Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternating current electrical motor having a first element with magnets of alternating polarities, and a second element with electrical conductor coils, the first and the second elements being mounted for relative motion to one another. A controller for the electrical motor comprising: a current source for energizing the coils with an alternating current to produce a movement of the first and the second elements relative to one another; a sensor for sensing a phase shift between the magnets and the current in the coils; and a current source controller for varying an amplitude of the current to substantially regulate the phase shift to an optimum phase shift value, thereby providing a minimum power consumption for proper operation of the electrical motor.

Abstract: A motor is provided that includes multiple sets of independent stator windings that are not magnetically coupled, which allows the motor to be driven by multiple independent current drivers, and thereby increases the overall torque generated by the motor. In one embodiment, the motor is a brushless DC motor that includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is configured for rotation, and the stator surrounds at least a portion of the rotor and has multiple sets of independent stator windings wound thereon. Each set of independent stator windings is configured to be independently energized and, when energized, magnetically independent of the other sets of independent stator windings.

Abstract: A stator position adjustment method and device relating to a motor driving device including a motor case, a rotor and a stator disposed on an outer periphery of the rotor concentrically with the rotor, includes adjusting a position of the stator relative to an axial center of the rotor, wherein: the position of the stator relative to the axial center of the rotor is adjusted in a non-inserted state, in which the stator is housed inside the motor case and the rotor is not inserted in the stator, using an adjustment tool, and the adjustment tool is positioned using a rotor shaft-support portion, that shaft-supports the rotor on the motor case as a reference.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a controlled motion path with a machine-tool system having a controller operating in a servo rate. The method includes a first interpolation step, in which a path segment corresponding to a number of servo update periods is calculated. After the first interpolation step, a speed override factor is established. After establishing the speed override factor a second interpolation step occurs, which includes calculating a number of path setpoints for each path segment. The number of servo update periods per path segment may vary over the path.

Abstract: The method is for interacting with a wearable interactive device. A pathway extends through an interactive device that is non-slidably attached to the pathway. The pathway has a first end and a second end. At least one end of the pathway is attached to a body of a user. The user accelerates the device in a first direction. A sensor senses the acceleration in the first direction. The sensor triggers a motor to move gears so that the device travels towards the first end of the pathway. The user accelerates the device in a second opposite direction. The sensor triggers the device to move towards the second end of the pathway.

Abstract: A pattern register stores an excitation pattern of stepping motors. A first pattern control unit reads out an excitation pattern for n bits from a predetermined address of a pattern register for supplying the same to an external motor driver. A second pattern control unit reads out an excitation pattern for the same n bits as in the first pattern control unit from a predetermined address of the pastern register and supplies the same to an external motor driver. An output control unit selectively outputs a first output mode for using the first pattern control means and the second pattern control means independently, or a second output mode for using them in an interlocked manner.

Abstract: An electrical machine, such as a switched reluctance motor, has a rotor and a controller arranged to energize at least one electrically energizable phase winding in dependence on the angular position of the rotor. The controller may employ a control law table derived by applying a predetermined DC link voltage to the windings. Differences between an applied DC link voltage and the predetermined DC link voltage may be compensated by applying a predetermined correction to the angular position of energization of the phase winding in dependence on the value applied DC link voltage. Such a compensation factor may be derived from a relationship held in memory.

Abstract: A 2-phase switched reluctance device topology includes a switched reluctance device having first and second phase coils. Each of the first and second phase coils has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of each of the first and second phase coils is electrically coupled between two switching elements of a first pair of switching elements. The second terminal of the first phase coil is electrically coupled between two switching elements of a second pair of switching elements. The second terminal of the second phase coil is electrically coupled between two switching elements of a third pair of switching elements. Each switching element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a control electrode, wherein the control electrode is communicatively coupled to a switch controller that operates the switching element. Each switching element also includes a diode communicatively coupling the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (320) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (350) and a drive circuit (330, 340) having a voltage source inverter (340) and a voltage source converter (330). The SCR converter (350) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded. A shorting contactor (390) is employed in various embodiments to increase the efficiency of the circuit.

