Patents Issued in May 15, 2007
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Patent number: 7218045Abstract: A light generating device includes a body having discharge spaces generating light in response to a voltage signal, and electrodes providing the voltage signal to the discharge spaces. The discharge spaces are apart from each other and arranged substantially parallel with each other. The electrodes are disposed at external portions of the body. The body includes a first substrate, and a second substrate disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate includes space forming members and space dividing members. The discharge spaces are each formed between corresponding one of the space forming members and the first substrate. The space dividing members are each disposed between the adjacent space forming members. The space dividing members include connecting passages each connecting adjacent ones of the discharge spaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyeon-Yong Jang, In-Sun Hwang, Hac-Il Park, Sang-Yu Lee, Joong-Hyun Kim, Jin-Seob Byun
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Patent number: 7218046Abstract: A method of making a unitized tungsten electrode which exhibits superior mechanical and electrical properties which includes providing a length of cylindrical cut stock having a predetermined diameter and length. The stock is ground to form a rough unfinished electrode having an enlarged tip or nose portion at one end integrally connected to an elongated shank section. The unfinished electrode is treated by exposure to a chemical etchant for a time sufficient to form a finished electrode characterized by a smooth nose and shank surface and rounded undercut and ends. The invention includes the electrode formed by the described process.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.Inventors: Dean A. Bell, Timothy D. Russell
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Patent number: 7218047Abstract: An indirectly heated cathode for gas discharge tube C1 comprises a heater 1, a double coil 2, a plate member 3, and a metal oxide 10. An electrical insulating layer 4 is formed on the surface of heater 1. Heater 1 is disposed at the inner side of double coil 2. Plate member 3 is disposed along the length direction of double coil 2 at the inner side of double coil 2, which is to be the discharge surface side, and is electrically connected to double coil 2. Also, plate member 3 is grounded by being connected to the ground terminal of heater 1. Metal oxide 10 is held by double coil 2 and disposed to be in contact with plate member 3. Metal oxide 10 is in contact with double coil 2.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K. K.Inventor: Koji Kawai
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Patent number: 7218048Abstract: An electronic display apparatus includes a substrate, pixels and light sensing parts. The substrate includes a display region and a peripheral region adjacent the display region, and the substrate includes a plurality of gate lines extended in a first direction and a plurality of data lines extended in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The pixels defined by each of the data and gate lines are formed in the display region to display an image. The light sensing part is formed in the peripheral region, and the light sensing part senses an intensity of an ambient light. The light sensing part that senses an intensity of an ambient light is formed on the array substrate, so that a luminance of the display apparatus may be adjusted in accordance with the intensity of the ambient light.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joon-Hoo Choi, In-Su Joo, Kyu-Ha Chung
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Patent number: 7218049Abstract: In an organic EL device having a first electrode of a light reflective material, organic layer including an organic light emitting layer, semitransparent reflection layer, and second electrode of a transparent material that are stacked sequentially, and so configured that the organic layer functions as a cavity portion of a cavity structure, light that resonates in a certain spectral width (wavelength ?) is extracted by so configuring that optical path length L becomes minimum in a range satisfying (2L)/?+?((2?)=m (m is an integer) where the phase shift produced in light generated in the organic light emitting layer when reflected by opposite ends of the cavity portion is ? radians, L is optical path length of the cavity portion, and ? is the peak wavelength of the spectrum of part of light to be extracted.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Jiro Yamada, Tatsuya Sasaoka, Takashi Hirano
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Patent number: 7218050Abstract: A plasma display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other to provide a discharge space between the first substrate and the second substrate, a scan electrode and a sustain electrode both provided on the first substrate, a dielectric layer for covering the scan electrode and the sustain electrode, and a protective layer provided on the dielectric layer. The protective layer includes magnesium oxide, magnesium carbide, and silicon. This plasma display panel performs stable discharge characteristics, such as a driving voltage, thereby displaying an image stably.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Hasegawa, Kaname Mizokami, Yoshinao Oe, Masaki Aoki, Junichi Hibino
