Abstract: A power supply system for an industrial robot. The power supply includes a transmitting part including a first coil and a first converter for producing an alternating magnetic field from the first coil. The power supply also includes a receiving part including a second coil for providing an alternating current by induction from the alternating magnetic field and a second converter for producing from the alternating current a direct current for providing power to a tool carried by the robot.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot having a body and legs connected to the body, a seating aid is provided at its body so as to enable to sit on a seat. With this, the space occupied by the robot can be decreased to reduce space during storage and transport, and also enhance safety in the course of transport. In addition, maintenance work is simplified because immobilization in the seated condition is possible. Still further, the range of works is expanded to enable deskwork and the like. Further, the seating aid is provided at a location that is rearward of a center of gravity of the robot when the robot is seated. With this, the moment acting on the robot about the center of gravity during seating does not operate to tilt the robot rearward and, therefore, the robot can be enabled to keep a stable posture from before to after sitting down.

Abstract: An excitation phase pattern used to manage only the number of phases being excited in W1-2 phase excitation, and an excitation phase pattern used to manage only the number of phases being excited in 2W1-2-phase excitation are generated. The excitation phase patterns thus generated are monitored on the monitor.

Abstract: A power converter for a switched reluctance motor or a permanent magnet brushless direct current (dc) motor may include first and second partial circuits for forming multiple conduction circuits in cooperation with first and second phase windings of the motor. The controller also includes a switch operable to open and close a first conduction circuit, which includes the first phase winding, and to regulate energization of the first and second phase windings of the motor through opening and closing the first conduction circuit. Control of the switch provides four-quadrant operation of the motor through regulated energization of the first and second phase windings.

Abstract: The drive circuit (10) includes a processing and control circuit (14) comprising a protection circuit (16), designed to generate at its output inhibiting signal (C) starting from every zero crossing of the motor supply volts (V), the inhibiting signal (C) having a predetermined duration (t0) which is less than a quarter of the period of the supply voltage (V); and an enabling circuit (17), connected to a sensor of the position of the rotor (6) and designed to enable a first and a second controlled conduction device (12, 13) associated with the stator winding (4) to conduct current alternately, in synchronization with the signal (H) supplied by the position sensor (6). The enabling circuit (17) is connected to the protection circuit (16) in such a way that the conduction of current through the controlled conduction device (12, 13) enabled at any time is inhibited for the duration (t0) of the inhibiting signal (C).

Abstract: A peak hold circuit is provided that operates stably even if a peak voltage to be held of a motor-drive-current detection voltage is minute. The peak hold circuit (14) includes: a level shift circuit (50) shifting the motor-drive-current detection voltage by a given voltage; a differential amplifier circuit (60) receiving an output voltage of the level shift circuit (50) and a voltage at an output terminal (OUT) to amplify and output a difference between the voltages; an output transistor (81) receiving at its base an output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit (60) and outputting from its emitter charging current; a capacitor (82) charged with the charging current to hold the voltage at the output terminal (OUT); a bias element (84) generating a voltage substantially equal to the given voltage of the level shift circuit (50); and a resistance element (83) provided between the bias element (84) and the output terminal (OUT) for controlling discharging current of the capacitor (82).

Abstract: A power station is provided. The power station may be designed as a versatile, portable power station addressing the most common needs of power for a consumer. The power station preferable can provide DC power, AC power, portable battery charging capability, and other power providing capabilities.

Abstract: A charger for charging portable batteries includes a housing, an internal battery charging circuit disposed in the housing and adapted to be couple to external power, an internal rechargeable battery disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the internal charging circuit, and a portable battery charging compartment supported by the housing and adapted for receiving at least one portable rechargeable battery. An electrical circuit is coupled between the portable battery compartment on the one hand and to the internal battery charging circuit and the internal rechargeable battery on the other hand so that the at least one portable rechargeable battery and the internal rechargeable battery are charged by the internal battery charging circuit when the external power is coupled to the internal battery charging circuit. The at least one portable battery is charged by the internal battery when the external power is unavailable.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery assembly comprises a built in connector, circuitry to provide charge control, at least one rechargeable battery unit, and circuitry providing a further function. The battery assembly is mechanically reversible between a deployed configuration having a general form and functions of a conventional battery format and a charge configuration in which the connector is made accessible. In the deployed configuration the battery assembly is capable of providing a discharge to at least one voltage level and can be charged by means of a suitable external charger device. In the charge configuration the battery assembly can be charged by means of the integral charge control circuitry when the connector is connected to a suitable powered receptacle on a computing or peripheral device.

