Abstract: A pulse width modulation (PWM) illumination control circuit with a low visual noise for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) is provided. An illumination control pulse-generating unit is used to generate an illumination control pulse signal according to an illumination-adjusting signal. A duty cycle, a phase shift or a frequency of the illumination control pulse signal varies with time within a predetermined scope for controlling a DC/DC converter to drive the light-emitting diode so that the overall visual noise level of the PWM illumination control circuit is improved.

Abstract: An efficient and flexible current-mode driver delivers power to one or more light sources in a backlight system. In one application, the current-mode driver is configured as an inverter with an input current regulator, a non-resonant polarity-switching network, and a closely-coupled output transformer. The input current regulator can output a regulated current source in a variety of programmable wave shapes. The current-mode driver may further include a rectifier circuit and a second polarity-switching network between the closely-coupled output transformer and a lamp load. In another application, the current-mode driver delivers power to a plurality of light sources in substantially one polarity by providing a regulated current to a network of time-sharing semiconductor switches coupled in series with different light sources coupled across each semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A backlight inverter system and a start-up control method thereof to apply an optimal start-up voltage to a backlight lamp according to an environment temperature, such that the backlight lamp is stably started without damage to the system. If the backlight lamp is not started in the normal condition, the start-up voltage level is gradually increased. The start-up voltage level is adjusted by controlling an amount of electric current flowing into the backlight lamp by using a plurality of parallel-connected capacitors, each having a switching element. If an abnormal electric current is detected in the backlight inverter system, an automatic shut-down function is further performed to automatically stop the system, thereby protecting the system from an overcurrent.

Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent lamp drive apparatus for lighting a cold cathode fluorescent lamp is disclosed. The cold cathode fluorescent lamp drive apparatus includes an abnormal current holding unit that is configured to hold an abnormal current that flows in the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, and a control unit that is configured to stop an operation of supplying a voltage to the fluorescent lamp according to the abnormal current held by the abnormal current holding unit.

Abstract: An illumination control circuit allows a user to set a desired brightness level and maintains the desired brightness level over temperature and life of a light source. The illumination control circuit uses a dual feedback loop with both optical and thermal feedbacks. The optical feedback loop controls power to the light source during normal operations. The thermal feedback loop overrides the optical feedback loop when the temperature of the light source becomes excessive.

Abstract: A motor drive system includes a multi-output dc power source providing three or more output potentials, and a switching circuit including switching devices connected, respectively, with the output potentials of the multi-output power source. A controller determines a command apply voltage representing a desired voltage to be applied to the motor, and further determines a plurality of command share voltages corresponding to supply voltages of the multi-output dc power source, from the command apply voltage. The controller produces a pulsed voltage by driving the switching devices in accordance with the command share voltages.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including an electric drive engine capable of being successively supplied with electric power by two separate electric power sources, in particular by a set of batteries and by a fuel cell, and of the type including an accelerator pedal that is mobile between a rest position and an extreme actuated position corresponding to the maximum power capable of being supplied by the engine based on the amount of electric power available for its powering. A mechanism is provided for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal on the basis of a parameter representing the amount of electric power available for powering the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for receiving and manipulating the travel of a sheet material, such as paper, from a device such as an imaging device. One embodiment of a system can be implemented as a system for handling a sheet material including a flipper device that has a shaft for accelerating a sheet material, such as paper. The flipper device also has a drive system for causing the shaft to rotate. A drive system is also provided that has a direct current motor configured to drive the shaft.

Abstract: A method of generating pulses includes setting a cycle based on a frequency of reference clock, determining a total number of the pulses to be generated during the cycle, calculating the number of one or more first reference clocks used to determine a width of one or more first pulses, the number of one or more second reference clocks used to determine a width of one or more second pulses, a first pulse number for the first pulses and a second pulse number for the second pulses on the basis of the cycle and the total number of the pulses, and generating the first pulse number of the first pulse and the second pulse number of the second pulses during the cycle. A motor control system employs the above pulse generating method and a pulse generator using the method to improve accuracy of controllability of a motor by generating the total number of the pulses during a cycle, and decrease a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions, includes a motor for moving the barrier between set limit positions. When the barrier is in a stopped, partially open position the operator implements at least a hybrid control sequence that employs either a four-phase logic or an open-only logic depending upon the status of a mode indicator. In the preferred embodiment the mode indicator is a time light that is activated upon receipt of a user command.

Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus includes: an open-command receiving portion for receiving a first open command of a first open and close command inputting member and a second open command of a second open and close command inputting member, which performs a second open command input and a second close command input by a unique operation thereof, a close-command receiving portion for receiving a first close command of the first open and close command inputting member and a second close command of the second open and close command inputting member, and a controlling portion for performing an opening operation and a closing operation of an opening and closing member based on a condition of the opening and closing member, in response to the unique operation of the second open and close command inputting member.

Abstract: A motor control system for a two-phase brushless DC motor uses measured EMF voltage from the passive set of stator coils to control commutation. A microcontroller receives the EMF voltage measurement and compares it to a threshold voltage value, which may be speed-dependent for advance commutation at high motor speeds. A match of the EMF voltage measurement with the threshold value triggers commutation of the drive to the opposite set of stator coils. The microcontroller also has an up-down counter timer whose count value is compared to an external speed reference. Each match of the count value triggers a transition in a pulse-width modulated (PWM) drive signal. The duty cycle of the PWM signal establishes an average drive voltage that controls motor speed.

Abstract: A drive unit for controlling drives of machine tools or production machines includes a signal electronics unit, a startup/diagnostic unit, and an interface between the signal electronics unit and the startup/diagnostic unit. The interface has a data line for data exchange between the signal electronics unit and the startup/diagnostic unit, and an electric power line independent of the data line. A switch can be provided that disconnects the signal electronics unit from a power mains or from an additional power supply, when a power failure is detected, and connects the signal electronics unit to the startup/diagnostic unit via the electric power line. This provides a simple and cost-effective approach for supplying electric power to the signal electronics in the event of a power failure or malfunction of the main power feed to the drive unit.

Abstract: An AC servo system with distributed movement control is used for multiple axes control in distributed manner includes at least one drive containing a programmable movement controller to perform a customized procedure to control I/O signal of local axis or other axis. The drive can download/perform movement program through communication network, edit axis parameter and monitor the axis status. The drive can set to be master/slave axis according to practical need. The master axis drive performs multiple axes simultaneous control and sends path command to each slave axis drive. The master axis drive calculates complementary command coordinate according to the path command and the path command received by the slave axis drive, whereby the movement trace of the master/slave axis drive can satisfy the path command requirement.

Abstract: A motor control device selectively turns on or off a drive transistor in-accordance with a PWM control signal Sp, such that a drive current Im supplied to a motor is adjusted. The device also samples and holds a motor current Sm for obtaining a motor current value Ih. With reference to the motor current value Ih, the device protects the motor from an overcurrent. Sampling and holding of the motor current Sm is performed for a sampling and holding time Ts. The sampling and holding time Ts corresponds to a time period between a first point in time when the level of the PWM control signal Sp is switched for turning off the drive transistor and a second point in time that precedes the first point in time by a predetermined period. As a result, the motor current value Ih is detected with high accuracy.

Abstract: A speed control means 7 for outputting a drive command signal for a motor 1 to make the speed of the motor 1 conform to the speed command signal based on a signal indicating the difference between the speed command signal and the detected speed of the motor; a filter 13 inserted in series with the speed control means 7 in the speed control loop, having a high frequency domain, a low frequency domain, and an intermediate frequency domain between the high frequency domain and the low frequency domain, a gain KL in the low frequency domain being larger than a gain KH in the high frequency domain, and having a phase lag characteristic so that the phase in the intermediate frequency domain is delayed; the speed control means 7 having a proportional controller 9 that multiplies input by a proportional gain KP and outputs the result, and the filter 13 being set so that phase lag occurs between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency of a mechanical system.

