Abstract: A piezoelectric component (1) has at least one monolithic piezo element (10) having an electrode layer (101), at least one further electrode layer (102), at least one piezoceramic layer (103) disposed between the electrode layers and at least one predetermined breaking point (100) which, in the event of mechanical overload of the piezo element, leads to the formation of a specific crack (110) in the monolithic piezo element, wherein the predetermined breaking point includes the electrode layer. The component is, for example, a piezoelectric actuator with a monolithic actuator body (2) in which piezo elements with predetermined breaking points and further piezo elements (11) without predetermined breaking points are arranged one on top of the other and sintered collectively.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film device includes an amorphous metal film disposed on a substrate and a piezoelectric film disposed on the amorphous metal. One of crystal axis of the piezoelectric film is aligned in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the amorphous metal.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator comprises at least two actuating portions of electromechanically active material extending by a generally elongated shape from a back portion. The actuating portions are bimorphs, attached by a first end to a first side of the back portion and positioned parallel to each other one after the other in a first direction. The bimorphs are arranged to provide movements of the second end along the first direction and along the extension of the actuating portion, thereby being able to move relative a body in the first direction. The actuating portions have generally flat internal electrode layers arranged inside the electromechanically active material directed substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The internal electrode layers extend continuously through the actuating portions and into the back portion.

Abstract: A display device includes a flat display panel in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix at an interval and covered with an optically transparent material, and an optical sheet to impart the front directivity of the flat display panel. Light which is emitted from a predetermined one of the plurality of pixels and emerges outside from the surface of the optical sheet located on a region except the pixel to the front direction overlaps neighboring pixels arranged around the pixel in a width equal to or smaller than 20% of the pixel width of the neighboring pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a light source is disclosed which has an OLED device and a structured luminescence conversion layer disposed on the substrate or transparent electrode of said OLED device and on the exterior of said OLED device. The structured luminescence conversion layer contains color-changing and non-color-changing regions arranged in a particular pattern.

Abstract: A top and bottom emission organic EL display and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes a pixel area having a first area and a second area, a first organic EL device provided to the first area of the pixel area to emit light in one direction, a second organic EL device provided to the second area of the pixel area to emit light in a direction opposite to that of the first organic EL device, and a transistor electrically connected to the first and second organic EL devices to drive the first and second organic EL devices.

Abstract: A display device includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, a light-emitting lamination, a plurality of second electrodes, and one or more protruding layers. The plurality of first electrodes extend in parallel to each other on the substrate. The light-emitting lamination covers the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes extend across the light-emitting lamination and extend in parallel to each other at an angle with respect to an extending direction of the first electrodes. The one or more protruding layers are formed on the substrate and protrude from a side end of the light-emitting lamination in an extending direction of the second electrodes. Respective portions of the plurality of second electrodes which extend outside of the light-emitting lamination are formed on the one or more protruding layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent display element includes the steps of forming a plurality of organic electroluminescent elements on top of a transparent substrate, bonding seal caps provided with electronic circuits to the transparent substrate so as to seal each of the organic electroluminescent elements, and then cutting the transparent substrate around each of the organic electroluminescent elements to form organic electroluminescent display elements.

Abstract: A plasma display panel includes a front panel and a rear panel disposed opposing each other. The front panel includes a display electrode composed of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode extending in a row direction. A rear panel includes address electrode extending in a column direction and intersecting the display electrode. A lattice form of barrier ribs of row direction barrier ribs and column direction barrier ribs, which have the same height, forming a plurality of individually divided discharge cells is provided in a part in which the display electrode and the address electrode intersect each other. The row direction barrier ribs of the barrier ribs are provided with communication portions communicating discharge cells in non-parallel to the column direction.

