Abstract: A PDP includes first and second substrates, a plurality of electrodes between the first and second substrates, a plurality of barrier ribs between the first and second substrates to define discharge cells, at least one dielectric layer on the electrodes, at least one photoluminescent layer in each discharge cell, a discharge gas in the discharge cells, and a protective layer on the dielectric layer, the protective layer including magnesium oxide and a light-scattering material having a general formula MOx, where M includes one or more of zinc and/or titanium and 1?x?2, the light-scattering material having a particle size of about 100 nm to about 900 nm and being present in the protective layer in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of a total weight of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An arc tube mounting assembly (1) for a metal halide arc lamp (10) includes frame members (8, 9) for supporting an arc tube (2). The arc tube (2) is supported from above by a looped frame member (8) having a loop (8A) which extends along opposing sides, and across top and base ends (2A, 2B) of the arc tube (2), thus evenly distributing the current to discharge electrode 7, thereby cancelling magnetic forces which could displace the arc from the center of the arc tube (2), resulting in improved lumen maintenance and extended life. A centering circle (8B) of the frame member (8) wraps around the lower ceramic end plug (4), providing coaxial alignment of the arc tube (2) and the tubular outer envelope (11).

Abstract: The arc tube 3 comprises: a translucent ceramic envelope 19 including a central tube 16 having an inner diameter of 5.5 mm or more, thin tubes 18 formed, on contact with joining portions 17, onto both ends of the central tube 16, and at least one rare earth halide enclosed therein; and electrode inductors 24 and 25 inserted and sealed in the thin tubes 18. In a cross section of the arc tube 3 along a plane including the axis X in the longitudinal direction, an angle ? between the straight-line section of the inner surface of the central tube 16 and that of each joining portion 17 is set to 85°-115°. Clearance gaps 26 are formed between the thin tubes 18 and electrode inductors 24 and 25. The curvature radius of the inner surface of each boundary region 20 between the central tube 16 and joining portions 17 is set to 0.5 mm-2.5 mm.

Abstract: A lamp comprising a cap (6) and a burner (1) attached to the cap, the burner (1) and the cap (6) being connected through a metal part (3), which part engages the burner (1). The metal part (3) has at least two legs (5), preferably three legs (5), such that a portion of each leg engages a corresponding portion of the cap (6). Said corresponding portion is made of synthetic resin material. Said portion of each leg (5) has been heated in order to melt the synthetic resin material and to deform it so as to correspond to the shape of the leg, whereby a mutual engagement of said portion of the leg (5) and said corresponding portion of the cap (6) is obtained.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system includes a plurality of emergency lights and a plurality of emergency power systems. Each of the plurality of emergency power systems is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of emergency lights through a respective one of a plurality of power switches. The emergency lighting system also includes a plurality of processors. Each of the plurality of processors is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of emergency power systems and executes software that monitors a status of a respective one of the emergency power systems and controls a state of the plurality of power switches. The emergency lighting system also includes a plurality of radio transceivers. Each of the plurality of radio transceivers is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of processors and communicates with other radio transceivers in the plurality of radio transceivers that are in radio wave proximity.

Abstract: A discharge lamp having a visual-change timer is described. The visual-change timer is comprised of a ceramic material that provides an indication of the cumulative operating time of the lamp. The visual-change timer is expected be a help to consumers in avoiding unnecessary, premature, and costly lamp replacement and a help to lamp manufacturers in verifying the validity of warranty claims for replacement lamps.

Abstract: Auxiliary power is provided on a lighting ballast by a charge pump circuit. A direct current power supply circuit in the ballast outputs auxiliary power for operation of loads other than the lighting load of the ballast.

Abstract: Backlight unit comprising a supply source (4), a discharge lamp (2) having a tubular discharge vessel (6) with an ionizable filling, three or more electrodes (8, 10, 12) arranged in a row along and external of the vessel at spaced relation to each other. The supply source comprises lamp drivers (14, 16) and data processing means (18). Each pair of different pairs of electrodes is coupled to a corresponding lamp driver. Each lamp driver is suitable to supply a high frequency supply voltage to the pair of electrodes to which the lamp driver is coupled. The data processing means is suitable to process input display data (D) and to control the lamp drivers such that their supplied supply voltages are dependent on the input display data.