Abstract: There is provided a synchronous control device for driving the same control object with two servomotors. The synchronous control device detects the physical quantity that represents the difference between the forces on the two servomotors, and, on the basis of the detected value, reduces the force that acts between the two servomotors.

Abstract: A control device receives a power supply current from a current sensor and a reactor current from a current sensor and detects a maximum value and a minimum value from the reactor current and from the detected maximum and minimum values and the power supply current determines whether the reactor current traverses the zero point, and if so the control device generates and outputs a signal to an up converter which responds to the signal by stopping switching to perform an up or down converting operation.

Abstract: A pump assembly for pumping a liquid and a method of controlling the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor coupled to a pump, and an electronic switch assembly electrically connected to the motor to control the current through the motor. The electronic switch assembly includes an electronic switch, a generator that provides a substantially periodic pulsing signal, a circuit control configured to provide a second signal, and decision logic connected to the generator, the circuit control, and the electronic switch. The decision logic receives the periodic pulsing and second signals and generates a control signal that selectively controls the electronic switch based on the periodic pulsing and second signals.

Abstract: A charging system for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is disposed within a submerged docking station. The charging system includes a battery, a fuel cell, a fuel source, and a charge controller. The battery supplies electrical power to an electrical distribution bus in the docking station. The charge controller monitors the charge state of the battery and, when needed, activates the fuel cell to recharge the battery. The charge controller also activates the fuel cell when a UUV is docked in the docking station for recharging of its power plant.

Abstract: A recharging system for portable electronic devices that have specialized recharging ports and accept only specifically shaped connectors. The recharging system includes a plug connector for engaging an external power source. A generic terminal connector is also provided. A wire cord is used to connect the plug connector and the terminal connector. At least one adaptor is provided. Each adaptor has a receptacle and a specialized connector. The receptacle selectively receives and electrically interconnects with the generic terminal connector. The specialized connector on the adaptor selectively engages the portable electronic device, therein electrically interconnecting the portable electronic device to the generic terminal connector. The portable electronic device is then recharged by the flow of electricity through the generic terminal connector.

Abstract: A battery housing structure for portable devices includes a battery chamber and a movable seat located in a portable device. The battery chamber has two housing compartments for holding batteries. The movable seat is slidable in the battery chamber and confined between a first position and a second position. The movable seat has a first connector and a second connector to be coupled with the batteries to form an electric connection to transmit battery electricity to the portable device.

Abstract: An electrical combination including a power tool manufactured by a first power tool company, the power tool including a tool housing and an electric motor supported by the tool housing and operable to drive a tool element, a battery manufactured by a second power tool company, and an adapter separate from and connectable between the battery and the tool housing to support the battery on the tool housing.

Abstract: A charging mechanism includes means for generating electrical current and means connected to the generating means for distributing the generated current. At least one battery bank formed from a plurality of batteries is connected in series. A means for charging the batteries is connected between the bank and the distribution means. A voltage controller controls a voltage level provided by at least one battery bank from at least one of exceeding and falling below a predetermined voltage level. Upon the controlling means detecting the voltage level is below the predetermined voltage level, the controlling means causes the generating means to generate the electric current to be provided to at least one battery bank by the distribution means and the charging means charges at least one battery bank.

Abstract: The average current consumption of an electronic apparatus is determined in that an energy store C is repeatedly charged and discharged across the apparatus 1 between a set upper threshold value Uso and a set lower threshold value Usu during a typical operating sequence of the apparatus 1 and within a set measuring time T. The number N of charging processes occurring within the measuring time T is counted and the average current consumption is calculated therefrom while taking into account set values.

Abstract: A charging control unit decides the number of battery cells on the basis of an output voltage of a battery pack, and an output voltage of a charging circuit is determined in accordance with the decided number of battery cells. Even though supply of an external power supply is detected, when a battery connection is not detected, the power supply circuit of the charging control unit is set in a stop state. In addition, when disconnection of the battery is detected, a canceling voltage for canceling a cutoff state caused by overdischarging of the battery is output. In a power supply device for a portable terminal, a capacitor electrically charged by an output voltage of main DC/DC converter is connected as an auxiliary power supply of a backup DC/DC converter to make exchange of the auxiliary battery unnecessary.

