Abstract: A magnetic-pole detecting system for synchronous AC motors and a magnetic-pole detecting method therefor are provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus that permit the detection of multiple overcurrent thresholds, providing system protection particularly but not exclusively in brushless DC motor drive systems, but using only one comparator device instead of multiple comparator devices. The disclosed embodiments predict a higher overcurrent condition based on the time it takes to detect a lower overcurrent condition. Because of the predictive nature of the invention, the higher overcurrent conditions are detected much faster than when using conventional circuitry.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine has a housing with a shaft mounted rotatably in it. A rotor is fixed to the shaft and has a plurality of magnetic poles. A stator is positioned about the rotor and has a winding. A switch is mounted within the housing and has a first position for allowing current in one direction through the winding and a second position for allowing current in an opposite direction through the winding. A mechanical activator is movable with or by the shaft and acts on the switch to move it between the first and second positions.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the types and values of stator and rotor errors in magnetic circuits in a synchronous machine by measuring the induced voltage (ui) for the terminals of measurement loops which can capture an image of the induction in the measurement gap, then by treating said signals.

Abstract: A circuit for the control of a stepper motor having a rotor configured as a permanent magnet and a stator configured of at least first and second energized excitation coils enclosing the rotor. Each end terminal of the first excitation coil is connected to the positive pole of the supply voltage over a switching element and each end terminal of a second excitation coil is connected to the negative pole of the supply voltage over a switching element. The central contacts of both excitation coils are connected to each other.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling an operation of a compressor which can always apply a constant voltage to the compressor without noise and a method therefor. The apparatus for controlling the operation of the compressor includes: a triac electrically connected to the compressor; and a controller for controlling a turn-on duration of the triac on the basis of a voltage value of an alternating current power applied to the compressor and a predetermined reference voltage value.

Abstract: A battery, a battery charger, an electrical system, and a method of charging a battery. In one aspect, the battery includes a housing, a battery cell supported by the housing, a first terminal electrically connected to the battery cell and having a first terminal end, and a second terminal electrically connected to the battery cell and having a second terminal end, the second terminal end extending forwardly of the first terminal end.

Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a controller and a charging circuit that is operable to charge Lithium-based batteries of varying nominal voltages and/or number of battery cells.

Abstract: In order to provide a battery charging state arithmetic operation device which can judge a charging state of a battery currently being used easily and in a short time, there are provided battery voltage calculation means 6 with specified load for calculating a first and a second battery voltages when a battery current is at a specified load current value from a first I-V characteristic of the battery which is in a first state as a currently used state and is stored in first I-V characteristic storage means 3 and a second I-V characteristic which is in a second state where the amount of remaining energy is small and is stored in second I-V characteristic storage means 4, and SOC arithmetic operation means 7 for calculating an SOC (charging state) of the battery in the first state by using the first and the second battery voltages calculated.

Abstract: A rechargeable portable light having a housing member with an opening for the emission of light, and two possible charging systems including an AC charger, and an auto or boat charger. An electronic circuit is located within the housing member and includes at least one super capacitor for power storage. The super capacitor is charged by a charging system. A charging system is presented that can charge two super capacitors in series, or more than two super capacitors in series. A power inverter circuit with a high efficiency (approximately 90% to 95% efficiency) is used to regulate voltage and current from one super capacitor or two or more super capacitors in series to a light emitting diode. This circuit includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) positioned near the opening in the housing member, and a switch interposed between the capacitor and the output circuit. The switch is closed when power is delivered from the super capacitor to the LED.

Abstract: A current detection circuit of the present invention has a switching device 1; an auxiliary switching device 2; an offset voltage source comprising an offset resistor device 7 and a current source circuit 8; a compensation circuit, comprising a differential amplifier 4 and a compensation transistor 5, for adjusting the output current of the auxiliary switching device 2 so that the potential obtained by subtracting the voltage drop across the offset resistor device 7 from the output potential of the switching device 1 is equal to the output potential of the auxiliary switching device 2, being configured that the detection level of the current flowing in the switching device 1 is shifted by an offset amount.