Abstract: A display device includes a pixel area where a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix and a driving circuit for driving the pixel area. Each of the pixels includes a signal-level holding capacitor having two ends, a first transistor that is turned on and off in accordance with a write signal, a second transistor having a gate connected to the one end of the signal-level holding capacitor and a source connected to the other end of the signal-level holding capacitor, a current-driven self-luminous light-emitting element having a cathode held at a cathode potential and an anode connected to the source of the second transistor, a third transistor that is turned on and off in accordance with a driving-pulse signal, and a fourth transistor that is turned on and off in accordance with a control signal.

Abstract: A multicolor light-emitting diode (LED) light string includes multiple serially connected LED components. Each LED component includes multiple chips and multiple pairs of positive and negative pins. The pairs of the positive and negative pins are respectively and electrically connected to positive and a negative poles of the corresponding LED chip. Further, the LED chips with the same light color are serially connected through the positive and negative pins. In this way, the LED light string can be driven by different voltage sources at different times to show different light colors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost LED string circuit design that uses an inexpensive half-wave rectification and low-pass filter circuit that is designed to produce minimal flicker in the LED string that is connected to the circuit. The components of the half-wave rectification and low-pass filter circuit are selected in accordance with design principles that prevent glittering and flickering of the LED string. The circuit components of the half-wave rectification and low-pass filter circuit can be embedded in an outlet plug or as a separate independent unit between an AC power plug and the LED string.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dimmer switch having a broad range of control with a relatively simple circuit having a number of safety features. The circuit employs a triac and diac to selectively conduct an AC power wave. A variable phase shift network having an improved range of control governs the firing angle of the diac. The variable phase shift network includes a first and second series R-C circuits coupled by a bridge resistor.

Abstract: A drive circuit supplies a drive current to a plurality of light emitting diodes. The drive circuit includes a voltage converter circuit having a particular topology and including at least one inductive element and at least one switching element. The drive circuit senses a current through one of the inductive and switching elements and generates a feedback signal from the sensed current. The feedback signal has a value indicating the drive current being supplied to the light emitting diodes and the drive circuit controls the operation of the voltage converter responsive to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An optical emission spectrometry device is provided. In the optical emission spectrometry device, a discharge path is formed by connecting an ignition circuit to a discharge gap, and further connecting in parallel a plurality of sets of coils and driving circuits, each set having one coil and one driving circuit. Each driving circuit has two operation modes: an increasing operation mode of applying a predetermined potential difference to the corresponding coil of the set to increase the current passing through the corresponding coil, and a sustaining operation mode of directly connecting the corresponding coil of the set to the discharge path to sustain the current passing through the corresponding coil. Moreover, each driving circuit is controlled in such a way that the timing for the increasing operation mode in which the current passing through the coil increases alternates with the timing for the increasing operation mode of other driving circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a charge-pump controller is formed to control a value of current supplied to a load.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for driving a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a power converting unit which converts a direct current (DC) power into an alternating current (AC) power for driving the light source, and a control unit which controls the power converting unit to convert the DC power into the AC power according to a pulsewave.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting system includes a power factor correction (PFC) controller that determines at least one power factor correction control parameter from phase delays of a phase modulated signal. In at least one embodiment, a peak voltage of the phase modulated signal is a PFC control parameter used bit the PFC controller to control power factor correction and generation of a link voltage by a PFC LED driver circuit. The phase delays are related to a peak voltage of the phase modulated signal. Thus, in at least one embodiment, detecting the phase delay in one or more cycles of the phase modulated signal allows the PFC controller to determine the peak voltage of the phase modulated signal.

Abstract: A dimming circuit includes an isolated DC voltage source that is selectively coupled to a switch through which power is supplied from a source to a load. In a disclosed example, the switch comprises two MOSFETs. The isolated DC voltage source is selectively coupled directly to the gate and source of the MOSFETs to set them into an operative state for providing power to the load. A controller controls another switch that is operative to selectively control when the isolated DC voltage source is coupled to the switch.

Abstract: A method and system allow a lighting device having light sources with multiple color temperatures to vary a color temperature of the lighting device in response to changing dimming levels. The light sources are non-incandescent light sources, such as light emitting diodes and/or gas-discharge lights. A dimmer circuit provides a dimming signal that indicates a selected dimming level. The lighting device includes a light source driver and a light source driver controller that cooperate to vary drive currents to the light sources in response to the selected dimming level. By varying the drive currents in different relative amounts, the color temperature of the lighting device changes in response to dimming level changes. In at least one embodiment, changes in the color temperature of the lighting device in response to the dimming level changes simulates the color temperature changes of an incandescent light source.