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Patent number: 7218051Abstract: A discharge tube includes a cylinder having first and second end planes, first and second discharge electrodes coupled to the respective first and second end planes, the first and second discharge electrodes having respective upper and lower discharge planes forming therebetween a discharge gap, and one or more discharge trigger wires disposed in a portion of the cylinder that encompasses the discharge gap.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiko Machida
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Patent number: 7218052Abstract: A Hg-free metal halide lamp comprising a substantially cylindrical discharge vessel with a ceramic wall having an internal diameter Di, an internal length Li and a wall thickness Wt, and filled with an ionizable filling, wherein two electrodes are present having a mutual distance EA for maintaining a discharge in the discharge vessel, wherein the filling comprises an inert gas and a salt, wherein the internal length Li is smaller than 8 mm, wherein the electrode distance EA and the internal diameter Di comply with the relation EA/Di>;2, wherein the inert gas pressure PXe at room temperature is at least 5 bar, and wherein the wall thickness Wt and the internal diameter Di comply with the relation Wt/Di>0.15.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Christoffel Wijenberg, Josephus Christiaan Maria Hendricx, Matthias Born
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Patent number: 7218053Abstract: An electron beam tube of the type for amplification of RF signals comprising an electron gun, an interaction region within a vacuum, an RF input and an RF output arrangement, the RF output arrangement comprising an output coaxial line and a coaxial divider, wherein the coaxial divider is arranged to divide a signal on the coaxial line into a plurality of signals and wherein the vacuum within the interaction region extends into the coaxial divider.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: E2V Technologies (UK) LimitedInventors: Darrin Bowler, Anthony Joel Challis, Anthony James Tokeley
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Patent number: 7218054Abstract: A lamp which includes a fixed phase power controller connected between a terminal and a light emitting element converts line voltage to an RMS load voltage. The controller has an analog control block that receives an input that is independent of a change in magnitude of the line voltage and that charges and discharges to provide a trigger signal at a first frequency, a reset circuit that periodically resets an initial condition of said analog control block, a synchronization connection that provides a sync signal that synchronizes the trigger signal with a waveform of the line voltage, and a control circuit that is connected to said terminal and to said analog control block and that clips a load voltage based on the synchronized trigger signal to define the RMS load voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Matthew B. Ballenger, Ernest C. Weyhrauch
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Patent number: 7218055Abstract: The discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a power section operating to generate a high voltage to be applied to a discharge lamp to trigger electrical discharge within the discharge lamp and to generate an AC voltage to be supplied to the discharge lamp to keep the discharge lamp in a stable lighting state, and a control section controlling operation of the power section. The power section and the control section are installed separately within an enclosure of the discharge lamp lighting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Koichi Kato
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Patent number: 7218056Abstract: Lighting device having a number of light sources for illumination an area around the lighting device. The lighting device including capabilities for generating illumination when a primary power source is unavailable. The light device may include a secondary power source for use in powering the lighting device when the primary power source is unavailable. The lighting device may include multiple operating modes, optionally depending on the active power source.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventor: Ronald Paul Harwood
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Patent number: 7218057Abstract: A Style B PAPI system comprises a plurality of identical lamp housing assemblies, each with one or more lamps and each housing assembly including: an electronic bypass circuit with first and second oppositely poled SCRs coupled across the terminals of each lamp; a zener diode; and a diode bridge for developing a first trigger voltage across the zener diode in the event of failure of a lamp. The first trigger voltage causes alternate conduction in the first and second SCRs from the AC voltage developed across the failed lamp. A lamp control circuit includes a third SCR that is coupled across the zener diode for developing a second trigger voltage for similarly driving the SCRs. The lamp control circuit is operated by a microcontroller-controlled common lamp control circuit that activates all of the lamp control circuits and disable all of the lamps in response to a tilt condition for the lamp housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Multi Electric Mfg. Inc.Inventors: John M. Sansone, Kenneth R. Horning