Abstract: A voltage command value of a converter is set by executing the step of determining a candidate voltage of a system voltage VH as a converter output voltage in a voltage range from the minimum necessary voltage corresponding to induction voltage of a motor generator and a maximum output voltage of the converter; the step of estimating power loss at the battery, converter, inverter and motor generator, at each candidate voltage, and calculating total sum of estimated power loss of the overall system; and the step of setting the voltage command value VH# based on the candidate voltage that minimizes the total sum of estimated power losses among the candidate voltages.

Abstract: An electrical multiphase machine is proposed with a stator (3) including a winding (5;6) having at least two strands (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) for generating an electromagnetic field, each strand (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) belonging to a different electrical phase; furthermore with a setting device (4) which supplies each strand (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) with a phase current (Ia, Ib, Ic) or phase voltage (Ua, Ub, Uc) in each case as a setting parameter, said setting device (4) including) a separate power amplifier (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) for each strand (51, 52, 53; 61, 62), so that the setting parameter can be regulated for each strand (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) independently of the setting parameters for the other strands (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) and at least one common connection point (VP) being provided to which at least two of said strands (51, 52, 53; 61, 62) are connected, and wherein an additional active control element (44) is provided for shifting the potential of said connection point (VP).

Abstract: A motor drive circuit has a converter for coupling to an AC voltage source and an inverter coupled to the converter for providing a drive current for a motor. A common mode circulation loop is coupled to the converter and to the inverter, and circulates common mode current from both the converter and the inverter.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery and a battery comprising an electrical storage battery, an exterior housing around the battery; the housing having a plurality of walls, an array of photovoltaic cells on one of the walls of the housing; an electrical connection from the cells to charge the battery.

Abstract: A method of boosting a vehicle battery includes supplying a current to the battery, detecting an engine crank event, and, upon detecting the engine crank event, dynamically adjusting (i.e., first substantially increasing, and then decreasing) the current in response to battery voltage. The method may also include verifying a crank-ready condition in the battery by comparing one or more of battery voltage, battery current, and battery charge accumulation to respective crank thresholds. In certain embodiments, this verification step occurs only after a minimum charging time has elapsed, and may time out after a maximum charging time. Once the crank ready condition is detected, the operator may be so signaled. At the conclusion of the boost and crank cycle, the current to the battery may be interrupted and the engine status—started or not started—may be detected. The battery may also be monitored for error conditions.

Abstract: A battery is charged in a number of states, with a change from a third charge stage to a fourth charge stage (e.g., final stage) is executed when a battery voltage reaches a change voltage or when a charge time reaches an upper time limit, in order to inhibit the overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The upper time limit is set in response to a battery temperature detected at the end of a second charge stage. In addition, if the charge stage is changed to the fourth stage in response to a determination of whether the upper time limit has elapsed or not, a complete charge mode cycle is increased. At the fourth stage, a charge time calculated using a charge electricity quantity, a battery temperature and a charge mode of the first stage is set.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for authenticating a power source. The system comprises a battery including a first encryption engine storing a first key, and a battery charger including a microcontroller and a second encryption engine storing a second key. When the microcontroller detects a coupling of the battery to the charger, the microcontroller issues a challenge to the first encryption engine and the second encryption engine. The first encryption engine generates a first response as a function of the challenge, the first key and a predefined algorithm, and the second encryption engine generates a second response as a function of the challenge, the second key and the predefined algorithm. The microcontroller compares the first and second responses to authenticate the battery.

Abstract: A system and method, in certain embodiments, adjusts a charging output based on capabilities of various power sources. The system and method may be used to charge a variety of equipment such as welders, cutters, induction heaters, tools and so forth. For example, a charging circuit configured to change an output charge level based upon capabilities of multiple power sources configured to be coupled to the charging circuit. In some embodiments, the system and method may test the capabilities of the various power sources by evaluating an actual output versus a commanded output, and reduce the commanded output if the actual output falls below a desired level.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for battery charging are disclosed herein. As just one example, a battery charger is disclosed that includes a current feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated current control output, and a voltage feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated voltage control output. In addition, the battery charger includes a transition circuit with a digital phase/frequency detector. The digital phase/frequency detector is operable to detect a duty cycle difference between the pulse width modulated current control output and the pulse width modulated voltage control output. Further, the transition circuit is operable to transition between application of a substantially current charge control to a charging node to application of a substantially constant voltage to the charging node based at least in part on the difference in duty cycle.