Abstract: A generator control system of a vehicle generator includes a switching element which turns on or off field current, a field current detecting circuit, a calculating circuit which calculates an average value of the field current when the switching element turns on according to an amount of the detected field current, and a switch control circuit which cyclically controls the switching element according to the average value and a limit value of the field current.

Abstract: The vehicle power-generation control unit has a first function enabled when a control signal received from outside designates a first mode to control an exciting current such that an output power of a vehicle generator is kept at a value specified by the control signal, a second function enabled when the control signal designates a second mode to control the exciting current such that a generation voltage of the vehicle generator is kept at a target voltage specified by the control signal, and a third function enabled when the control signal designates the first mode to monitor whether or not the generation voltage is in a predetermined voltage range and to disable the first function in order to control the exciting current such that the generation voltage is kept at a preset voltage upon detecting that the generation voltage is out of the predetermined voltage range.

Abstract: A reactive power compensator device includes an AC capacitor and a small-capacity power converter serially connected thereto that avoid the problems of power resonance and harmonic current injection. The reactive power compensator device provides with compensation reactive power current with fixed amplitude or adjustable amplitude. The power converter permits one of power lines of a power system to be connected to either a positive or negative dc terminal of the power electronic switch set through no power electronic switch. Consequently, the number of the power electronic switches is reduced.

Abstract: A static VAR compensator has several parallel compensation components (K1–K3). To connect the static VAR compensator to an operating voltage (U) the compensation components (K1–K3) are first successively connected to the operating voltage (U) by a control unit (CU) via a series resistor (R). The compensation components (K1–K3) are only connected to the operating voltage (U) without series resistance once the aforementioned connection has been completed.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit includes; a series circuit connected to a positive-electrode output terminal P1 and negative-electrode output terminal P2 of a full-wave rectifying circuit B1, which rectifies an having current power-supply voltage of an alternating current power-supply Vac1, and including a booster winding 5a and a wind-up winding 5b wound on a booster reactor L1, a diode D1 and a smoothing capacitor C1; a series circuit, connected between the positive-electrode output terminal P1 and the negative-electrode output terminal P2 and having the booster winding 5a, a ZCS reactor L2 and a switch Q1; a diode D2 connected between a junction, between the switch Q1 and the ZCS reactor L2, and the smoothing capacitor C1; and a control circuit 10 that controllably turns the switch Q1 on and off for controlling an output voltage of the smoothing capacitor C1 to a given voltage.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter according to the present invention includes a first switch connected to both ends of the DC power supply through a primary winding of a first transformer, a second switch connected to both ends of the DC power supply through a primary winding of a second transformer, a first series circuit connected between a node to which the primary winding of the first transformer and one end of the first switch are connected, and another end of the first switch, the first series circuit including a first diode, a smoothing capacitor, and an additional winding of the first transformer, which is connected to the primary winding of the first transformer in series, a second series circuit connected between a node to which the primary winding of the second transformer and one end of the second switch are connected, and another end of the second switch, the second series circuit including a second diode, the smoothing capacitor, and an additional winding of the second transformer, which is connected to the pri

Abstract: A constant-voltage power circuit incorporating an over-current protection circuit having a fold back current limiting capability operative through low input voltages, and being capable of arbitrarily setting current outputs. The constant-voltage power supply circuit is configured so that a voltage output with small amplitude from a differential amplifier circuit is subjected to amplitude expansion to be amplified to range fully from the ground potential approximately to the input voltage by means of an amplitude expansion circuit, which includes an inverter consisting of an NMOS transistor and a resistor, and that the voltage resulting from the amplitude expansion is subsequently input to the gate of a PMOS transistor configured to directly control an output transistor.

Abstract: A power management system (100) comprising a power generator (1) for providing a supply signal (Vchg) to a load (2), a floating controllable bi-directional current sensor (N1) coupled via a first connection (10) to the power generator and via a second connection (20) to the load (2) for detecting a positive current (pos) flowing from the power generator (1) to the load (2) and a negative current (neg) from the load (2) to the power generator (3).