Abstract: A PFC AC-to-DC power supply is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the PFC AC-to-DC power supply comprises a switching converter comprising at least one main power switch and a PFC controller for controlling the at least one main power switch. The PFC controller may comprise a processing unit comprising a processor and a memory having firmware stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to compute an input current set point for the AC-to-DC power supply based on the output voltage of the AC-to-DC power supply. The PFC controller may also comprise hardware circuitry in communication with the processing unit. The hardware circuitry may comprise a first a/d converter, such as a window a/d converter, for outputting a digital input current error value based on the input current of the AC-to-DC power supply and an analog form of the input current set point from the processing unit.

Abstract: A load tap changer (LTC) having a plurality of windings is coupled to one of the primary and secondary of a power transformer in order to regulate the output voltage of the transformer. The LTC includes a plurality of taps physically and electrically connected to and along the windings and a contacting element is selectively moved along the taps to increase or decrease the output voltage of the transformer. The power transformer and the LTC windings are placed in a main tank and the taps are placed in an LTC tank. The temperature in the main tank and the temperature in the LTC tank are monitored by means of first and second temperature probes whose outputs are used to sense the temperature differential (TDIFF) between the main tank and the LTC tank and to determine if the LTC tank temperature exceeds the main tank temperature for a period of time exceeding a specified time period. Also included is circuitry for sensing the rate of change of TDIFF and determining if it exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention is a LDO voltage regulator circuit with common-mode feedback. The LDO voltage regulator includes an error amplifier with a common-mode feedback unit, a pass device and a compensation circuit. A signal from the pass device acts as an input signal to the error amplifier and is compared with another input signal, producing a differential signal. The differential signal is amplified and then provided to the pass device. A capacitor in the compensation unit provides frequency compensation to the LDO voltage regulator. The common-mode feedback unit incorporated into the error amplifier greatly improves a slew rate of a gate voltage of the pass device.

Abstract: Control loops in a voltage regulator can be stabilized using minimal silicon area. A current limit signal, generated by a current limit control loop in the voltage regulator, can be divided to minimize a zero provided in a compensation set associated with a voltage control loop, thereby stabilizing both loops. The compensation set can include a resistor (the zero) and a capacitor (a pole) connected in series between output and input terminals of an amplifier. Dividing the current limit signal can include injecting a first portion of the current limit signal on a first side of the resistor and injecting a second portion of the current limit signal on a second side of the resistor. The ratio of the first and second portions can be based on a gain of the amplifier, thereby minimizing an effect of the resistor.

Abstract: A DC-DC digital pulse width modulated power supply is disclosed for generating a DC regulated output voltage. A digital control node has a digital control voltage disposed thereon for controlling the operation of the supply, wherein the digital control voltage has a substantially zero voltage when the output voltage of the supply is at a desired regulation, the digital control voltage having a resolution defined by a least significant bit (LSB). An input node receives a DC analog reference voltage defining the output voltage of the supply. A difference device determines the difference between the analog reference voltage and the output voltage to generate said digital control voltage. An LSB variation device varies the size of the LSB without varying the value of the digital control voltage for a substantially zero difference between the analog reference voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A power efficient startup circuit for activating a bandgap reference circuit is disclosed. The startup circuit uses a voltage supply having a voltage level to initiate the flow of a startup current used to activate the bandgap reference circuit. When the bandgap reference circuit starts, the startup circuit slowly charges a capacitor using the voltage supply when the startup current is flowing. The startup circuit disables quiescent current when the bandgap reference circuit is activated and a voltage of the capacitor exceeds a value equal to the difference between the voltage of the voltage supply when powered on and a voltage threshold of a switching device which disables the quiescent current. The capacitor is discharged when the voltage supply is turned off.