Abstract: A mobile recharging power source with a lighting accessory includes a battery pack, the battery pack having a plurality of battery cells contained within a housing and electrically connected to a receiving connector disposed on the housing. A lamp may be provided on the housing, along with a switch to turn the lamp on and off. A lighting accessory is provided for connection to the receiving connector of the battery pack. The lighting accessory includes at least one light source, such as an incandescent or LED lamp, and the light source is connected to a mating connector which is adapted for connection to the receiving connector of the battery pack. Additionally, a charging accessory is provided having a mating connector for connection to the receiving connector, and a device specific connector adapted for connection to a recharging port of a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A universal power adapter has a choice of configurations for use in different countries and with different items of electronic equipment. A plug base for pivot connection with the adapter body has conducting pins for connection with an electrical socket and corresponding electrical terminals connected electrically to the pins. A rotational safety cover is provided to shield the electrical terminals and avoid unintentional contact. The cover has openings permitting access to the terminals when the cover is rotated. The body has a lug for engaging the cover to rotate the cover when the body is secured rotatably to the base. A power cord extends from the body to a mating socket and detachable adaptor tips. A voltage selector switch for selecting voltage has a semi light transmissive indicator disk with a light beneath the disk indicating the selected output voltage and operational status of the adapter.

Abstract: A battery device includes a housing including an anode and a cathode, an energy conversion module installed inside the housing for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and an energy storage module installed inside the housing for storing the electrical energy. The energy storage module includes an anode coupled to the anode on the housing, and a cathode coupled to the cathode on the housing. The battery device further includes a charge module installed inside the housing and coupled to the energy conversion module and the energy storage module. The charge module charges the energy storage module with the electrical energy generated by the energy conversion module. The charge module includes a rectifier for rectifying the electricity generated by the energy conversion module.

Abstract: To provide a power storage device for regularly supplying power to a mobile electronic device, in which charging of a battery by a power feeder can be simplified and even when power stored in the battery is not enough, power can be regularly supplied to the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device includes an antenna circuit which receives power supply via radio signals, a battery which stores power, and a power supply control circuit which includes a switch circuit for intermittently supplying power to a load. Power supply to the load is intermittently controlled by controlling the switch circuit, which is provided in the power supply control circuit for controlling the supply of power stored in the battery, using a signal from a low-frequency-signal generating circuit.

Abstract: Power supply system for charging USB mini-B devices includes a charger and a USB mini-B device. The USB mini-B device includes a first pin receiving the DC current from the charger, a fourth pin receiving the DC current or identification data from the charger, a power management unit receiving DC current, a first switch transmitting the DC current from the first pin to the first input node of the power management when the first switch is on, a second switch transmitting the DC current from the first pin to the first input node of the power management when the second switch is on.

Abstract: A plug-in battery pack is adapted to transfer utility power to a power tool in the event the batteries of the power tool die or otherwise become insufficient to operate the tool. The battery pack includes a transformer which transforms utility power into a form that is suitable for use by a power tool that is normally powered by a battery.

Abstract: A battery assembly of a battery pack has a structure in which a substrate holder abuts on a side surface of a cell with a protecting circuit being held. The substrate holder includes a first side plate having a circuit part fitted part in which a circuit element of the protecting circuit is fitted and a second side plate along which a first lead is situated. Above the first side plate, a brim is provided that protrudes by an amount substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the substrate and the circuit element, that is, the thickness of the protecting circuit substrate. Above the second side plate, a brim is provided that protrudes by an amount greater than the thickness of the first lead.