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Patent number: 7218058Abstract: A cold cathode type flat panel display which is an image display device including a vacuum panel container composed of a cathode substrate in which plural cold cathode type electron sources are arranged, an anode substrate, plural spacers for supporting the cathode substrate and the anode substrate, and a glass frame. Plural electrical lines extend in a line direction and a row direction across an interlayer insulator on the cathode substrate. Parts of lines positioned in an upper layer of the plural electrical lines are made into scan lines and lines positioned in a lower layer are made into data lines. Further, parts of the electrical lines positioned in the upper layer are made into ground lines for giving ground voltage to the spacers.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Sagawa, Toshiaki Kusunoki, Mutsumi Suzuki, Nobuaki Kabuto
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Patent number: 7218059Abstract: A discharge-lamp control device for lighting a discharge-lamp includes two electrodes, first and second driving units to supply power to the discharge-lamp through the electrodes, respectively. Each driving unit includes a transformer having primary and secondary coils and a capacitor connected in parallel to the secondary coil. The first driving unit has impedance characteristics with a minimum impedance at a first frequency and a maximum impedance at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The second driving unit has impedance characteristics having a minimum impedance at a third frequency and a maximum impedance at a fourth frequency lower than the third frequency. The first frequency is set to be higher than the third frequency. The second frequency is set to be lower than the fourth frequency. An operating frequency of the driving circuit is selected within a frequency bandwidth from the fourth frequency to the third frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Ge Li, Koichiro Miura, Takeshi Uematsu
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Patent number: 7218060Abstract: A flyback ballast for fluorescent lamps is provided. A transformer is utilized to control the power delivered to the lamp. A first switch is coupled to the first winding of the transformer. A first filter is coupled to a second filter through a first terminal pair of a lamp. The second switch is coupled to the third switch through a second terminal pair of the lamp. A switching signal is provided to the first switch to control the power of the transformer delivered to the filters. A second switching signal and a third switching signal are provided to the second switch and the third switch respectively to control the power delivered to the lamp. No glow discharge is occurred during the preheating interval.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: System General Corp.Inventors: Jea-Sen Lin, Ta-yung Yang
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Patent number: 7218061Abstract: A circuit arrangement for producing a control signal (Us) for the purpose of dimming at least one lamp, including a device (10) for modifying the phase gating angle corresponding to a dimming input value (8), it being possible for the device (10) for modifying the phase gating angle to be fed, at its input, an input signal (Ue), whose phase gating angle is to be modified, and for an output signal (U1) having a modified phase gating angle to be provided at its output; and an output at which the control signal (Us) can be provided; it also includes a device (14) for comparing the output signal (U1) with a predeterminable signal (Uc) for the purpose of producing the control signal (Us), the amplitude of the predeterminable signal (Uc) depending on the amplitude of the input signal (Ue).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Fur Elektrisch Gluhlampen MBHInventor: Petr Peka
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Patent number: 7218062Abstract: A protective device and a CCFL driving system using the same are provided. The protective device employs a short detecting circuit to receive a high AC power at the high terminal of the CCFL through a step-down capacitor. The protective device outputs a short-circuit protective signal during a shorting event. A rectified diode receives high AC power through the step-down capacitor, and outputs high DC power. A first charging capacitor couples with the rectified diode, and generates a detecting voltage in response to the high DC power. An open detecting circuit, having a threshold, couples with the first charging capacitor. The open detecting circuit outputs an open-circuit protective signal when the detecting voltage is over the threshold. The protective device of the present invention has a lighting voltage-limited circuit, which couples with the first charging capacitor. The lighting voltage-limited circuit receives the detecting voltage, and outputs an over-voltage protective signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Lien Chang Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeng-Shong Wang, Lien-Sung Tseng
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Patent number: 7218063Abstract: A ballast (100) for powering at least one gas discharge lamp (30) at two selectable light levels includes a sensing transformer (120) and a detector circuit (200). Detector circuit (200) provides an output voltage that is dependent on the states of two on-off switches (S1,S2) interposed between the ballast (100) and a conventional AC source (20). The output voltage of the detector circuit (200) is used to control the illumination level of the lamp (30).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.Inventors: John G. Konopka, Naveen Yadlapalli, Shashank Bakre, Himamshu Prasad