Abstract: A current source with adjustable temperature coefficient is provided. The current source uses a first current generation unit and a second current generation unit to respectively produce a positive temperature coefficient current and a negative temperature coefficient current. A current addition unit is used to add the positive and negative temperature coefficient currents, and compose the positive and negative temperature coefficient currents according to a predetermined proportion. Finally, a reference current of adjustable temperature coefficient and value is output.

Abstract: A method used to measure pressure in an area which is closed by an solenoid valve (106) performs the following steps: applying voltage to the solenoid valve (106), determining the peak of a curve of the flowing current based on voltage and determining the pressure based on determination of the peak of the curve.

Abstract: An auto-measuring universal meter is disclosed. The auto-measuring universal meter includes a main unit having a display and a single button. A pair of test probes is electrically connected to the main unit in a removable manner to detect a first input signal; an inductive clamp is formed on and electrically connected to the main unit for gripping a current-carrying conductor to detect a second input signal indicative of an alternating/direct current flowing through the current-carrying conductor. The main unit is designed so as to take measurement of the input signals in a self-judging mode based on the presence of and/or the differences between the input signals so that the alternating/direct current can also be measured.

Abstract: In a Hall IC type current sensor of a vehicle-mounted power converter which includes a bus bar which supplies electricity to a vehicle-mounted power converter, a Hall IC which detects a current supplied to the bus bar, and a control board on which a control circuit which controls the vehicle-mounted power converter in response to an output of the Hall IC is mounted, the current sensor further includes a Hall IC holder which holds the Hall IC and is also fixed to the bus bar, and a through hole which is formed in the control board and which allows a lead terminal of the Hall IC to pass therethrough, and the lead terminal which passes through the through hole is connected with the control circuit by solder bonding.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a standardization module for use in standardizing tester channels of a tester unit using a standardization unit for making contact with contact faces which are connected to the tester channels and for standardizing the tester channels. The standardization module has a first surface on which first contact faces are arranged in such a way that contact can be made by a contact making card of the tester unit with the first contact faces in a defined fashion. The standardization module has a second surface on which second contact faces are arranged in such a way that contact can be made with the second contact faces using the standardization unit. Each of the first contact faces is respectively connected to one of the second contact faces.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for analyzing photon emission data to discriminate between photons emitted by transistors and photons emitted by background sources. The analysis involves spatial and/or temporal correlation of photon emissions. After correlation, the analysis may further involve obtaining a likelihood that the correlated photons were emitted by a transistor. After correlation, the analysis may also further involve assigning a weight to individual photon emissions as a function of the correlation. The weight, in some instances, reflecting a likelihood that the photons were emitted by a transistor. The analysis may further involve automatically identifying transistors in a photon emission image.

Abstract: An inductive transducer measurement system is provided. A measuring circuit simultaneously drives a plurality of transducer windings and measures their inductance by using a load impedance in an inductance measurement circuit configuration. The system may be designed such that a circuit characteristic that includes a measurement period value, a winding inductance value, and a non-inductive impedance value in series with the winding inductance, is set at a nominal value that suppresses a second harmonic error component that is inherent in the measuring circuit. When a three-phase winding configuration is used, preferred signal processing techniques may be used to cancel third harmonic errors in the system, which in combination with the second harmonic error suppression technique creates a variable inductance measurement system that is relatively free from errors.

Abstract: An angular position sensor includes a rotating part (14) which creates a variable magnetic flux, a fixed part (16) for supporting two probes (22, 26) each having an output current, the first (22) of the probes having an output current having discontinuities when the magnetic flux passes through zero, the second (26) of the probes being subjected to a second magnetic flux, shifted by 90° relative to the first flux and having an output current that is a continuous function of the magnetic flux, and a device (30) for adding the currents from the two probes. The range of variation of the current from the first probe (22) is slightly larger than the range of variation of the current from the second probe (26). The sensor is applicable to engine camshafts.

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.