Abstract: A constant current generator which includes a first transistor to supply current in accordance with a control signal, a second transistor that is a MOS transistor having an equal impurity type to the first transistor. To supply current to a load in accordance with the control signal, a gate and source of the second transistor are connected to a gate and source of the first transistor, respectively. Also, there is a voltage adjustor to adjust drain voltage of the first transistor in accordance with drain voltage of the second transistor, a constant current generation circuit including a first current source to supply first current to the first transistor through the voltage adjustor, and a level shifter to shift a voltage at a connection node of the voltage adjustor and the constant current generation circuit, output a shifted voltage to each gate of the first and second transistors.

Abstract: A system and method map dimming levels of a lighting dimmer to light source control signals using a predetermined lighting output function. The dimmer generates a dimmer output signal value. At any particular period of time, the dimmer output signal value represents one of multiple dimming levels. In at least one embodiment, the lighting output function maps the dimmer output signal value to a dimming value different than the dimming level represented by the dimmer output signal value. The lighting output function converts a dimmer output signal values corresponding to measured light levels to perception based light levels. A light source driver operates a light source in accordance with the predetermined lighting output function. The system and method can include a filter to modify at least a set of the dimmer output signal values prior to mapping the dimmer output signal values to a new dimming level.

Abstract: Circuit for regulating a current applied to an electrical load, comprising a compensation unit comprising a temperature sensor and providing an electrical signal at an output, the electrical signal depending on the current applied to the electrical load and on a temperature measured by the temperature sensor, a reference unit providing a reference electrical signal, and a control unit regulating the current applied to the electrical load depending on a difference between the electrical reference signal and the electrical signal provided at the output of the compensation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in lighting systems, in particular lighting systems having variable colour temperature. We describe an apparatus for controlling two light sources using an input voltage from a mains light dimmer, the light sources comprising a first light source configured to emit light having a second colour temperature, wherein the second colour temperature is higher than the first colour temperature, the apparatus comprising an input connection for receiving the input voltage from the mains light dimmer, a sensor for sensing a value voltage of the input voltage, driving means for driving the light sources, and a controller for controlling the driving means responsive to said sensing.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting system includes a PFC and output voltage controller and a LED lighting power system. The controller advantageously operates from an auxiliary voltage less than a link voltage generated by the LED lighting power system. The common reference voltage allows all the components of lighting system to work together. A power factor correction switch and an LED drive current switch are coupled to the common reference node and have control node-to-common node, absolute voltage that allows the controller to control the conductivity of the switches. The LED lighting system can utilize feed forward control to concurrently modify power demand by the LED lighting power system and power demand of one or more LEDs. The LED lighting system can utilize a common current sense device to provide a common feedback signal to the controller representing current in at least two of the LEDs.

Abstract: A night-light (100) having a light source (104) and control circuitry (110), which is arranged to receive a temperature input comprising a measure of temperature measured by a temperature sensor (208). The light source (104) is arranged to emit light in a first colour when the temperature measured by a temperature sensor (208) is within a predetermined range and to emit light in an alternative colour when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (208) is outside the predetermined range. The night-light may be of particular use in babies' nurseries.

Abstract: A key module includes a key, a light emitting component, and a drive circuit. The key is operable between on and off states. The light emitting component is disposed adjacent to the key, and is capable of providing indicating light for the key. The drive circuit is electrically connected to the key and the light emitting component. The drive circuit is triggered upon switching of the key from the off state to the on state to provide a drive signal with an intensity that gradually decreases over time for driving the light emitting component such that the light emitting component provides the indicating light with a luminance that gradually decreases over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the commutation of electromechanical, commutatorless actuators, more particularly of permanent magnet motors and reluctance motors, having a rotor and a stator including at least one stator winding (W1, W2) that is/are operated with a constant current (IPWM). The method for determining the moment of commutation used herein comprises the following steps: A reference constant current is applied to at least one of the windings (W1, W2) and a stationary state is awaited. Then, a value that represents the voltage applied to the winding of the actuator in the stationary state is determined as the reference commutation value for the commutation voltage. While the motor is running, the commutation (if the motor is being operated with the reference current) is performed as soon as the reference value appears or a specified time later.