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Patent number: 7218064Abstract: A cold cathode flat fluorescent lamp and a driving method for a cold cathode flat fluorescent lamp are provided. The cold cathode flat fluorescent lamp includes a lamp, a transformer and a full-bridge circuit. The lamp has at least a first electrode having a first voltage and a second electrode having a second voltage. The transformer has a primary side and a secondary side, and the full-bridge circuit is used for driving the lamp. In addition, the transformer is connected to the lamp on the secondary side and is connected to the full-bridge circuit on the primary side.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Delta Optoelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Jin-Chyuan Hung, Chang-Chun Hsiao, Chuan-Chi Hsu, Kung-Tung Pan, Yui-Shin Fran
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Patent number: 7218065Abstract: A control section is used to control a DC-to-AC converter circuit to perform lighting control of a discharge lamp. A transformer, switching elements, and a capacitor for resonance are included. The switching elements are driven and serial resonance of the capacitor and the inductance component of the transformer or an inductance element is produced. Before the discharge lamp is turned on, control is performed to cause the driving frequency of the switching elements to gradually approach Foff and to supply a start signal to the discharge lamp. Once the discharge lamp is turned on, control is performed to continuously change the driving frequency from f1 assumed before the discharge lamp is turned on to f2. A residence time in a frequency range lower than Fon is secured then the frequency is shifted to a frequency range fb higher than Fon, or an inductive range fb.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takao Muramatsu
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Patent number: 7218066Abstract: Driver (150) for a gas discharge lamp (9) comprises: an arrangement of two MOSFET switches (61, 62) connected in series between two input terminals (51a, 52b); an inductor (73) connected in series with said lamp (9), this series arrangement being coupled to a node (P) between said two switches; a control unit (180) providing control signals (S1, S2) to said two switches. During a first commutation interval (41), a lamp circuit current (ILC) has only a first direction while during a second commutation interval (42) said lamp circuit current has only an opposite direction. In each commutation interval (41, 42), during a first operational phase (43) said lamp circuit current has a continuously increasing level while during a second operational phase (44) said lamp circuit current has a continuously decreasing level. The control unit (180) is designed to generate its control signals (S1, S2) such that said two switches are always, switched substantially simultaneously in counter-phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Dolf Henricus Jozef Van Casteren
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Patent number: 7218067Abstract: A magnetic actuator is provided including a magnetic field-actuated material and a plurality of interconnected electrically conducting coils, each coil including a number of wire turns arranged relative to at least one other coil to produce at the magnetic field-actuated material, by superposition, a magnetic field that is substantially oriented in one of a plurality of selectable discrete directions. An actuator drive circuit is connected to the coils in a circuit configuration that reverses a direction of electrical current flow through at least one of the coils to reorient the magnetic field from a first selected direction to a second selected direction of the plurality of selectable discrete directions.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Miguel A. Marioni
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Patent number: 7218068Abstract: A variable-voltage variable-frequency power source for an electric motor that drives a re-circulation pump for a boiling water nuclear reactor. The power source has a semiconductor electric power converter and a speed controller for controlling the semiconductor electric power converter. When a part of the semiconductor electric power converter comes into an inoperative state, that part is electrically disconnected, and the variable-voltage variable-frequency power source temporarily stops outputting power, thereby idling the re-circulation pump. Thereafter, the power source re-starts outputting power before the re-circulation pump completely stops. Thus, the re-circulation pump keeps operating, without stopping.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Tomoyuki Fukuoka
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Patent number: 7218069Abstract: A first judging unit integrates an increase in a corrected current when the corrected current is in a predetermined increasing state and judges that a first condition is satisfied when an integrated increase exceeds a threshold. A second judging unit integrates a decrease in door moving speed when the door moving speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a second condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A third judging unit integrates a decrease in motor rotation speed when the motor rotation speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a third condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A pinch judging unit judges whether pinch has occurred based on determination by the first, the second, and the third judging units.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Imai, Tsunenori Senbongi