Abstract: A rotation angle detection apparatus is capable of preventing an eddy current and radio wave noise from being transmitted from outside to a yoke and a permanent magnet through a metal plate, and thence to a non-contact sensor through radiation as it is. The apparatus includes a yoke, a permanent magnet that is arranged on an inner wall surface with magnetic flux flowing from its N pole to its S pole through an inner space thereof, a metal plate formed integral with the yoke and the permanent magnet through a resin by insert molding, and a non-contact sensor arranged in the inner space of the permanent magnet. Between the metal plate and the individual end faces of the yoke and the permanent magnet, there is interposed a high impedance member that prevents radio wave noise from flowing from the metal plate to the yoke and the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A thickness detecting apparatus comprises a printed board in a part of which a coil is patterned, a detection roller which is disposed near the coil, which detects thickness of a sheet P of paper as a displacement amount, and a thickness detection circuit mounted on the surface of the printed board, which supplies a high frequency signal to the coil via a wiring pattern formed on the surface of the printed board and detects the amplitude of the high frequency signal which changes according to the displacement amount of the detection roller as a thickness of the sheet P of paper.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to a temperature-independent method of determining an engine health parameter, namely stand-off distance, between an eddy current sensor and a conductive element. The method includes receiving a signal from the eddy current sensor and demodulating a waveform from the received signal. The method also includes determining a predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters from the waveform and determining the stand-off distance based on the predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters.

Abstract: A readout scheme for measuring the output from a SQUID-based sensor-array using an improved subranging architecture that includes multiple resolution channels (such as a coarse resolution channel and a fine resolution channel). The scheme employs a flux sensing circuit with a sensing coil connected in series to multiple input coils, each input coil being coupled to a corresponding SQUID detection circuit having a high-resolution SQUID device with independent linearizing feedback. A two-resolution configuration (course and fine) is illustrated with a primary SQUID detection circuit for generating a fine readout, and a secondary SQUID detection circuit for generating a course readout, both having feedback current coupled to the respective SQUID devices via feedback/modulation coils. The primary and secondary SQUID detection circuits function and derive independent feedback.

Abstract: A method of performing an on-wafer function testis provided for multiple magnetic field sensor elements on a wafer. Each sensor element includes a magnetic-field-sensitive structure and a current conductor structure. The current conductor structure provides a test magnetic field in response to a test signal, and a change in an electrical characteristic of the respective magnetic-field-sensitive structure is sensed. The functionality of the respective magnetic field sensor element is then evaluated based on electrical characteristic change.

Abstract: A method and system for fat suppression with T1-weighted imaging includes a pulse sequence generally constructed to have a non-spectrally selective IR pulse that is played out immediately before a spectrally selective IR tip-up pulse. Thereafter, a fat suppression RF pulse is played out followed by the acquisition of fat-suppressed MR data. The pulse sequence maintains T1 contrast by not perturbing the non-fat signals from the IR preparation. The pulse sequence also ensures that the blood pool signal is homogeneously suppressed from the non-spectrally selective IR RF pulse. The pulse sequence also allows for increased fat suppression and provides flexibility for adjustment of the degree of fat suppression without affecting the view acquisition order for an image acquisition segment.