Abstract: A battery pack adapted to automatically intercept a charge and discharge path when the temperature of a battery increases to no less than a reference temperature during a charging and/or discharging of the battery to improve stability and reliability. The battery pack includes at least one rechargeable battery; at least one posistor located on one side of the battery and connected to the battery in parallel at substantially a same time and having a resistance value which increases when the temperature of the battery increases; a first switch having one end connected to the posistor and configured to be applied with a driving voltage when the resistance value of the posistor increases; and a second switch connected to a charge and discharge path of the battery and connected to the first switch at substantially a same time to intercept the charge and discharge path when the first switch operates.

Abstract: A storage battery unit (1) including a storage battery (2) and a monitoring device (3) that monitors a state of the storage battery using an output of the storage battery as an input, wherein, in order to prevent the monitoring device from consuming electric power in a state before use of the storage battery and prevent nonfunctioning of the monitoring device in use of the storage battery, a starting circuit (4) is provided between the storage battery and the monitoring device (3), the starting circuit including: a main switch that holds an OFF state in a state before a load is connected to the storage battery and interrupts supply of electric power from the storage battery (2) to the monitoring device; and a switch drive circuit that detects a reduction in terminal voltage of the storage battery that occurs when the load exceeding the set value is connected to the storage battery, and sets the main switch to an ON state.

Abstract: A battery-recharging device (6), which can also be used as a battery pack exhibitor (5), blister-packaged, in sales points, comprising a support (1, 17, 51), which includes a series of seats or housings (2, 18) for the connection and linking of packs of batteries (5) on sale; a pair of terminals (7, 8, 80), which are electrically connected with the poles (21) of each battery (6) contained in the blister packaging (5), are accessible from the outside, in order to obtain electric connections with the charging and/or maintenance circuits of the battery charge (6), which is incorporated in the device.

Abstract: A combination of an electrically powered toothbrush incorporating an electric power supply which comprises a capacitor, and a charging unit which incorporates one or more replaceable or rechargeable battery cells, enabling recharging of the capacitor without connection to the main electricity supply.

Abstract: In a battery pack which comprises: a battery set 2 composed of two or more lithium battery cells 21 connected in series; a first protection circuit 32 including a first voltage detect part 321 for detecting the voltage(s) of a part of the two or more battery cells, and a first signal output part 325 for issuing an output signal when a detect voltage detected by the first voltage detect part 321 goes below a given over-discharge judgment voltage value; a second protection circuit 33 including a second voltage detect part 331 for detecting the voltage(s) of another part of the two or more battery cells, and a second signal output part 335 for issuing an output signal when the detect voltage of the battery cell 21 detected by the second voltage detect part 331 goes below a given over-discharge judgment voltage value; and, a switch 31 which is connected to the current path of the battery set 2 and can be turned on or off according to the output signals of the first and second signal output parts 325 and 335, ther

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completely discharging a battery by use of a tab that initiates activation of a discharging circuit when the tab is pulled out of the battery case. The tab is operatively coupled with the actuator of a switch which in turn is coupled to a discharging circuit. The tab extends from the battery case and may be covered by a protective cover, or may also be attached to the protective cover. The tab is attached to an actuator of a switch and detaches from the actuator after actuation, thereby indicating actuation and preventing the switch from subsequently being moved. The switch completes the circuit, initiating the discharging process, when a movable contact engages a stationary contact and completes the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: Polarized electric charge storage devices economically provide high available capacitance. The present invention directly employs polarized electrical charge storage (PECS) devices such as polarized capacitors or electrochemical batteries in general AC applications with a novel circuit topology. In one embodiment, an anti-series configuration of first and second PECS devices are used within an AC network for enhancing operation of the AC network. At least one DC source is provided for maintaining the PECS devices forwardly biased while they are subjected to an AC signal. The AC signal, which drives an AC load, is applied to the anti-series devices. The devices are sufficiently biased by the at least one DC voltage source so that they remain forwardly biased while coupling the AC signal.

Abstract: A system and method for switching from one voltage to another voltage are disclosed. The system relates to an induction generator or motor that switches between a first voltage and a second voltage. The method comprises transitioning between two or more voltage levels by inserting and removing resistance and capacitance following a systematic timing scheme. The generator/motor may have one or more windings, such as a primary and auxiliary winding.