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Patent number: 7218070Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement for vessels used in water-borne traffic, and specifically to a propeller drive arrangement containing a propulsion unit, and to such an arrangement, which contains a propulsion unit, which is turnable relative the hull of the vessel. Particularly the present invention relates to a system and a method for braking a motor of a propulsion unit. The solution for braking the propulsion unit according to the present invention is based on short-circuiting a permanently magnetized motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: ABB O YInventor: Jari Ylitalo
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Patent number: 7218071Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling AC motor torque output. The method comprises the steps of producing a current based on a first comparison of a fundamental output frequency of the AC motor with a predetermined frequency and a second comparison of a magnitude of a commanded current with a predetermined DC current, and supplying the current to the AC motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Brian Welchko, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti
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Patent number: 7218072Abstract: A motor driving device includes a motor having three-phase driving coils, a power feeder for powering the coils, and a power feeding controller for controlling a power feeding method. The controller controls electrical potentials of the coils in a period of applying a voltage to the coils to be a power-supply voltage potential or the grounding potential by turning on or off transistors in the power feeder during a first feeding period which starts from a motor halt status and ends when the motor is driven at a given speed. During a second feeding period where the motor is driven at a speed over the given speed, the controller controls the potential such that the coils are opened by turning off the transistors or the potential becomes the power-supply voltage potential. This structure allows the motor driving device to drive the motor at a lower noise with less vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Sugiura, Masahiro Yasohara
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Patent number: 7218073Abstract: A fan motor speed control circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a digital/analog converting unit and a driving unit. The digital/analog converting unit takes charge of receiving a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and converting it into a voltage signal. The driving unit is connected with the digital/analog converting unit in series for receiving the voltage signal, while the driving unit provides a first predetermined voltage level and a second predetermined voltage level as references. The fan motor is kept to run with a low constant rotation speed when the voltage signal level is higher than the first predetermined voltage level, with a full constant rotation speed when the voltage signal level is lower than the second predetermined voltage level, and with a variable rotation speed when the voltage signal level is lower than the first predetermined voltage level and higher than the second predetermined voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.Inventors: Wen-shi Huang, Ming-shi Tsai, Cheng-chieh Liu, Tsung-jung Hsieh, Yuch-lung Huang
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Patent number: 7218074Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for limiting the current output by a speed controller (V) for three-phase asynchronous electric motor (M), said controller (V) operating according to a control law (LC) of pure U/F type. Said method is characterized in that it consists in calculating with the aid of a limitation function a correction value for the frequency of the stator (Wstat) then in applying thereto, so as to obtain, in the voltage control law (LC) of U/F type, a corrected frequency of the stator (Wstatc). According to the voltage control law of U/F type, the method thereafter consists on the basis of this corrected frequency of the stator (Wstatc) in obtaining the control voltage (Vqref) applied to the motor. The invention also relates to a system for limiting the current able to implement said method.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SASInventors: Ving Tung Nguyen Phuoc, Fabrice Jadot
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Patent number: 7218075Abstract: An electronic circuit for starting a single phase induction motor, of the type containing a rotor and a stator with at least one running coil (B1) and one starting coil (B2), for operating jointly with an alternating current source (F), comprising: a trigger electronic switch; a trigger circuit (TR) of said trigger electronic switch; and a blocking circuit (BL) for controlling the trigger pulses of the trigger electronic switch, said blocking circuit (BL) sustaining its blocking state while there is voltage being induced to the coils of the motor (M) by rotation of the rotor, maintaining said blocking state for a certain time after said induced voltage has been substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. - EmbracoInventor: Marcos Guilherme Schwarz