Abstract: A brake-controllable brushless motor has a rotor and a stator having polyphase coils; a polar position detector whereby electric power is supplied to the coil selected by its phase in response to the polar positions of the rotor detected by the polar position detector; a driver division for controlling the electric supply to the coils; a motor pulse identifier for recognizing motor pulse signals fed from the polar position detector; and a delayed pulse generator for producing phase-delayed pulse signals in response to the pulse signals fed from the motor pulse identifier, thereby ensuring that when the brushless motor is braked, the phase delay of the delayed pulse signals is progressively and continuously enlarged, and that the coils receive a controlled electric supply from the driver division in response to the delayed pulse signals.

Abstract: A driver for a brushless motor (10) is described comprising a static position sensing device (22), a back EMF detector for detecting a back EMF voltage (40), comprising a filter (42). The driver further comprises an output stage (30) with at least three modules (30U, 30V, 30W) for supplying a current to a respective phase coil (11U, 11V, 11W) of the motor (10), and a commutating device (21) for selectively enabling respective modules (30U, 30V, 30W) of the output stage (30) depending on the position ($) of the motor. The selectively enabling is alternated with a commutation frequency (VE). The commutating device (21) is controlled by the static position-sensing device (22) at startup of the motor and by the back EMF detector (40) after the first detected back EMF pulse.

Abstract: A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.

Abstract: In order to prevent a short circuit of top and bottom arms of a motor driving IC when noise is added to six control signals for controlling six switching elements, there is provided a semiconductor device for driving a motor, being sealed with resin as one package and comprising: six switching elements for driving a three-phase motor; three output terminals for outputting voltages to the three-phase motor; at least one driving circuit for driving the six switching elements; three control signal input terminals; and a function) of generating six control signals for control of the six switching elements based on three control signals inputted through the three control signal input terminals.

Abstract: A method capable of controlling initial current value for driving a motor includes following steps: (a) an output reference level of a driving unit being connected to a motor coil set to operate a motor constituted with the motor coil set; (b) a magnetic pole change being detected with a sensing unit during the motor being in operation and an output signal being produced by the sensing unit; (c) determining if the motor is in a state of operation by means of whether a control unit receives the output signal or not; and (d) the control unit restricting the reference level of the driving unit being output to the motor coil set while the output signal of the sensing unit is received by the control unit.

Abstract: A control system for a synchronous electric motor controls the synchronous motor so that the phase of a current determined based on a magnetic pole position of a moving element of the motor may shift to a phase where maximum torque may be obtained. A magnetic pole position correcting section determines a magnetic pole position correction to be added to a relative magnetic pole position. In connection with a polarity change determining section which determines whether or not a polarity of an acceleration difference changes, a basic correction adjusting section switches computation between an incremental operation of incrementing a basic correction and a decremental operation of decrementing the basic correction by a correction increment/decrement. When the correction increment/decrement becomes a predetermined lower limit value B or less, the basic correction adjusting section stops the computation. The basic correction at that point is determined as a finally-determined magnetic pole position correction.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention pertain to a method of power control for an electrical motor using open-loop principles. The method employs a desired control line function that determines hold-off time based on a detected phase lag of a motor drive signal. The motor to be controlled is driven with a motor drive signal at a given load for a first number of cycles to detect the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Controlling for phase lag for a second number of cycles is then accomplished by firing a thyristor according to the phase lag of the motor drive signal. Advantages of the present invention include reduced power consumption of a motor controlled by an embodiment of the inventive method or inventive controller, and faster response time between the detection of load changes on the motor and the issuance of power control signals.

Abstract: Kinematic control of an electronic positioner and its associated actuator is effected through a control algorithm that delivers energy to the actuator based on observed motion produced by a previous delivery of energy. The algorithm achieves control based on a desired or user-specified resolution. Electronic braking between energy delivery intervals improves the speed at which the desired position is achieved. Temperature of the force producing mechanism is determined, as by monitoring energy consumed, and used to control how power is delivered to the actuator.

Abstract: There are provided a motor control device and a method for deciding a velocity instruction shape within the limit of a movement range, a velocity, and an acceleration of an object device while maintaining the acceleration as high as possible in inertia identification. The motor control device includes a position control unit for generating a velocity instruction based on a position instruction and a motor position, a velocity control unit for generating a torque instruction based on the velocity instruction and a motor velocity, and a motor drive unit for generating motor current from the torque instruction.