Abstract: A method for an up-down converter which is based on a buck converter during the current down-conversion phase (?2, ?3 and ?5, ?6, respectively) of the coil (L1) supplies an output (B) with a relatively high output voltage (UB), where UB>Uin. The down-conversion phase of the coil current (IL1) comprises at least two different down-conversion phases (?2, ?3 and ?5, ?6, respectively). A method for an up-down converter, which converter is based on a boost converter, supplies during the current up-conversion phase (?7, and ?10, respectively) of the coil (L2) an output (D) which has a relatively low output voltage (UD) with power, where UD>Uin. The up-conversion phase of the coil current (IL2) comprises at least two different current reduction phases (?7, ?8 and ?10, ?11, respectively).

Abstract: An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where the bulk of the throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed only once. The inverter does not require an isolation transformer and can be connected directly to a 480/277 Vac utility grid. The invention also allows the power converter to start into photovoltaic array having higher open circuit voltages. The invention also uses active ripple current cancellation to substantially reduce the cost, size and weight of the main filter inductors.

Abstract: A device for protecting against arcing events solar array panels and control equipment supplying a main power bus is provided. The control equipment comprises a regulator for controlling a solar array voltage (VS) and includes a power dump stage for shunting the solar array voltage as a function of a control signal. The device comprises a voltage drop detection circuit for generating a voltage drop detection signal (VD) when a voltage drop is detected in the solar array voltage (VS), and an arc-quenching circuit comprising a system for generating an output signal (VO) which is applied as the control signal to the power dump stage so as to shunt the solar array voltage (VS) when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage drop detection circuit.

Abstract: A PWM regulator is operated either a buck mode or a boost mode depending on whether the input voltage is above or below the desired regulated output voltage. The technique uses two sawtooth ramps 180 degrees out of phase. Where the two ramps cross each other is a buck/boost transition level. An error voltage, corresponding to a required duty cycle to achieve a regulated voltage, is compared to the two ramps. The transition from one mode to the other occurs when the error voltage passes the buck/boost transition level of the two ramps. A logic circuit supplies PWM pulses to either buck switching transistors or the boost switching transistors in a power stage of the regulator, depending on the whether the error voltage is above or below the buck/boost transition level, to achieve the regulated voltage.

Abstract: A switching regulator is provided that includes a step-down circuit configured to output a voltage lower than an input voltage, a step-up circuit configured to output a voltage higher than the input voltage, and a control unit having a voltage detector configured to detect an output voltage and being configured to prohibit operation of the step-up circuit until the output voltage rises to a first voltage lower than the input voltage.

Abstract: An electric power supply apparatus includes a distributed power generator such as a gas turbine generator and a power converter such as an inverter apparatus for converting electric power generated by the distributed power generator into AC electric power (alternating-current power) having a required frequency and a required voltage and supplying the AC electric power to a load. The electric power supply apparatus further includes a control unit having output voltage vs. output current characteristics for determining an output voltage corresponding to an output current of the power converter. The output voltage vs. output current characteristics has a first dropping characteristic for causing output electric power of the electric generator to be limited, between a first output current exceeding a power generation capability of the electric generator and a second output current exceeding a power converting capability of the power converter.

Abstract: A power supply and method of operating the same. The method includes the steps of: operating first and second switches to an “On” position; operating said first switch to a “Off” position, causing a flow of a first free-wheeling current through a first free-wheeling current path; measuring a value of said free-wheeling current; controlling the switching of said second switch responsive to said value of said free-wheeling current; and regulating power from said power supply unit. The power supply includes: an inductive converter; a first free-wheeling current path comprising: a first switch connected in series with said inductive converter and a first means for measuring a first free-wheeling current flowing through said first free-wheeling current path; and a second free-wheeling current path comprising: a second switch connected in series with said inductive converter and a second means for measuring a second free-wheeling current flowing through said second free-wheeling current path.

Abstract: The invention provides an oscillator circuit that reduces the dependence of an oscillation frequency on a power supply voltage. When a first charging and discharging circuit completes its discharge, a terminal voltage of a first capacitor of the first charging and discharging circuit is initialized to a power supply voltage and simultaneously a second charging and discharging circuit starts its discharge. Then, when the second charging and discharging circuit completes its discharge, a terminal voltage of a second capacitor of the second charging and discharging circuit is initialized to the power supply voltage and simultaneously the first charging and discharging circuit starts its discharge. The first and second charging and discharging circuits alternately repeat the initialization and the discharge, and the discharge is always started from the power supply voltage.