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Patent number: 7218076Abstract: A battery charging system comprising: a current source; a battery; and a voltage and current regulator, which regulates voltage applied to the battery and current supplied to the battery. The battery charging system shapes the current supplied to the battery, and may be used to taper the current supplied to the battery. The voltage and current regulator may comprise: an adjustable band-gap voltage reference diode, a potentiometer, a resistor, and a transistor, or an adjustable shunt regulator, and a transistor operating in conjunction with the adjustable shunt regulator, or other suitable voltage and current regulator means. The battery charging system regulates the current flow supplied to the battery, which originates from a constant charging current source. As the battery voltage exceeds a predefined terminal voltage, the battery charging system diverts charging current through a transistor, thus clamping the battery at the terminal voltage and shaping the current supplied to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Zinc Matrix Power, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Te-Chien F. Yang
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Patent number: 7218077Abstract: A signal generator provides an output signal having a series of pulses and a pulse repetition rate. The signal generator includes an energy storage circuit and a switch control circuit. The energy storage circuit includes a switch operated by the switch control circuit. After delivery of a pulse of the output signal, the switch control circuit operates the switch in a first mode to provide the pulse repetition rate of the output signal. The switch control circuit also operates the switch in each of the first mode and a second mode at a switching rate, wherein relatively more energy from a battery is stored as a consequence of the second mode than is stored as a consequence of the first mode. Energy from the battery is stored for delivery in a pulse of the output signal. The switching rate is compensated in accordance with a temperature of the battery and a voltage of the battery. Compensation maintains the battery voltage above a minimum value.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Taser International, Inc.Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
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Patent number: 7218078Abstract: A back-up power system having a monitoring system for determining, and for allowing remote monitoring of, a back-up time can be provided by a plurality of batteries for a given application, at all times. The back-up power system includes a plurality of batteries, each having an integrated circuit adapted to monitor individual battery's state of health. The back-up power system also includes a data management unit for evaluating the back-up time available from the plurality of batteries based on a sum of individual battery available capacity, a measured ambient temperature and a continuously updated measured application current load. The available back-up time and the measured application current load are accessible to a remote user via a communication link.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Avestor Limited PartnershipInventors: Philippe Gagnon, Denis Pomerleau, Roger Paradis
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Patent number: 7218079Abstract: A method for determining the wear to an electrochemical energy store and an electrochemical energy store allows for continuously determining the amounts of charge (qL) converted during charging cycles of the energy store and calculating a wear variable (Qv) which characterizes the wear as a function of the determined converted amount of charge (qL).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: V8 Autobatterie GmbHInventors: Eberhard Meissner, Helmut Laig-Hoerstebrock
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Patent number: 7218080Abstract: A soft-start apparatus for a power supply outputs a compensation signal to a PWM controller as the power supply starts up. Meanwhile, a pulse width of a switching signal outputted from the PWM controller gradually increases from an initial value to a determined value. The pulse width of the switching signal is then timely modulated in response to the load conditions thereat so as to prevent a power switch from over-voltage and over-current damage as the power supply starts up.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: System-General CorporationInventor: Ta-Yung Yang
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Patent number: 7218081Abstract: The present invention includes multiple power converters for driving one or more loads via an input power source, AC or DC. A first switching power converter has first one or more windings coupled to an input power source, and a second switching power converter having second one or more windings coupled to one or more loads. A magnetic device comprising a single integrated magnetic core couples the first one or more windings to the second one or more windings for reducing switching loss.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yungtaek Jang, Milan M. Jovanovic
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Patent number: 7218082Abstract: A disclosed amplifier and buffer circuit, for example for a linear voltage regulator, comprises an input gain stage, an integrator and a unity-gain output stage. An output stage compensation scheme enables stable operation over a broad range of output capacitance. For low to moderate output capacitance, the design of the output stage effectively pushes the output pole to high frequencies while an internal pole provided by the integrator is dominant and rolls off the gain at lower frequencies. For high output capacitance, an input impedance of the buffer couples the internal pole and output pole, such that the output pole becomes dominant while the internal pole gets pushed to higher frequencies, maintaining stability. This input impedance connection may utilize the base-emitter resistance of a bipolar junction transistor connected to the internal node, or the connection may use an MOS transistor and a separate RC circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: William Louis Walter, Joseph Sinohin Panganiban