Abstract: A pulse sequence is defined to acquire calibration MR data used to characterize on-axis and cross-axis eddy currents resulting from gradient pulses used to spatially encode MR data. The amplitudes and time constants of those eddy currents can then be measured and used to guide calibration of an MRI system to reduce image artifacts.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a phase error measuring method capable of measuring a phase error occurring in each phase encoding direction that corresponds to the direction of a readout magnetic field gradient which is turned in units of a radian. The phase error measuring method in accordance with the present invention is implemented in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus that performs a K-space filling scan to define data in a K-space having readout lines formed along a Kx axis, a Ky axis, and a mixed axis of them. The phase error measuring method includes a plurality of phase error measurement steps of measuring a phase error that occurs in each phase encoding direction corresponding to the direction of a readout magnetic field gradient which is turned in units of a radian.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography unit (PET), having a unit part assigned to an examination space and a first evaluation unit, is combined with a magnetic resonance tomography unit (MRT). The unit part of the PRT includes at least two gamma ray detector units with in each case an assigned electronics unit. The MRT includes a second evaluation unit, a gradient coil system and a high frequency antenna device formed as a stripline antenna device having at least two conductors. The high frequency antenna device is arranged nearer to the examination space than the gradient coil system with a high frequency shield between the gradient coil system and the high frequency antenna device. Each conductor of the stripline antenna device respectively includes a gamma ray detector unit with an assigned electronics unit.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a method for shimming such an apparatus, at each of mirror-symmetrical assemblies respectively disposed at opposite faces of a static magnetic field generator, that each include a shimming ring, an additional shimming ring is provided that is adjustable in position relative to the other shimming ring to shim the static magnetic field. Additionally or alternatively, at each face of the static magnetic field generator, a permanently magnetic arrangement is provided that is divided into a number of permanently magnetic columns respectively having different energy levels. Additionally or alternatively, magnetic bolts, such as magnetically conducting bolts or permanently magnetic bolts can be symmetrically inserted into either of the mirror-symmetric assemblies, or the permanently magnetic columns, for additionally shimming adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for dynamic adjustment of the receiver gain during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. To account for distortions introduced by the receiver that may be different at various receiver gains, a reference radio frequency (rf) signal is applied to the receive chain by an additional antenna. In some disclosed embodiments the reference signal is adjusted such that its frequency lies at the border of the frequency band detected by the MR scan. Comparing the a priori known amplitude and phase of the reference signal with the amplitude and phase of the received reference signal allows determination of the distortions introduced at the respective receiver gain which are subsequently corrected. In some disclosed embodiments, the reference signal is used to synchronize the modulation and demodulation units of a wireless transceiver system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for measuring cathode fall within a fluorescent lamp that contains an electrode and a gas. A level of cathode fall associated with the electrode may be identified based on an intensity and wavelength of radiation emitted by the gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ground-current isolating circuit for providing a low voltage barrier between a service neutral conductor and an associated grounding system. The voltage barrier circuit comprises a first current unidirectional element and a second current unidirectional element connected in antiparallel. The unidirectional elements are preferably diodes having a characteristic threshold voltage. The current in a forward biased direction is blocked by the circuit until an applied forward biased voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The present invention also is directed to a method of isolating a neutral conductor temporarily from an associated grounding system during testing of a structure grounding system.

Abstract: A circuit and method for measuring capacitance and capacitance mismatch of at least one capacitor pair are provided. The circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch and a P-type transistor. A terminal of the first switch is connected to a terminal of a first capacitor, and a terminal of the second switch is connected to a terminal of a second capacitor. A terminal of the third switch is connected to another terminal of the first capacitor and another terminal of the second capacitor, and a gate of the P-type transistor is connected to another terminal of the third switch. When the first, second and third switches are turned on, a capacitance of the first capacitor, a capacitance of the second capacitor, or a capacitance mismatch between the first and second capacitances is measured.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and method accurately measure ground circuit impedance. A ground circuit and electrical current source adjusted to 25 amperes or less simulate a ground fault. Ground impedance is determined by dividing voltage drop by amperage to determine impedance directly. In one aspect, impedance is determined and displayed automatically. Power wires of the circuit being measured serve as a means for transmitting voltage and current data. The cable itself serves as a current-carrying and voltage-transmitting conduit to determine directly the circuit impedance. The novel ground circuit impedance device and method measure impedance in underground mine power systems connecting to an outside electrical power substation outside the mine and using portable transformers in the mine.

Abstract: The invention is based on feeding the closed bodies to be evaluated to a station for the application of high voltage for the formation of the arc across the inner space of the body and capturing the arc formed by means of a CCD camera which will compare, adjustably, the luminous intensity of the arc created within the body subjected to checking with a threshold value determining whether the luminous intensity is above or below the threshold, which will be the rejection threshold, rejecting the bodies which do not comply with the predetermined threshold value, separating them from the whole of the accepted bodies.