Abstract: System and method for providing switching to power regulators. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides system for providing switching. The system includes a first voltage supply that is configured to provide a first voltage. The system also includes a second voltage supply that is configured to provide a second voltage. The second voltage being independent from the first voltage. The system additionally includes a controller component that is electrically coupled to the first voltage supply. For example, the controller component being configured to receive at least a first input signal and to provide at least a first output signal. Additionally, the system includes a gate driver component that is electrically coupled to the second voltage supply. The gate driver component is configured to receive at least the first output signal and generated a second output signal in response to at least the second voltage and the first output signal.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit with over-current protection, which includes a linear regulator, a voltage controller, and an over-current protection circuit. The linear regulator includes a converter and a driver. The converter is connected to a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. An output terminal of the driver is connected to the converter for controlling the operation of the converter. The voltage controller is connected to the voltage output terminal, the output terminal and a first input terminal of the driver, respectively, for providing a feedback voltage. The over-current protection circuit is connected to the output terminal of the driver and the linear regulator. The over-current protection circuit detects the output voltage of the driver for comparing with a comparison voltage. When the output voltage is larger than the comparison voltage, the over-current protection circuit controls the driver to turn off the converter.

Abstract: A voltage converter for providing an output voltage signal at an output port according to an input voltage signal is disclosed. The voltage converter comprises a feedback circuit, a transmission switch circuit, a voltage converting circuit, and a pre-bias circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage signal according to the output voltage signal. The transmission switch circuit selectively transmits a converted voltage signal to the output port of the voltage converter in a normal mode or transmits the input voltage signal to the output port of the voltage converter in a pre-bias mode. The voltage converting circuit converts the input voltage signal into the converted voltage signal in the normal mode and references the feedback voltage signal and the reference voltage signal to adjust the output voltage signal in the normal mode. The pre-bias circuit controls a magnitude of a current passing through the transmission switch circuit.

Abstract: A voltage regulator which includes a network for improved compensation for reference voltage changes includes an IC including an error amplifier and a pulse width modulator (PWM), wherein an input of the PWM is coupled to an output of the error amplifier. A low pass filter comprising an inductor is in series with a grounded capacitor coupled to an output of the PWM, wherein an output of the regulator (Vout) is at a node between the inductor and the capacitor. A first feedback network is disposed between Vout and an inverting input of the error amplifier and a second feedback network is disposed between an output of the error amplifier and the inverting input of the error amplifier. A current cancellation network is coupled to the inverting input of the error amplifier.

Abstract: Conduction loss in the body-diode of a low side MOSFET of a power switching stage of one phase of a coupled-inductor, multi-phase DC-DC converter circuit, associated with current flow in the output inductor of that one phase that is induced by current flow in a mutually coupled output inductor of another phase, during normal switching of that other stage, is effectively prevented by applying auxiliary MOSFET turn-on signals, that coincide with the duration of the induced current, to that low side MOSFET, so that the induced current will flow through the turned-on low side MOSFET itself, thereby by-passing its body-diode.

Abstract: A PWM drive circuit of the present invention is built with a load driving power MOS transistor Q5 (Q6), a resistor R3 (R5) or R4 (R6), and a capacitance of the MOS transistor Q5 (Q6). The PWM drive circuit is provided with: a CR circuit that reduces a through rate of a voltage based on a PWM voltage and then feeds the resultant voltage to the gate of the MOS transistor Q5 (Q6); and a gate voltage control portion 4 (5) that stops an operation of the CR circuit and pulls down (up) the gate potential of the MOS transistor Q5 (Q6) to a predetermined value upon detecting during a transition period of a gate voltage of the MOS transistor Q5 (Q6) that the MOS transistor Q5 (Q6) is completely switched from off to on. This makes it possible to reduce switching noise and switching loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic switch power conversion circuit to improve the efficiency of a solar cell array, and specifically to operate the solar cell array under various sunlight intensities, especially under low light conditions. In an embodiment of the invention, the dynamic switch power conversion circuit comprises: a processor to continuously monitor the power output of a solar panel under varying sunlight conditions, and a switching converter circuit comprising a plurality of circuit operations for different optimum power conversion. The processor gathers the output power from the solar panel and then uses predetermined power curves related to maximum generated power versus sunlight conditions of that particular solar panel to switch the switching converter circuit to a circuit operation particular suited to that sunlight condition to achieve the maximum power generated from the solar panel.