Abstract: A plasma display panel capable of preventing faulty discharge and non-uniform discharge by applying a uniform address voltage to all subpixels. This is done by neutralizing the negative surface potential of a zinc silicate green fluorescent material using YBO3:Tb as a positive surface potential material on the partition walls between the electrodes. Also, the thickness of this YBO3:Tb material and a lateral spacing between a scan electrode and the positive surface potential material are carefully selected to arrive at a design resulting in no faulty pixels. Grooves can also be formed in the tops of the partition walls so that the positive surface potential material filled therein does not mix with the neighboring flourescent material.

Abstract: A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) includes: an upper substrate; a lower substrate facing the upper substrate; and a plurality of blocks. Each block includes: a barrier rib of a dielectric material adapted to define discharge cells; upper discharge electrodes including upper discharge portions arranged in the barrier rib and upper connection portions connected to the upper discharge portions and protruding out of the barrier rib; and lower discharge electrodes including lower discharge portions arranged in the barrier rib and separated from the upper discharge portions and lower connection portions connected to the lower discharge portions and protruding out of the barrier rib. Phosphor layers arranged in the discharge cells. The plurality of blocks are connected to each other by connecting the upper connection portions and the lower connection portions thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention offer an improved PDP that offers a lowered discharge initiation voltage as well as improved efficiency of discharge. The PDP may satisfy the equation 180?(A+B)+P×0.1?240 in which A is a distance between opposite recessed portion of a pair of a first electrode and a second electrode; it is a distance between opposite projection portions of the pair of the first electrode and the second electrode, and P is a gas pressure of a discharge gas contained in the discharge space. In another embodiment a gas pressure of a gas trapped in a discharge space (e.g., “cell” or “discharge cell”) may be over 450 Torr. Additionally, each opposing end of the first electrode and the second electrode may include a recessed portion and a projection portion such that a gap interposed between the opposing end portions varies in width.

Abstract: A ceramic discharge vessel is provided wherein the vessel comprises a hollow body for enclosing a discharge and the hollow body is made of a polycrystalline dysprosium oxide containing a luminescent dopant that emits one or more visible light wavelengths when stimulated by radiation generated by the discharge. Preferably, the polycrystalline dysprosium oxide has been doped with one or more of europium, cerium, or terbium in an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight on an oxide basis.

Abstract: A first LED array including a first capacitor, LED blocks, and a second capacitor that are connected in series with each other, a second LED array having a similar configuration to the first LED array, and a third LED array having a similar configuration to the first LED array are connected in parallel with each other and are connected to an AC power supply AC. Each of the LED blocks includes a first series circuit and a second series circuit that are connected in parallel with each other. The first series circuit includes two LEDs that are connected in series with each other in the same direction. The second series circuit includes two LEDs that are connected in series with each other in an identical direction opposite to the direction of the LEDs in the first series circuit. A connection point between the two LEDs in the second series circuit in one of the adjacent LED blocks is coupled to a connection point between the two LEDs in the first series circuit in the other one of the adjacent LED blocks.

Abstract: A mixed mode control for dimmable fluorescent lamp provides a smooth and continuous control of output of the lamp. A load threshold, below which the output of the discharge lamp could not be effectively controlled by the conventional frequency control, is determined. During the dimming of the discharge lamp, when the load is not lower than the load threshold, the conventional frequency control is employed. However, when the load is lower than the load threshold, a complementary duty cycle control is used.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for a lamp having a bridge circuit, includes at least one first switch and a second switch coupled between a connection for a supply voltage and a connection for a ground potential, a center point of the bridge circuit between the first switch and second switches; a first and a second connection for a lamp the first connection coupled to the center point; and a signal evaluation unit. The evaluation unit includes a first input coupled to a signal which is at the DC voltage level of the first connection, and second input coupled to a signal which is at the DC voltage level of the second connection, the DC voltage reference potential for the evaluation unit being designed to be variable within a value range which is greater than or equal to the ground potential and is less than or equal to the supply voltage potential.

Abstract: The driving and control device provides a desired switched current to a load including two or more strings of one or more electronic devices. The device includes one or more voltage converters which convert the magnitude of the voltage from the power supply to another magnitude that is desired at the high side of the load. The device may also include one or more dimming controls which provide control of the activation and deactivation of the load. The device may further include a feedback signal to the voltage converter that is indicative of the current flowing through the load. Based on the feedback signal received, the voltage converter can subsequently adjust its output voltage such that a constant switched current is provided to the load.

