the terminal of the current mirror circuit receiving the constant current is coupled to a first source/drain terminal of a first PMOS transistor. A second source/drain and a gate of the first PMOS transistor are connected to the bias terminal and the output terminal of the differential amplifier, respectively.

Abstract: A low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) includes a regulating circuit, an amplifier, and a first compensating path. The regulating circuit is configured to receive an input signal at an input terminal and provide an output signal at an output terminal in response to a control signal received at the control terminal. The amplifier may have a first input terminal coupled to a first input path and an output terminal be coupled to the control terminal of the regulating circuit via a path to provide the control signal. The first compensating path is coupled between a first node on the first input path and a first node on the path coupling the output terminal of the amplifier to the control terminal of the regulating circuit, the first compensating path including a first compensating capacitor.

Abstract: A boost DC/DC converter, including a mask circuit, a switched boost circuit, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit and an AND gate, is provided. The mask circuit is used to output a mask signal according to a load current. In the present invention, the system can selectively operate in the pulse width modulation mode, the pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode or the mixed pulse mask mode according to the mask signal corresponding to the load current when the system is under light load, medium load or heavy load respectively, so as to achieve optimal system efficiency.

Abstract: An auto-switching converter with PWM and PFM selection supplies a boosted DC power to a load through a power switch unit. A starter outputs a starting-enabling signal. An auto PWM/PFM controller is connected to the starter for outputting a selection signal. A controller and a PFM controller are connected to the auto PWM/PFM controller, the power switch unit and the load for transmitting a PWM control signal and a PFM control signal to the power switch unit, respectively, for controlling the switching action of the power switch unit.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting a power current from a power-controlling pass device, the power-controlling pass device being coupled to a supply voltage, comprises the following. A sense device is coupled to the supply voltage with the sense device being configured to draw a sense current that is proportional to the power current. A current mirror is coupled to the sense device and the supply voltage through a low impedance node, the current mirror being configured to draw a mirror current through the low impedance node that is relative to the sense current. A limiting device is coupled to the supply voltage, the power-controlling pass device, and the low impedance node, the limiting device being configured to limit the power current according to a voltage difference between the low impedance node and the supply voltage. A resistance device or PMOS transistor that generates the voltage difference and that may be controlled through a proper bias circuit to adjust the voltage difference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power amplifier gain control is provided, such as may be embodied as an integrated circuit is disclosed. Embodiments provide for a continuously variable gain control at low cost as contrasted two-state or multi-state capabilities of previously developed solutions. Improved consistency and control over gain may be provided using features disclosed.

Abstract: A voltage circuit including a first amplifier having first and second inputs and having an output driving a current mirror circuit is provided. Outputs from the current mirror circuit drive first and second transistors which are coupled to the first and second input of the amplifier respectively. The base of the first transistor is coupled to the second input of the amplifier and the collector of the first transistor is coupled to the first input of the amplifier such that the amplifier keeps the base and collector of the first transistor at the same potential. The first and second transistors are adapted to operate at different current densities such that a difference in base emitter voltages between the first and second transistors may be generated across a resistive load coupled to the second transistor, the difference in base emitter voltages being a PTAT voltage.

Abstract: An adjustable regulated power device includes, for example, an electronic potential device, a regulated device and a control device. The electronic potential device includes an electronic potentiometer having a plurality of potentiometers. The regulated device includes a voltage regulator connected to an input power and at least one first potentiometer of the potentiometers. The first potentiometer forms a variable resistor used for adjusting an output voltage from the voltage regulator. The control device includes a microprocessor and a control input device used for receiving an input setting value. The microprocessor is connected to the control input device and the electronic potentiometer for receiving the setting value and controlling the electronic potentiometer according to the setting value.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a device frame and a photoconductive drum. The device frame includes a driving device, a driving gear that transmits a driving force from the driving device, and an urging member that supports the driving gear in a manner capable of moving along a moving direction of a photoconductive drum and urges the driving gear in an opposite direction from a direction in which the photoconductive drum is inserted. The photoconductive drum is inserted in the device frame and includes a driven gear to be engaged with the driving gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that compensate for temperature drift in a proximity sensor, such as an extended range inductive proximity sensor. Voltage measurement can be taken before, and during damped oscillatory decay of a voltage in a resonant circuit in the proximity sensor to determine a value, ?, associated with an inductive time constant for the resonant circuit. A target-induced inductance value can be isolated, via manipulation of the gamma value, and compared to a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the target has been sensed by the proximity sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate determining coil temperature in a proximity sensor, such as an extended range inductive proximity sensor. Voltage measurements can be taken before, and during, damped oscillatory decay of a voltage in a resonant circuit in the proximity sensor to determine a value, ?, associated with an inductive time constant for the resonant circuit. The gamma value comprises information related to both inductance and resistance in the sensor coil, and can be employed to determine coil temperature. Derivation of the gamma value, and thus of coil temperature, can utilize a current pulse of a duration of approximately one RC time constant of the resonant circuit, thus mitigating current consumption by the proximity sensor during temperature assessment.