Abstract: Provided are a reference current generating method and a current reference circuit. The reference current generating method includes generating a first current using a NMOS transistor and a second current using a PMOS transistor, calculating a current difference between the first and second currents, generating a third current which has a similar current/temperature slope as the second current by multiplying the current difference by a proportional constant, and generating a reference current by subtracting the third current from the second current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique capable of reliably detecting supply voltages at a plurality of points in an integrated circuit with a simple arrangement and improving the setting accuracy of a supply voltage to the integrated circuit irrespective of position in the interior of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit internally includes a plurality of voltage sense points, a selection circuit connected to each of the plurality of voltage sense points for selecting one of the plurality of voltage sense points on the basis of an input signal, and a voltage sense terminal connected to the selection circuit for outputting a voltage of the one voltage sense point, selected by the selection circuit, to the exterior of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit for diode based RF circuit (6) comprising at least one analog commutating device (2, 3) having a plurality of digital control lines (A0, A1, A2, En1, B0, B1, B2, En2), a plurality of selectable poles (X0-X15) and at one common pole (Y1, Y2), the digital control lines being connected to a digital data generator (4) and the selectable poles and at least one common pole being connected to the control terminal(s) of the diode(s) of the RF circuit through a network of resistors (7-21) of differing values and a potential divider (22) and a power supply or voltage source (25) or a network of potential dividers of differing outputs and a power supply or voltage source, the analog commutating device establishing an internal coupling between the common pole and one of the selectable poles depending upon the digital value generated by the digital data generator and appearing at the digital control

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantitatively determining the width of a soft zone area of a partially hardened metallic workpiece, which has at least one hardened and one unhardened area, by means of at least one multifrequency eddy current sensor. A single workpiece being individually is moved relative to the multifrequency eddy current sensor in such a manner that a spatially delimited eddy current field generated by the multifrequency eddy current interacts with the workpiece contactlessly, generates eddy currents therein which, in turn, generate a measuring signal in the multifrequency eddy current sensor, in which the spatially delimited eddy current field has a greatest extension oriented in longitudinal direction to the surface of the workpiece which extension is greater than the maximum extension of the soft zone area in longitudinal direction of the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: The conventional dielectric measurement method utilizes an interaction between a uniform electric field and a dipole moment, and hence a motion of nonpolar molecules without the dipole moments cannot be detected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for electrically detecting the motion of the nonpolar molecule. According to the present invention, the motion of the nonpolar molecule is detected electrically by utilizing a nonuniform electric field in dielectric measurement. As a specific measurement method, comb-shaped electrodes or electrodes with irregularities on their surfaces are employed in the dielectric measurement in place of conventional parallel flat-plate electrodes. By utilizing the interaction between the nonuniform electric field generated by these electrodes and a quadrupole moment or a high-order electric moment, it has become possible to electrically detect the motion of the nonpolar molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-waveform measuring device and its measuring method, a complex-refractive-index measuring device and its measuring method, and a computer-program recording medium having programs for the same stored therein. It is an object of the present invention to measure an electric field of an electromagnetic wave in a light region having wavelengths smaller than those of electromagnetic waves in a near-infrared region and output time-varying waveforms thereof. It is also an object of the present invention to enable easily obtaining a complex refractive index of a material, on the basis of the result of measurement of the electric-field waveform of light.

Abstract: [Problem] To permit reduction in the temperature dependence of a sensor, which is ascribable to the temperature dependence of the Verdet constant of a sensor fiber, at a low cost. [Means for Resolution] In a prior-art optical sensor fiber of reflection type, reduction in the temperature dependence of a sensor is coped with by, e.g., duplexing a signal processing circuit and a receiving optical system, so as to execute the mean processing of modulation signals, whereas in this invention, the elimination of the temperature dependence of a modulation signal is realized by selecting a ferromagnetic Faraday rotor 13 so that a modulation degree (Sout) expressed by the ratio between an AC component and a DC component may become constant or within a certain range, so as to especially simplify a configuration and to attain a lower cost.

Abstract: A modular current sensing system for a servo control system that includes a magnetic core with an open center portion and a connection plate that includes at least three wire connectors, wherein the wire connectors are capable of connecting at least two wires electrically in series. The system also includes a plurality of wires, including a first wire with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first wire is electrically connected to a first power source, and the second end of the first wire is connected to the connection plate at the first wire connector and wherein the first wire passes through the open portion defined by the magnetic core at least once. A first motor current flowing through the first wire induces a core current to flow in the magnetic core, causing the magnetic core to emit a magnetic field. A Hall effect sensor detects the magnetic field, produces an output current, and delivers the output current to a control device within a servo control system.