Abstract: The embodiment disclosed herein relates to systems and methods to provide improvements to power delivery systems employed with lamps in general and fluorescent lamps in particular. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, cathode current is controlled to a maximum level to quickly bring the cathode temperature up to thermionic emission temperature. After lamp ignition, a cathode voltage reduction circuit is employed to reduce voltage of the external cathode heating. Power is supplied to a power factor correction circuit via an IC, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Finally, a third disclosed embodiment addresses desensitizing the lamp from various deleterious parasitic capacitive effects associated with the power delivery to one or more lamps.

Abstract: A method for responding to an open lamp condition in a discharge lamp system is disclosed. The method monitors a current feedback signal flowing through a lamp and a voltage feedback signal indicative of a voltage across said lamp. A switch is used to switch between the current feedback signal to the voltage feedback signal upon detection of an open lamp condition.

Abstract: A ballast controller integrated circuit which executes a specific set of instructions via an integrated state diagram architecture to control a fluorescent lamp or high intensity discharge lamp and protect the ballast. The state diagram architecture controls powering up and down of the IC and the half-bridge circuit driven by the IC, preheating and striking of the lamp, running of the lamp, sensing for numerous possible fault conditions, and recovering from these fault conditions based on the normal maintenance of a lamp, while requiring fewer internal and external components than previous electronic ballasts.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system includes a capacitor which is electrically connected to a stack and is charged by the stack, a traction motor, a motor control unit which control electric power input to the traction motor and electric power output from the traction motor, a chopper which is connected to the capacitor so as to be ON and OFF switched thereby limiting charging voltage of the capacitor, a braking resistor which consumes regenerative energy so as to serve as an auxiliary brake, and a hybrid control unit which turns on the chopper in case that a charging voltage limit of capacitor is exceeded so as to control overcharge of the capacitor and turns off the chopper in case that charging voltage of the capacitor descends. The capacitor is preferably a super capacitor.

Abstract: A motor speed control circuit which controls a rotational speed of a motor by controlling an amount of current flowing through a drive coil of the motor. The control circuit comprises a reference voltage circuit that generates a reference voltage corresponding to a speed-specifying signal inputted to specify the rotational speed of the motor; a clamp circuit that limits a level of the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage circuit; a comparator that has a speed voltage corresponding to an actual rotational speed of the motor and the reference voltage limited in level by the clamp circuit applied thereto and compares the two; and a control signal generator that generates and outputs a control signal for controlling the amount of current flowing through the drive coil based on the comparing result of the comparator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: A current limiting DC motor starter employing a closed loop current measurement to provide precise current control that adapts to changing motor conditions, integrated with a solid state reversing motor starter. The motor starter further includes a calibrated overcurrent indication and a control system interface that reduces the likelihood that cable faults and other single failures will cause spurious actuation of the motor.

Abstract: An intelligent shift paper shredding mechanism and a method of automatic shift of the same in accordance with the present invention includes a control circuit including a control chip electrically connecting with a shift circuit and a locked-stator detect circuit. The shift circuit electrically connects with a motor.

Abstract: A circuit for driving an appliance for treating laundry, includes a motor circuit having an AC motor, and a door-locking circuit. The motor circuit and the door-locking circuit may be driven by a single common electronic switching element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement of a wiper device for windows of motor vehicles with at least two swivel-mounted wiper arms (18, 20) that are connected to one another via a crank mechanism, wherein one of the wiper arms (18) is directly coupled with a driven shaft (16) of an electromotive drive (10).