Abstract: An electrified wall panel in a modular furniture environment includes a plurality of multi-port electrical distribution blocks diversely located throughout the panel. Certain ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are fixed to wall panel frame members and other ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are free of the wall panel. A plurality of jumper cables, each having connectors at opposite cable ends are adapted to mate with any one of the multi-port electrical distribution block ports. The cables electrically interconnect the distribution blocks to form one complete circuit. There are a plurality of electrical receptacles, each having an electrical connector near one end which are electrically coupled to a port of a corresponding multi-port electrical distribution block. The system is assembled by fixing a jumper mounting bracket to a jumper cable near one end of the jumper cable. The jumper mounting bracket is attached to a support member.

Abstract: When a signal having two or more frequency components is fed to a circuit to be measured, a phase of the signal output from the circuit to be measured is measured. A phase measurement device measures an output when an input signal having two input frequency components ?10 and ?20 is fed to an amplifier (circuit to be measured). The phase measurement device includes an orthogonal converter that subjects the output of the amplifier to an orthogonal conversion using an average frequency ?0, which is an average of ?10 and ?20. A phase acquisitioner acquires phases ?1 and ?2 of the input frequency components in the output of the orthogonal converter and a phase ?3 of a distortion component. A match time/phase measurer measures a match time ?t during which phase ?1 is matched with phase ?2, and measures phase ?1 (?t) during that time. A distortion component phase measurer measures phase ?3 (?t) of the distortion component in the match time ?t. A display then displays ?1 (?t) and ?3 (?t).

Abstract: A system for testing radio frequency (RF) communications of a device capable of such communications is provided. The system includes a chamber for isolating the device from RF interference, an antenna that is suitable for RF communications with the device wherein the antenna is capable of communications over a range of frequencies, the antenna being located within the chamber, and a digital communication link for providing non-RF communications with the device.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor, in particular for the detection of an obstruction of objects or body parts by motor driven devices, includes an arrangement of a multitude of electrodes on a support and means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change. The sensor is of a flat and film-like embodiment with a support made out of a film material for the arrangement of the electrodes. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor system, for detection of an obstruction situation of objects or body parts with motor driven devices uses several sensors of the above design, is disclosed, whereby an obstruction situation is detected, if a selection of several sensors is responding.

Abstract: Capacitance measurement apparatus that enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of capacitive transducers, proximity sensors, and touchless switches. Each of two capacitors (C1, C2) under measurement has one end connected to ground and is kept at substantially the same voltage potential by operational amplifier (A1) or amplifiers (A0, A1) using negative feedback. The apparatus is driven by a periodic e.g. sinusoidal signal source (G1) or sources (G1, G2) and includes a difference amplifier (A2) operative to produce an electrical signal having a linear relationship with a specified arithmetic function of the capacitances of the two capacitors (C1, C2). A touchless switch is implemented using the capacitance measurement apparatus. The touchless switch includes two sensor electrodes (E1, E2) that correspond to the two capacitors (C1, C2) under measurement and in one embodiment has a front surface in the form of a container.

Abstract: A contacting-type conductivity sensor includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal surface of a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of vias through which electrical interconnection to the electrodes is accomplished. The conductivity sensor can employ two or four electrodes and may have a temperature sensitive element disposed on the distal surface. The electrodes may be patterned or otherwise deposited using semiconductor processing techniques.

Abstract: A scanning/imaging system wherein an external stimulus is used for exciting a device under test (DUT). A stimulus source is included for providing a stationary stimulus with a controllable spot size to a device under test (DUT), the controllable spot size covering a portion of the DUT for excitation by the stationary stimulus. A sensor is operable for capturing at least one of a functional response signal and an optical image signal emanating from the DUT portion. A linear positioning device is operable to facilitate scanning of remaining portions of the DUT until a predetermined area thereof has been traversed. A controller is operably coupled to the linear positioning device, stimulus source and the sensor for providing the overall control thereof.

Abstract: An improved voltage test system.