Abstract: A lossy dielectric device dissipates, absorbs, and/or dampens electric fields. The lossy dielectric device may be used with any transmission path, such as a transmission line or resistor in a probe head. The lossy dielectric device preferably includes a lossy dielectric material contained within a container. The container is positionable and securable substantially adjacent the transmission path to improve the curve of a frequency response. Preferably, the container is insulative, puncture resistant, and thin. In some preferred embodiments, a temporary or permanent connection mechanism is also included.

Abstract: An input by-pass circuit for a current probe has first and second switches coupled between current probe inputs and current sensing circuit inputs. A switch control is coupled to the switching circuit for selectively coupling and decoupling the current probe inputs to the current sensing circuit such that the current signal continuously flows in the device under test.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder (10) includes a multipolar magnet (14), having magnetic poles formed therein so as to alternate with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof, and a core metal (11) supporting the multipolar magnet (14). The multipolar magnet (14) is prepared from a sintered element formed by sintering a powdery mixture of a magnetic powder and a non-magnetic metallic powder. This multipolar magnet (14) is fixed to the core metal (11) to form a unitary component (21) made up of the sintered element and the core metal (11). The unitary component (21) is subjected to a surface treatment for anticorrosion.

Abstract: A ripple detecting device for detecting a ripple from an armature current outputted from a motor by overlapping a low band noise having a frequency of one/n (wherein “n” is a natural number more than 1) includes an initial ripple detecting device for detecting a cycle of the ripple in advance, a feature detecting device for detecting a feature of the ripple from the armature current outputted from the motor. The ripple detecting device further includes a ripple detecting control device for detecting the ripple by comparing the feature of the ripple with the low band noise having the frequency of one/n detected by the feature detecting device at a time before the present time with the feature of the ripple detected by the feature detecting device at the present time and judging that a ripple is generated when the features of the time before the present time and the present time present are resembled.

Abstract: A lens position detecting device 200 has a position detecting magnet 202, a magnetic force detecting sensor 204, a positional information generating means 206, etc. The position detecting magnet 202 is mounted on a rear surface of a lens holder frame 1460. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 serves to generate a detected signal having a magnitude depending on the intensity of a magnetic force generated from the magnetic poles of the position detecting magnet 202. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 is disposed on a straight line that passes through the position detecting magnet 202 parallel to the optical axis. The magnetic force detecting sensor 204 outputs a detected signal having a voltage corresponding (proportional) to the intensity of the magnetic force. An amplifying circuit 208 of a positional information generating means 206 amplifies the detected signal Ss from the magnetic force detecting sensor 204.

Abstract: Hall sensor arrangement is disclosed for detection of the change in the position of two components which can move relative to one another into two end positions, with a Hall sensor with at least one Hall measurement field (H; H1, H2) and a field magnet. An actuator is provided for transmitting to the Hall sensor the change in the position of the two components which can move relative to one another. The Hall sensor and the field magnet are combined into a preassembled structural unit. When the position of the field magnet changes relative to the Hall sensor from one end position into the other end position the polarity of the magnetic field acting on the Hall measurement field (H; H1, H2) can change, e.g., the polarity becomes reversed.

Abstract: Distance measuring device comprising an emitter and a receiver, said emitter being arranged to produce a magnetic field by means of a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency, said receiver being arranged to pick up at said resonant frequency the magnetic field emitted by the emitter and convert the strength of the magnetic field picked up into a first signal having an energy value, said emitter being arranged to produce said magnetic field intermittently, each emission having a predetermined energy, said receiver being connected to a detector arranged to determine, by correlation of said first signal with a second predetermined signal having a waveform representative of a signal to be picked up by the receiver, a distance measurement signal representing the distance between the emitter and the receiver. The device finds its application in detectors for sleep disorders or other forms of illness.

Abstract: A joining element is proposed which, for force measurement, senses a relative motion between a magnet system and a magnet sensor apparatus. The magnet system is disposed with respect to the magnet sensor apparatus in such a way that a component of the magnetic field perpendicular to the relative motion is linearized.

Abstract: A device for determining the angular position and rotation speed of a rotary member. The inventive device includes a sensor having a fixed part and a rotary part which is linked to the rotary member. The rotary part bears a magnetic flux generator, while the fixed part includes: a first probe which generates an electric signal having two different levels as a function of the angular position of the rotary member; and a second probe which is angularly offset in relation to the first probe and which generates an electric signal as a one-way function of the angular position of the rotary member for each segment of revolution corresponding to a level of the electric signal generated by the first probe. Analysis elements having elements for unequivocally defining the angular position of the rotary member, and for calculating the rotation speed of the rotary member are provided.