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Patent number: 7218083Abstract: The present invention is a voltage regulator circuit with enhanced frequency compensation. The voltage regulator includes an error amplifier, a dynamic bias circuit, an enhanced frequency compensation unit, a pass device and a compensation circuit. A signal from the pass device acts as an input signal of the error amplifier and is compared with another input signal, producing a differential signal. The differential signal is amplified and then provided to the dynamic circuit and the enhanced frequency compensation unit. The enhanced frequency compensation unit is provided such that a zero reference value in a left-hand plane can be generated to optimize the compensation for the voltage regulator circuit. The error amplifier includes a capacitor for compensating an output voltage of the voltage regulator circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: O2Mincro, Inc.Inventors: Wei Wang, XiaoHu Tang, XiaoHua Hou
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Patent number: 7218084Abstract: A low dropout voltage (LDO) regulator comprises an output stage (EtS) of the amplifier (AMP), which has a main output and n auxiliary outputs which can respectively deliver a main control voltage (VGPRINC) and n auxiliary control voltages (VG1, . . . , VGn); and a power stage (EtP) which has a main power transistor (PmosPrinc), controlled at its gate by the main control voltage (VGPRINC), and p power modules (module 1, . . . , module n) of identical layout with p less than or equal to n, respectively having p auxiliary power transistors (PMos1, . . . , PMosn) each controlled at their gate by p auxiliary control voltages (VG1, . . . , VGn). The number p is selected as a function of an intended maximum output current.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: Alexandre Pons, Fabienne Grigis
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Patent number: 7218085Abstract: DC-DC converters are disclosed that can be integrated onto a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the invention includes a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET, where the drain of the first MOSFET forms a common node with the drain of the second MOSFET. In addition, a controller is connected to the gates of each of the MOSFETS and a passive filter is connected between the common node and ground. A load is also connected between the common node and ground and feedback circuitry is connected between the common node and the controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Arizona Board of RegentsInventors: Siamak Abedinpour, Sayfe Kiaei
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Patent number: 7218086Abstract: A switching regulator provides programming output current control through a single input terminal by modifying the reference voltage in the control loop of the switching regulator. The switching regulator includes a first input terminal receiving a program input voltage indicative of a desired output current, a voltage divider receiving a first reference voltage and providing a second reference voltage at a first node between the first and second resistors and a third reference voltage at a second node between the second and third resistors, and a precision active pulldown circuit coupled to receive the program input voltage and operative to pull down the second reference voltage at the first node in response to the program input voltage. In operation, the third reference voltage is used in the control loop of the switching regulator to control the output current of the switching regulator in response to the program input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Micrel, Inc.Inventors: David W. Ritter, Bruce Hennig, Ralf J. Muenster
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Patent number: 7218087Abstract: The invention proposes a low dropout voltage regulator, including a feedback circuit, an operational amplifier, a transconductor, a current mirror, and a power transistor. The feedback circuit provides a voltage according to a current provided by the power transistor. An invert-phase input terminal of the operational amplifier is coupled with the feedback circuit, and the positive-phase input terminal of the operational amplifier receives a reference voltage. The transconductor is coupled to an output terminal of the operational amplifier, and controls the current, which is fed to the transconductor from the current mirror, according to the output voltage from the operational amplifier. The current mirror is coupled with the transconductor and drives the power transistor. The power transistor is coupled between the current mirror and the feedback circuit, so as to provide current to the feedback circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chung-Wei Lin