Abstract: A system and method for sensing capacitance at the edge of a movable barrier and for detecting an obstruction includes positioning a conductive member within or about a holder. A sensed capacitance between the conductive member and ground. A controller is coupled to the sensor. The controller determines whether an obstruction exists within a path of the barrier by analyzing the sensed capacitance. The conductive member and holder move away from a physical reference as the physical reference is approached such that the sensed capacitance between the conductive member and the physical reference remains below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Optical disc drives designed for reduced power consumption switch the supply voltage in three stages between first, second, and third power supplies. The reduction in power consumption that is possible in the focusing and tracking drive circuits with three stage switching control is limited. This drive apparatus enables further reductions in power consumption. A drive output tracking signal is generated according to the drive conditions of the focusing or tracking drive circuit. The drive output tracking signal is applied to the drive circuit power supply, and the power supply is controlled according to the drive output tracking signal. A power supply change detector detects sudden changes in the drive output tracking signal, and inputs the detection signal to the DSP controlling the entire system. The DSP determines whether to improve the power supply response by comparison with predetermined conditions, and returns the result to the power supply.

Abstract: A device controller system incorporates an inexpensive Hall element to detect motion of a brushless DC motor. A magnet, which is part of a motor rotor, passes by the Hall element producing a Hall voltage each rotation. The Hall voltage is coupled through an interface port to a comparator within a process controller. A microprocessor within the process controller calculates a control response based on a comparator output signal. The interface port is rapidly reconfigured to provide signals produced from the control response as output to device drivers on the same input-output pins that receive the Hall voltage. The device drivers produce a current through fan coils producing an update in the magnetic field of each motor phase which updates the speed of the fan according to programming within the process controller. Rapid configuring and reconfiguring of the interface port allows all necessary components of the controller system to be used with a single rotational commutation cycle.

Abstract: An active front steering system includes a motor controller configured to compute a position error from a commanded position value and an actual position value, and then enter one of two modes—a commutation enable mode and a commutation freeze mode—depending upon the value of this position error. The commutation freeze mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is less than a predetermined threshold, and involves sending a set of signals to the motor's phase inputs such that commutation of the motor is prevented and a substantially constant motor hold torque is produced. The commutation enable mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and corresponds to normal commutating operating mode.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for a three-phase electric motor, including a rectifier module supplying a rectified voltage from a single-phase alternating current network, a voltage step-up module supplying a regulated bus voltage, and an inverter module supplying a control voltage to the motor. The variable speed drive includes a hybrid power-factor correction device that drives the voltage step-up module and that includes a digital circuit including a voltage step-up module supplying a correction signal based on a measurement signal of the bus voltage and an analog circuit supplying a driver signal to the step-up module based on a measurement signal of the rectified voltage and based on the correction signal.

Abstract: Power supply system for a vehicle, in the case of which an onboard voltage supply system for supplying electric consuming devices can be fed by at least one power accumulator, and in which external electric consuming devices can be connected to the onboard voltage supply system. At least one portable removable accumulator, which can be charged by way of the onboard voltage supply system of the vehicle, is provided, which removable accumulator is constructed as an energy accumulator expansion unit controllable by way of a battery management system, by way of which energy accumulator expansion unit electric consuming devices, which are part of the vehicle and/or external electric consuming devices, may be operated, so that the removable accumulator can optionally be utilized as a stationary power supply device in the vehicle when the onboard voltage supply system is connected or, when the onboard voltage supply system is not connected, can be used as a mobile power supply device independently of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for communicating voltage regulator switching information to a vehicle computer includes generating a first output signal from a voltage regulator, the first output signal configured to regulate a field current of a generating device associated therewith. A second output signal is generated from the voltage regulator, the second output signal communicated to the vehicle computer, the second output signal further indicative of the state of the first output signal. The second output signal represents an average value of the first output signal, having transient values included within the first output signal filtered therefrom.