Abstract: Sensor systems and methods are disclosed, including first and second sensing elements element co-located on a leadframe structure with respect to a particular target. In general, target-specific sensing applications can be determined by varying the distance between the first and second sensing elements on the leadframe structure with respect to a common datum point thereof in order to provide speed and direction detection data from the first and second sensing elements with respect to the particular target.

Abstract: A rotation detection apparatus utilizes a bias magnet and an array of four or more sets of magnetoresistive elements, with each set producing an output potential varying according to changes of a magnetic field vector as protrusions and recessed portions of a rotor periphery move past the array, and utilizes differential amplifiers to operate on specific combinations of the output potentials for deriving a detection signal expressing rotation information. By appropriately adjusting respective positions of the sets of magnetoresistive elements and/or respective amplification factors of the differential amplifiers, suitable detection characteristics for various rotor configurations can be obtained.

Abstract: A position detection system and method for linear and rotary sensing applications are disclosed herein, including a plurality of magnetoresistive sensing components for linear and rotary detection sensing, and an integrated circuit for amplifying and calibrating signals generated by the magnetoresistive sensing components in order to provide a full digital calibration and a ratio-metric output voltage or digital output signal indicative of linear and rotary position data.

Abstract: A magnetic test module runs on a spin stand to detect amplitude decay and noise evolution at the same time. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decay is directly measured. The recording performance is correlated better with SNR instead of signal only. The thermal stability of the system is evaluated more accurately with this SNR decay method. A heater is placed under the media disk, and a remote sensing thermometer and temperature controller form a subsystem to set up desired environmental temperature. The heater creates a heated band and the read/write head flies above the heated band. The temperature control system may be removed when SNR decay measurement is performed under room temperature.

Abstract: The invention refers to a measurement probe for measuring magnetization data of at least one item (7), specifically a security document comprising at least one magnetic security material (M), said measurement probe comprising at least one core free magnetizing coil (3) characterized in that at least two magnetic field sensors (4s, 4c, 8s, 8c) are disposed at both ends inside said coil (3) at its both ends. The invention relates further to an authentication device comprising said measurement probe and to an authentication method carried out by means of said measurement probe and authentication device.

Abstract: A metrology instrument includes an eddy current sensor that is mounted to and concentric with a confocal distance sensor. By measuring the precise vertical placement of the eddy current probe with respect to the surface of the sample using the confocal distance sensor, the accuracy and precision of the eddy current measurement is improved. Because the confocal distance sensor and the eddy current sensor are confocal, there is no need to move the relative lateral positions between the sample and instrument, between the distance measurement and the eddy current measurement, thereby reducing error in the measurement as well are maximizing the throughput by minimizing the required stage travel for a single measurement.

Abstract: A method of determining a first thickness of a first conductive layer formed of a first conductive material on a target substrate, the target substrate further having a second conductive layer formed of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material, is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first eddy current sensor at a given position relative to the target substrate, the first eddy current sensor being in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the target substrate when positioned at the given position. The method also includes measuring, using the first eddy current sensor while the first eddy current sensor is positioned at the give position, a first set of electrical responses that includes at least one of a first voltage measurement and a first current measurement, the measuring the first set of electrical responses being performed at a first target substrate temperature.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensors, each generating an electrical output signal in proportion to the local magnetic field, are lithographically fabricated on a semiconductor substrate with a small spatial separation. The lateral dimension of the sensors and the separation length are the order of the minimum lithographic feature size. Comparing the electrical signals of the sensors results in a measurement of the local magnetic field gradient. Large field gradients, that vary on a small spatial scale, may be associated small magnetic structures such as microscopic magnetic particles. Detection of a field gradient can be used to infer the presence of a magnetic particle.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor assembly comprising magnetic detection elements is provided. In a magnetic sensor assembly 100 according to the present invention, a magnetic detection element 140 is fixed to a base member 110 and, by having the base member 110 stand upright, it is possible to stand the magnetic detection element 140 upright. Thereby, it becomes easy to manufacture magnetic detection devices which detect three-axis components of terrestrial magnetism vector. In the base member 110, first terminals 120 are provided on a first surface 112 whereas second terminals 124 are provided on a second surface 114. The first terminals 120 are electrically connected with electrodes of the magnetic detection element 140 whereas the second terminals 124 are electrically connected to external wires.