Abstract: A power source, charging system, and inductive receiver for mobile devices. A pad or similar base unit comprises a primary, which creates a magnetic field by applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field and transferring it to a mobile or other device. The receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. The system may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: A system for balancing charge between a plurality of storage battery cells within a storage battery. The battery balancing system sense changes, possibly caused by environmental influences, in the overall resonant frequency of charge balancing circuits contained within the battery balancing system. Using a phase locked loop based controller, the battery balancing system compensates for the change in resonant frequency by driving the battery balancing circuits at a frequency that matches the actual sensed resonant frequency of the battery balancing circuits.

Abstract: For charging rechargeable battery packs, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) adapter receives an AC input and provides an AC available signal indicative of the presence of the AC input. A controller selectively provides the AC available signal to a selected one of the battery packs. The selected one of the battery packs, which has a charge level below a threshold, asserts a charge switch to enable the charging. The controller directs a charger coupled to the AC-DC adapter to initiate the charging of the selected one to a predefined level.

Abstract: Voltage V2 is calculated by subtracting a terminal voltage at an end of discharge F. V. and a voltage drop (Rn+Rpolsat)*Ip caused by a maximum internal resistance (Rn+Rpolsat) of a battery at a given time. A quotient is calculated by dividing V2 by terminal voltage drop V1 after all charged capacity SOC2 (Ah) of a given battery is fully discharged. A dischargeable capacity (Ah) is calculated by multiplying the quotient by a given charged capacity SOC2 (Ah).

Abstract: A method for determining whether a cell will experience unacceptable voltage delay later in its discharge life before it is incorporated into a device as its power source is described. As is standard practice, the cell is first subjected to a constant resistance load discharge followed by extended elevated temperature storage and an acceptance pulse discharge. This typically depletes the cell of about 1% to 3% of its theoretical discharge capacity. According to the present invention, the cell is again stored at an elevated temperature for an extended period followed by a second pulse discharge. This second pulse discharge is to ferret out any cell that may end up experiencing unacceptable voltage delay later in its discharge life.

Abstract: A charge indicator for a battery includes a transparent inspection rod comprising an observation area at a first end and a tip formed by a conical reflection area at a second end. The charge indicator also includes a ball cage that includes a gas bubble collection channel beginning between the first upper channel boundary wall of the ball guidance channel and the tip, the gas bubble collection channel extending from the lower area of the ball cage to the tip and extending obliquely toward the top to the upper boundary wall oppositely to the adjoining ball guidance channel at least from the tip. The gas bubble collection channel has in an upper area of the gas bubble collection channel a plurality of gas diversion areas running to the outsides of the ball cage in the direction of the upper area of the ball cage, starting from a central plane level with the tip.

Abstract: The engine startup performance and stability of the power supply voltage in activation of loads is concurrently ensured in a battery-less power supply apparatus. The power generated in an AC generator 11 is supplied to a power supply line L via a regulator 12. The power supply line L is parallel-connected to a fuel injection system (FI load) 13 and first capacitor 14, and further parallel-connected to DC loads 15 and second capacitor 16 via a switch 17. After the first capacitor 14 is charged, the second capacitor 16 is charged by ON/OFF of the switch 17. When a plurality of loads contained in the DC loads 15 is simultaneously activated, the second capacitor 16 additionally supplies the power to each of the DC loads 15 to prevent the voltage of the power supply line L from decreasing.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus has a series regulator for generating a predetermined power supply voltage from a DC voltage output from the rectifying circuit, and a capacitor bank of rectifying capacitors for stabilizing the power supply voltage. The power supply apparatus also has a charging bypass circuit connected between input and output terminals of the series regulator. The charging bypass circuit is turned on or off by an externally supplied drive signal, When a drop of the power supply voltage is detected, the charging bypass circuit is turned on.