Abstract: A computer readable, media and signals for controlling power drawn from an energy converter to supply a load, where the energy converter is operable to convert energy from a physical source into electrical energy. Power drawn from the energy converter is changed when a supply voltage of the energy converter meets a criterion. The criterion and the change in the amount of power drawn from the energy converter are dependent upon a present amount of power supplied to the load. The methods, apparatus, media and signals described herein may provide improvements to DC to AC maximum power point tracking in an energy conversion system such as a photovoltaic power generation system.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a control circuit for generating a pulse width modulated signal based on a voltage of an output node. A first switch is connected to conduct during pulses, and a second switch conducts between pulses. The first switch is connected to an internal power node and the second is connected to a current return node. There is a common node between the first switch and the second switch. The voltage of the common node is supplied to an output node. An input power switch supplies voltage to the internal power node. An over-voltage protection circuit is connected to receive an over-voltage fault signal from the control circuit, and it is connected to control a bias of the control terminal of the input power switch to cause the input power switch not to conduct during an event causing an over-voltage fault signal, whereby a load connected to the output node is protected.

Abstract: A current direction detection circuit includes a monitoring transistor having a control terminal and an output terminal respectively connected with a control terminal and an output terminal of a ground side output transistor; an impedance element having one terminal connected with an input terminal of the monitoring transistor and the other terminal grounded; first and second constant-current sources; a diode-connected reference transistor interposed between the first constant-current source and ground potential; and a sensing transistor interposed between the second constant-current source and the impedance element and having a control terminal connected with the control terminal of the reference transistor. The current direction detection circuit is small yet capable of minimizing power loss of a switching regulator.

Abstract: A hysteretic DC/DC converter is proposed that operates at a high switching frequency without producing undesired pulse bursts at the output. The converter has a converter power stage with a supply voltage input, a controlled voltage output and an enable input. A comparator has a reference voltage input, a feedback input and an output, and a gating circuit connected between the output of the comparator and the enabling input of the converter power stage. The gating circuit inhibits as a function of load requirements the propagation of enabling pulses from the output of the comparator to the enabling input of the converter power stage. By gating the output of the comparator in a way to separate the output from the enabling input of the converter power stage immediately after the start of each conversion pulse, the generation of further pulses immediately after each conversion pulse is prevented, thereby keeping the output voltage ripple low.

Abstract: An internal voltage generating apparatus adaptive to a temperature change includes a reference voltage circuit including a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) type transistor and a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) type transistor for generating a first to a third initial reference voltage signals. A buffer circuit for buffering a first, a second and a third initial reference voltage signal is included to generate a first, a second, and a third reference voltage signal in response to enable signals. An internal voltage generating circuit is included to generate an internal voltage signal based on the first, the second and the third reference voltage signal by using an inputted power voltage.

Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference circuit having temperature curvature correction, comprises a bandgap voltage source configured to generate an output voltage, and a novel curvature correction circuit. The correction circuit is responsive to the bandgap voltage source output voltage and connected to apply a curvature correction signal to the bandgap voltage source to compensate for output voltage temperature dependency of the bandgap voltage source.

Abstract: An improved electrical sensing zone apparatus and method for counting and measuring size of particles suspended in a diluted electrolytic solution. The apparatus includes an aperture that is optimized with the use of double or single tapered shapes that approximate a hyperboloid of one sheet. The flow rate is selectably controlled to maintain a sufficiently low Reynolds number to avoid boundary layer separation effects that cause noise and consequently low sensitivity. By measuring statistical moments within the aperture, an approximation of the distribution of particle sizes is achieved.

Abstract: Delay-locked loops, signal locking methods and devices and systems incorporating delay-locked loops are described. A delay-locked loop includes a forward delay path, a feedback delay path, a phase detector and a timer circuit. The forward delay path alternatively couples to an external clock signal and to an internal test signal. The phase detector adjusts a delay line based upon the phase differences of a feedback signal and the external clock signal. The timer circuit switches the internal test signal into the forward delay path and measures the time of traversal of the internal test signal around the forward delay path and the feedback delay path and generates a time constant for configuring the phase detector's update period. The phase detector is thereafter able to stabilize at an improved rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor array for detecting travel of a movable member, especially a positioning element that is movable using an actuator. Said sensor array comprises a stationary coil arrangement (18) that is provided with an active coil (18.1) and at least one passive coil (26.1, 26.2) located a distance therefrom. The coil arrangement (18) is connected to a power supply unit (30) and a signal-detecting device (29). The inventive sensor array further comprises an axially movable rod-shaped sensor part (17) that is made of a preferably magnetizable material, is connected to the positioning element which is movable fore and aft in an axial direction, and is provided with at least one short circuit element (23, 23.0). Said at least one short circuit element (23, 23.0) is made of an electrically conducting material having low ohmic resistance, is delimited by a final edge (23.1, 23.