Abstract: Nuclear spin resonance (NSR) clock arrangements.

Abstract: In one aspect, a generator for generating time-variable magnetic fields is provided. The generator includes a gradient coil having conductors extending in an area defined by a hollow first cylinder, and having no conductors in a central area of the hollow first cylinder, the central area defined by the volume of a second cylinder arranged coaxially with and inside the first cylinder, the second cylinder having a diameter of one third the diameter of the first cylinder. The generator also includes a high frequency shielding device enclosing the central area but not the conductors, a high frequency antenna arranged in the central area; and a coaxial connecting cable operatively connected to the high frequency antenna arranged along a longitudinal axis of the first and second cylinder, the connecting cable penetrating the high frequency shielding device at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A system and a method for testing a Radio Frequency (RF) device are provided. The system includes a light emitting source configured to transmit an optical test signal based on an RF signal and a detector provided as a part of the RF device and configured to detect the transmitted optical test signal.

Abstract: A configuration of an NMR apparatus is provided. In the NMR apparatus, a magnetic field space of higher uniformity is generated by split superconducting magnets. At the same time, it is provided with a cryo probe excellent in cooling capability and sensitivity between two superconducting solenoid coils constructed in very close proximity to each other. For this purpose, a probe coil provided between the two superconducting solenoid coils is so constructed that the following is implemented: a certain distance is ensured between a substrate with a coil formed thereon and another, and the substrates and spacer substrates for cooling are alternately laminated. The spacer substrates are cooled by a cold head of sapphire. When the probe coil is inserted in the same direction as a sample tube (direction perpendicular to the static magnetic field), the spacer substrates cannot be coupled directly by the cold head of sapphire.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly is presented that incorporates balun networks to eliminate standing waves from cables used to apply a voltage to multiple drive ports of the coil. Each drive port is driven by an applied voltage that is shifted 90 degrees in the tangential direction. Further, all drive ports are located on one end-ring of the coil, e.g. the superior end-ring. The inequality of the efficiency of the drive ports is reduced such that a substantially circular polarization in the volume of the coil is maintained. The present invention reduces asymmetrical loading by a patient as a result of patient asymmetry and patient contact with the opposite end-ring of the coil that normally negatively affects circular polarization and conventional coil configurations.

Abstract: An optical data link is provided for optically transmitting in free space data from a plurality of receiver coils in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. This free space (e.g., through-the-air) optical data link provides a tether-less (i.e., no bundles of physical wires or optic fibers), essentially electro-magnetically immune (no interference as in radio-frequency wireless transmissions) and scalable solution to transmit data usable to create an MR image.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a plurality of coils which receive magnetic resonance signals, a plurality of A/D converters which digitize the magnetic resonance signals, and a set unit which selectively sets a first state and a second state, the first state being set as a state in which the magnetic resonance signals output from the plurality of coils are input to the plurality of A/D converters, respectively, the second state being set as a state in which the magnetic resonance signal output from one of the plurality of coils is input to two or more of the plurality of A/D converters.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupter shutoff testing device and method, including a high current switch controlled by a timing circuit that allows current to flow through the switch and a small series resistance (in order to trip the instantaneous-trip function of the interrupter, as opposed to the overload-trip) for a short time period relative to the sine wave of the electrical power. A button activates the timing circuit which in turn activates the switch and current flows limited by the internal resistor of the device. By limiting the on time of the device to one of a few half cycles, the user can test if the circuit interrupter responds as quickly as specified by the manufacturer. A method includes receiving a stimulation indication, and selectively connecting an electrical load is sufficient to trigger the instantaneous-trip function of the circuit-interrupter.

Abstract: A battery monitoring apparatus that obtains a current measurement for a current in a conductive element. The battery monitoring apparatus includes conductive lines configured to couple to a conductive element having an electrical current, a filter coupled to the conductive lines and configured to filter noise from a signal derived from a voltage difference between the conductive lines, an analog-to-digital converter that converts the signal filtered by the filter and outputs a digital signal, and a controller that receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A cold cathode ionization manometer operating according to the inverse magnetron principle to measure pressures in fine vacuums, high vacuums, and ultrahigh vacuums (preferably between 10?2 Pa and 1 Pa). To reduce the contamination and thus to extend the service life the measuring tube is provided with two separately controlled and axially displaced cathodes and a coaxially arranged common anode within a vacuum-proof housing.