Abstract: There is provided a switching power source capable of quickly responding to a change in output at high efficiency over a wide output voltage range. The power source includes an integrator, a comparator which compares an output from the integrator with a quantization reference value, and a sampling circuit which samples an output from the comparator in synchronism with a clock signal. The power source further includes a ?? modulator which quantizes an output from the integrator, outputs a quantized signal, and negative-feeds back the quantized signal to suppress the quantization error of the input signal. In the switching power source, a resistance value adjustment circuit changes the hysteresis width of the quantization reference value by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor of the comparator on the basis of a signal output from a detection circuit which detects at least one of an external control signal and the output voltage and load current of the switching power source.

Abstract: Issues that are addressed in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, are: improvements upon the time it takes to physically swap degraders (done previously by hand); the safety involved in doing so, since the degraders become highly radioactive; possible improved energy resolution and beam stability if the accelerator can be left running continuously; and in-situ monitoring of beam current, beam position and stability. Particularly contemplated are methods and arrangements for changing degraders automatically, not manually, and in a safe manner.

Abstract: This application describes, among others, wafer designs, testing systems and techniques for wafer-level optical testing by coupling probe light to/from the top of the wafer. During the optical testing, the vertical spacing between an optical probe and the wafer is set to a very close distance, to achieve efficient optical coupling. It is beneficial to keep this close distance during optical testing as a constant in testing different optical components at different locations on the wafer. In one implementation, a spacing sensor may be used to measure the height of the optical probe from the wafer surface. This sensor may be a capacitance sensor that is mounted at the optical probe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotational speed sensor comprising a rotatable ring. The rotational speed sensor has K magnetic pole pairs distributed angularly over the rotatable ring. Also, sensors are positioned relative to the rotatable ring such that a varying magnetic field is detected. The sensors comprise a first pair being positioned 2?L/K radians apart. The sensors further comprise a second pair being positioned 2?M/K radians apart. The first pair of sensors and second pair of sensors are positioned at a relative position of (2?/K)*((2n?1)/2 radians. L, M are integers between one and K and n is an integer greater than one.

Abstract: In a rotation sensor including a rotor 10 mounted to a rotating shaft S and having a conductive sensing unit 12 whereof the width varies in the circumferential direction; and stationary cores 31, 32, 41, 42 each including an exciting coil for forming a magnetic circuit with respect to the sensing unit of the rotor by allowing AC exciting current to flow therein, and a core body formed of magnetic material and retaining the exciting coil, and being mounted to the fixed member and disposed so as to oppose to the sensing unit of the rotor at a distance in the axial direction of the shaft, the stationary cores are disposed at two positions each having a central angle with respect to the axis of the shaft other than substantially 180°, so that the rotation sensor which is superior in mountability, is low in cost, and is superior in detection accuracy over a wider range is provided.

Abstract: A DC current is supplied to the write coil of a GMR head 1 equipped with a completed HGA (Head Gimbal Assembly). The element part of the GMR head 1 is thereby thermally deformed. Thus deformed, the element part protrudes, abutting on a rotating laser-bump disk 2, above which the HGA is floating. When the element part abuts on the disk 2, a magnetic field (2470 gauss) that extends in a direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the fixed layer of the GMR head 1 is applied to the top of a core slider 5.

Abstract: A probe card includes a base that supports a probe pin and an electromagnet. When the probe pin contacts a magnetic-sensor terminal in on a chip on a wafer, magnetic force is applied to a magnetic-field sensing section in the chips.

Abstract: Described are methods for pressurizing elastic support structures or balloons in sensor probes used for the inspection of components having areas of limited access. When inflated, the balloons press flexible sensors against the surface of the material under test. When deflated, the balloons permit easier insertion of the probes into the component and reduce the mechanical stresses on the sensors, thereby extending the sensor lifetime. By sequentially partially inserting the sensor into a limited access area from either side of the limited access area and scanning in opposite directions, the entire surface of the test material can be inspected.