Abstract: A rotation angle of a shaft is detected based on changes in levels of magnetic flux from a single magnet that is mounted on the shaft and is moved axially in accordance with rotation of the shaft. Respective detected variations in level of X-direction and Y-direction magnetic flux components (each at right angles to the shaft axis) are used to obtain a first quantity that varies monotonically, and a second quantity that varies periodically, in accordance with increased rotation angle. An accurate value of the shaft rotation angle is calculated based on the first and second quantities, in combination.

Abstract: An attitude detection sensor includes three magnetic sensing parts that detect magnetic field strength in respective directions along three axes perpendicular to each other, and two tilt sensing parts that detect tilt angles around two axes perpendicular to each other. The tilt sensing parts each include a cantilever having a magnet body that moves in accordance with the tilt angle, and a magnetic detection head that detects a displacement of the magnet body. The three magnetic sensing parts and the two magnetic detection heads are each formed using a magnetic detection element of the same type. At least one electronic circuit for controlling the five magnetic detection elements, the three magnetic sensing parts, and the two tilt sensing parts is disposed in a single package in the form of a module.

Abstract: At least one magnetic field sensing device and an RF transceiver are integrated in a discrete, single-chip package. Rather than requiring at least two separate chips to wirelessly transmit the device output, an integrated, single chip solution can be used. The single chip integration of the at least one magnetic field sensing device and the RF transceiver can reduce the physical space required and, therefore, allow such devices to be smaller, lighter, and possibly more portable.

Abstract: A sensor system employing a plurality of nonlinear sensors utilizes a coupling network to interconnect the sensors wherein the coupling network inherently induces oscillations in the sensor system. This approach removes the need to provide bias signal generation either onboard the sensors or via a source external to the sensor.

Abstract: An induction logging tool having concentric transmitter and receiver antennas can be used to make measurements of earth formations at frequencies up to 500 MHz. The antennas may be mounted on the mandrel of a bottomhole assembly for MWD applications, or may be pad mounted for wireline applications. Litz winding is used in the coils to minimize eddy current losses. The antennas may be formed on a flexible circuit board.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises: a chemical shift data storage unit, a first frequency adjusting unit, a first imaging unit, a second frequency adjust unit and a second imaging unit. The chemical shift data storage unit stores chemical shift data. The first frequency adjusting unit adjusts a center frequency of a first excitation pulse to a resonant frequency of a designated first substance. The first imaging unit generates an image in which the first substance is enhanced by performing a chemical shift imaging scanning with the first excitation pulse. The second frequency adjust unit automatically adjusts a center frequency of a second excitation pulse to a resonant frequency of a preliminarily designated second substance in accordance with chemical shift data. The second imaging unit generates an image in which the second substance is enhanced by performing a chemical shift imaging scanning with the second excitation pulse.

Abstract: In order to provide a magnetic resonance imaging system and method which allows an optimal timing of the imaging sequence at minimal procedure cost, a magnetic resonance imaging system and method is proposed, wherein a first MR scan of a structure of interest is performed for detecting the arrival of a contrast bolus in the structure of interest, the first MR scan using a first resonance frequency corresponding to first MR sensitive nuclei, the first performing step is repeated at least until the bolus arrival in the structure of interest has been detected, and a second MR scan of the structure of interest is performed for acquiring a MR image, the second MR scan using a second resonance frequency corresponding to second MR sensitive nuclei, the second nuclei being different from the first nuclei.