Abstract: A capacitor power source 1 including a plurality of capacitors comprises: an inflection-point voltage detection circuit 11 for detecting the inflection-point voltage of the capacitor based on a set voltage Vbot; an overvoltage detection circuit 12 for detecting the overvoltage Vful of the capacitor; and an initialization circuit 13 for putting charging current of the capacitor into bypass operation using initialization voltage Vini when an initialization mode is selected, wherein charging/discharging control is performed such that a discharging stop signal is generated based on a detection signal of the inflection-point voltage of any one of the plurality of capacitors, a charging stop signal is generated based on a detection signal of the overvoltage of any one of the plurality of capacitors, and an end signal of the initialization charging is generated based on a plurality of bypass operation signals.

Abstract: An electrically powered portable device, the device being other than a toothbrush, the device including means for providing a function to be performed by the device, an electrical power supply which incorporates at least one capacitor for storing electrical charge to power the device, electronic control circuitry to control electrical power drawn from the electrical power supply for driving the function providing means, and a recharge interface for recharging the electrical power supply, the recharge interface being arranged to be electrically connectable to a charging device.

Abstract: A resistive torsional mode damping system for a shaft of a machine includes: a sensor configured for sensing a signal representative of torque on the shaft; a controller configured for using the sensed signal for detecting a presence of a torsional vibration on the shaft corresponding to a natural frequency of the shaft and for generating control signals for damping the torsional vibration; and a damper including a damping converter and resistor coupled to a DC output of the damping converter, the damping converter being coupled to the machine through a power bus and having a power rating on the order of less than or equal to about five percent of a nominal power of the machine.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus set a setpoint output voltage of a generator that is disposed in a motor vehicle. The setpoint output voltage of the generator is lowered if the setpoint output voltage exceeds a prespecified first threshold value and if an actuation signal for a fan for cooling a motor of the motor vehicle reaches or exceeds a second threshold value.

Abstract: A method for drawing electricity from a non-animal organism, the method including coupling a first electrical conductor to the non-animal organism, coupling a second electrical conductor to a ground rod, embedding the ground rod into soil at a predetermined depth as a function of a desired current level, whereby the current available from the non-animal organism is increased by increasing the depth that the ground rod is embedded into the soil, coupling an electrical load between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor, the electrical load being configured to draw electricity from the non-animal organism via the first electrical conductor, and operating the electrical load using electricity drawn from the non-animal organism.

Abstract: An integrated power factor correction unit incorporates presized, preselected components within a housing structure. The integrated unit is intended to be selected and preassembled according to certain known criteria of the anticipated load and applied as a unit. The unit is also designed to mate easily to the load, both electrically and physically. The unit is further designed to occupy a minimum amount of space for ease of mounting near the load. The unit comprises at least one capacitor and a contactor. A fuse is optional. The unit may be manually or automatically engaged and remotely monitored for status.

Abstract: In a system stabilizing control system of controlling reactive power by a reactive power compensating device according to a voltage variation of an electric power system in which a capacitor is connected to a bus through a breaker, when the bus voltage drops, the capacitor is closed through the breaker to suppress a leading compensation reactive power amount caused by the reactive power compensating device, and when the bus voltage rises, the capacitor is disconnected through the breaker to suppress a lagging compensation reactive power amount caused by the reactive power compensating device.

Abstract: What is concerned is a power supply having a power status indicator, in which the power status indicator is powered by a constant voltage source, such as a constant voltage provided by an auxiliary power supply or a reference voltage provided for the internal control circuitry. Or otherwise, the power status indicator is connected in series with a feedback circuit or a protection circuit of the power supply, and the current-limiting resistor thereof is eliminated. In this way, the power consumption of the power supply under the standby mode is reduced, and the energy utilization of the power supply is enhanced.

Abstract: A power supply device has a DC/DC converter producing an intermediary voltage from an input voltage, a series regulator producing a desired output voltage from the intermediary voltage, an output current monitoring circuit monitoring the output current flowing through the series regulator, and an intermediary voltage adjustment circuit adjusting the feedback control of the DC/DC converter such that, as the monitored output current increases, the intermediary voltage increases and that, as the monitored output current decreases, the intermediary voltage decreases. This configuration offers high efficiency over the entire load range.