Abstract: A micro-position sensor and sensing system using the Faraday Effect. The sensor uses a permanent magnet to provide a magnetic field, and a magneto-optic material positioned in the magnetic field for rotating the plane of polarization of polarized light transmitted through the magneto-optic material. The magnet is independently movable relative to the magneto-optic material so as to rotate the plane of polarization of the polarized light as a function of the relative position of the magnet. In this manner, the position of the magnet relative to the magneto-optic material may be determined from the rotated polarized light. The sensing system also includes a light source, such as a laser or LED, for producing polarized light, and an optical fiber which is connected to the light source and to the magneto-optic material at a sensing end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic field generating apparatus includes a superconducting body for generating a magnetic field below a critical temperature of the superconducting body, a thermal insulation vessel having a space for accommodating the superconducting body, and a ferromagnetic body for adjusting a magnetic field distribution generated from the superconducting body wherein at least a part of the ferromagnetic body is disposed around the superconducting body and a magnetic circuit is formed so as to form the magnetic field distribution in a common side of the superconducting body and the part of the ferromagnetic body.

Abstract: A conductive wire held between a first magnetic core of a soft magnetic film and a second magnetic core, the area of the cross-section, perpendicular to a magnetic path, of which is made partially smaller constitutes a magnetic detection device, and a DC current for generating a DC bias magnetic field and a high-frequency carrier signal are let to flow through the conductive wire. The DC current is selected so that the portion at which the cross-sectional area of the above-mentioned second magnetic core is made smaller has an appropriate DC bias magnetic field intensity. When this magnetic detection device is placed in an external magnetic field, the intensity of the DC bias magnetic field changes depending on the intensity of the external magnetic field; hence, the level of the carrier signal in the conductive wire changes. The change of the level of the carrier signal is output as the change of an electrical signal, whereby the intensity and direction of the magnetic field are detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultra sensitive in-situ magnetometer system, and more particularly to an ultra sensitive in-situ magnetometer system that can in-situ monitor a magnetic moment of a magnetic thin film with sub-monolayer precision while depositing and growing the magnetic thin film in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) chamber.

Abstract: The system describes a means and a method for stabilizing the magnetic field generated in the measuring volume of a high-resolution magnetic resonance spectrometer having an actively shielded magnet coil (4) which is located in a cryostat (2) and which is superconductingly short-circuited. The system comprises a compensation coil (12) which is decoupled from the magnet coil (4), and is disposed on the shielding coil (4b) of the magnet coil (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency system for an MR apparatus with a high-frequency coil arrangement comprising a plurality of resonator elements (104), which is connected to a transmit unit (106), where a respective transmit channel (1–8) of the transmit unit (106) is assigned to the resonator elements (104). In order to provide a high-frequency system of this kind at low cost, by means of which a high frequency field can be generated in an examination volume (100) with a field distribution that can be preselected flexibly and variably, the invention proposes that the transmit unit (106) is equipped with a plurality of high-frequency amplifiers (107), the inputs of which can receive low-power transmit signals via a first controllable multiplexer/distributor network (108), in which the output signals of the high-frequency amplifiers (107) can be distributed over the transmit channels (1–8) via a second controllable multiplexer/distributor network (109).

Abstract: A device and method for obtaining an electromagnetic propagation measurement of a subterranean geologic formation, with the formation being intersected by a borehole. The device comprises a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, and a first and second receiver for receiving the transmitted signal. The device further comprises a circuit for injecting a calibration signal into the first receiver and the second receiver, and a processor for processing the uncalibrated receiver signal and the calibration signal to obtain electromagnetic propagation measurement that is free from errors introduced by the receiving elements of the system. The processor may include a receiver data acquisition circuit for correcting data acquisition errors related to the first receiver and the second receiver.

Abstract: A charge detector includes an outer housing having an entrance aperture. Within the housing is disposed a charge capture element that is electrically isolated from the outer housing. The charge capture element includes a plurality of apertures, such as provided by a mesh, and a conductive surface facing substantially away from the entrance aperture.