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Patent number: 7218088Abstract: There are provided a control circuit of a DC-DC converter of a synchronous rectification system which can realize rapid lowering of an output voltage with low power consumption at the stop of power supply, and a control method thereof. While a power supply stop signal is at low level, a control part controls an NMOS transistor according to the output signals of a comparator and a flip-flop circuit. While the power supply stop signal is at high level, the control part masks a reverse current detection signal and the output signal of the flip-flop circuit to control the NMOS transistor according to a detection signal of a comparator. When a choke coil current is reversely flowed and an output voltage is lowered to an output reference voltage corresponding to a reference voltage, the NMOS transistor is brought to the non-conductive state to regenerate the electric power to an input terminal.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Hidenobu Ito
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Patent number: 7218089Abstract: The method and apparatus for implementing the same phase power supply scheme of the present invention is to utilize means selecting one phase from the three source lines, and supplying power only to the load at single phase line with the neutral line as a return (grounded) line, meanwhile de-energizing the loads of three phase lines at the demand side automatically during a period of time of power shortage.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Tai-Jou Chen, Tsai-Hsiang Chen, Chiang-Mao Chung, I Chang
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Patent number: 7218090Abstract: A spectrum analyzer includes a resonator board that in turn has a substrate and a plurality of resonators. Each resonator may include a first segment that includes a first segment discontinuity and that may also define a boundary and a second segment that has a second segment discontinuity. The second segment may be spaced from the first segment and wherein the second segment is disposed within the boundary defined by the first segment. The resonator board may also include a plurality of wires each of which may be generally parallel to each other and each having a resonator interposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army.Inventors: Vahakn Nalbandian, Ernest Potenziani, II
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Patent number: 7218091Abstract: An integrated spectrum analyzer for performing on-chip power spectrum measurements, includes a digital autocorrelator that includes an analog input for inputting analog signal samples from a chip, an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog signal samples into digital signal samples, a storage register for storing a first converted digital signal sample for a period of time, a digital multiplier for multiplying the first stored digital signal after the period of time with a second undelayed digital signal sample to produce a product of multiplication, and an accumulator for accumulating a plurality of products of multiplication for each new period of time. The digital autocorrelator computes an autocorrelation function based on the analog signal samples and is integrally formed on the chip for performing power spectrum measurements on the analog signal samples to compute the autocorrelation function.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Keith A. Jenkins, Stanislav Polonsky
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Patent number: 7218092Abstract: A current sensor and a current detecting method in which a sensitivity in at least 100 ?A region and a dynamic range of 80 dB are achieved through a simple structure. The current sensor comprises one middle leg magnetic circuit (1) having opposite ends, two outer leg magnetic circuit (2a,2b) being connected with one and the other ends of the middle leg magnetic circuit (1), respectively, an exciting means (3a) arranged in the outer leg magnetic circuit (2a) and exciting means (3b) arranged in the outer leg magnetic circuit (2b), a flux detecting, means (4) arranged in the middle leg magnetic circuit (1), means (7) for driving the exciting means (3a,3b), and a detection circuit (8) connected with the flux detecting means (4) and outputting an electric signal interlocked with the flux being detected by the flux detecting means (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Loyal Port Company LimitedInventor: Takashi Tadatsu
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Patent number: 7218093Abstract: The present invention relates to production testing of semiconductor devices, more specifically to production testing of such devices at wafer level. A method according to the present invention comprises the steps of generating (20) quality test-data at a limited number of semiconductor devices on the wafer, deciding (24) based on the generated quality test-data whether other semiconductor devices on the wafer are to be tested, and based on the result of the deciding step, testing (28) or not testing (26) the other semiconductor devices on the wafer. A corresponding wafer prober is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Cornelis Oene Cirkel, Pieter Cornelis Nicolaas Scheurwater
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Patent number: 7218094Abstract: One or more testers wirelessly communicate with one or more test stations. The wireless communication may include transmission of test commands and/or test vectors to a test station, resulting in testing of one or more electronic devices at the test station. The wireless communication may also include transmission of test results to a tester. Messages may also be wirelessly exchanged.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.Inventors: Igor Y. Khandros, Benjamin N. Eldridge, A. Nicholas Sporck, Charles A. Miller