Abstract: There is disclosed a voltage summer including a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, wherein a first voltage to be summed is connected to the primary side and a second voltage to be summed is connected to the secondary side. There is further disclosed a transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding and having a turns ratio of primary winding to secondary winding of x:y, providing x turns in series in the primary winding and providing y turns in series in the secondary winding; providing an equal number of turns in the primary and secondary windings; and closely coupling each primary winding turn with a secondary winding turn.

Abstract: The transcutaneous power supply and/or recharger device of the present invention enables a precise centering of the device with a receiver coil in an implant. In one embodiment, the power supply device includes a plurality of satellite sensors or coils disposed around the transmitter coil. A voltage value detected in the receiver coil is transmitted to the power supply or recharger device via a telemetric channel and indicates the amount of power being transferred, and, therefore, the accuracy of the reciprocal positioning of the power supply terminal with the receiver coil.

Abstract: According to the invention, a charge pump circuit (21) has, as switching means turned on when a capacitor (C1) is charged, transistors (P1 to P3) connected in parallel between one end of the capacitor (C1) and an input terminal (T1). When the capacitor (C1) is charged, a controller (CNT) determines which of the transistors (P1 to P3) to drive based on the results of monitoring of the input and output voltages by first and second detectors (DET1, DET2). Thus, even if the level of the input voltage varies, it is possible to reduce in-rush current at start-up without causing a drop in the output voltage or a loss in efficiency.

Abstract: A power converter includes a power generating unit, a first transformer, a first switching unit, a second switching unit, a first inductor and a power outputting unit. The power generating unit generates a power signal. The first and second switching units are electrically connected to the power generating unit and respectively generate a first switching signal and a second switching signal according to the power signal. The first transformer is electrically connected to the first switching unit and the second switching unit and has a first winding and a second winding. The first and second switching signals are respectively inputted to first ends of the first and second windings. The first inductor is electrically connected to the second end of the first winding and a second end of the second winding. The power outputting unit is electrically connected to the first inductor and the second end of the second winding.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a voltage up-conversion circuit includes a modulated voltage generator circuit, where the modulated voltage generator circuit is configured to receive an input voltage and generate a modulated voltage, and where the modulated voltage generator circuit includes at least one transistor. The voltage up-conversion circuit further includes a switching circuit coupled to the modulated voltage generator circuit, where the switching circuit is configured to couple the modulated voltage to a load capacitor when the modulated voltage is at a high level and decouple the modulated voltage to the load capacitor when the modulated voltage is at a low level. In the voltage up-conversion circuit, the load capacitor reaches a voltage greater a breakdown voltage of the at least one transistor in the modulated voltage generator circuit. The breakdown voltage can be a reliability breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A switch-mode DC/DC converter (101) and linear low drop out (LIDO) DC/DC regulator (105) are connected in parallel to drive a single load Both regulators share a common voltage reference, feedback network (103), input supply and output such that the regulated voltage is identical during each mode of operation. During heavy loads the switch-mode regulator (107) is in operation and the linear regulator is disabled for the highest efficiency possible. Conversely at light loads the linear regulator is in operation with the switch-mode regulator (107) disabled, also maximizing the efficiency. Each regulator senses load current (131) to automatically transition between the appropriate voltage regulators at fixed load current levels. The presented invention also includes a make before break transition scheme of the voltage regulators (103) to minimize the voltage transients.

Abstract: A current multiplier/divider-configured, feed-forward compensation circuit for a pulse width modulator (PWM) controller for a buck-mode DC-DC converter is operative to achieve constant loop gain irrespective of the magnitude of the input voltage, obviates the need for parameter calculations/adjustments of circuit components to conform with the PWM frequency selected by the user, and is effectively immune to variations in temperature and manufacturing process.

Abstract: A voltage regulator. A first analog to digital converter generates first data according to a first output voltage. A second analog to digital converter generates second data according to a second output voltage. A voltage adjustment device generates a voltage control signal according to the first data and the second data. A switching module respectively provides the first output voltage and the second output voltage to a first load and a second load according to the voltage control signal.