Abstract: A control architecture for an electrical inverter includes a command limiter that is realized as a circular voltage limiter. The command limiter includes a Cartesian-to-polar converter coupled to a command source such as a synchronous frame current regulator. The Cartesian-to-polar converter provides magnitude and phase components for d-q command voltages. The command limiter further includes a magnitude limiter that limits the magnitude component to the maximum fundamental voltage component of the inverter, and a polar-to-Cartesian converter that converts the limited magnitude component and the phase component into modified d-q command voltages.

Abstract: A feed motor lock detection device detects a back-electromotive voltage in a feed motor M and checks whether the feed motor M is in a driven state or in a non-driven state based on the level of the back-electromotive voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling permanent magnet machines under varying loads. The method comprises generating a d-axis voltage command and a q-axis voltage command, producing a modified d-axis current command based on the q-axis voltage command and a d-axis current command, converting the modified d-axis current command to a modified d-axis voltage command, and transmitting the modified d-axis voltage command and the q-axis voltage command to the PM machine. The d-axis voltage command is based on a d-axis current command.

Abstract: Briefly described, the invention provides a photovoltaic assembly power output utilizing device which partially charges a capacitor assembly. This capacitor assembly is then partially discharged by a DC/DC power converter in different ranges of voltages in which the power output from the photovoltaic assembly peaks for different light intensities.

Abstract: A battery-operated power output device includes a battery seat for receiving a dry cell power source, a charging signal generator connected to the battery seat for generating a charging signal output, a power source connector for connection to a rechargeable battery load, a safety switch for making or breaking connection between the power source connector and the charging signal generator, a detecting module for detecting voltage and current values of the charging signal output, and a switch controller that controls the safety switch according to a timer signal from a timer unit and detected voltage and current values from the detecting module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling battery discharging in a portable terminal having a detachable external battery are provided. The method includes determining if the external battery has been connected with the portable terminal when the portable terminal is booted, receiving power from the external battery when the external battery is connected with the portable terminal and receiving power from an embedded battery of the portable terminal when the external battery has been completely discharged. Furthermore, in charging the batteries, the embedded battery of the portable terminal is first charged when battery charging current is input in a state that the external battery has been connected with the portable terminal, and the external battery is charged when the embedded battery has been completely charged. Power from the external battery is first used when a portable terminal assembled with the external battery is used, and an embedded battery is first charged in charging batteries.

Abstract: An inductive charging system including an inductive charger having an inductive charging surface and an alignment feature depicted on a surface of the inductive charger indicating a location of the inductive charging surface. A structural feature may extend substantially perpendicular to the alignment feature and provides a guide for positioning of a portable device to facilitate inductive changing of the portable device by the inductive charging surface. The inductive charger may include a plurality of inductive chargers positioned to facilitate charging of a portable device by two or more of the plurality of the inductive chargers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for recharging batteries, the device having a circuit, which comprises at least a first coil (8) in a first layer (17) and at least a second coil (21) in a second layer (19). The coils (4-16, 21-25) in accordance with the invention have magnetic fields in opposite directions (28, 29). The magnetic fields in opposite directions cancel each other out in the remote range. Hence, an unintentional effect on biological and electromechanical systems is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery with a battery housing having a rear wall with a recess which extends as far as an end wall of the battery housing and has a base side and narrow sides facing each other, the base side continuing via a step into the outer side of the rear wall, and a contact assembly which is covered by a cover extending from the step being positioned at the step. In order to further develop the battery so that when the battery is connected to an electrical appliance the contact assembly is protected against splash water, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the cover form a contact housing which completely surrounds the contact assembly in circumferential direction and has on its side facing away from the step an insertion opening surrounded by a circumferential rim of the contact housing, which forms a sealing surface.

Abstract: A charging-cable is described that comprises a charger-connector for connecting the charging-cable arrangement to a mating USB connector in a charger, and a device-connector for connecting the charging-cable to a portable device. The charger-connector comprises USB-terminals arranged so that a first USB-terminal can connect to the VBUS signal, a second USB-terminal can connect to the D? signal, a third USB-terminal can connect to the D+ signal and a fourth USB-terminal can connect to the ground signal of a USB connector; and wherein the device-connector comprises device-terminals arranged to be operatively connected to said portable device so that a first device-terminal connects to a ground terminal and a second device-terminal connects to a charging terminal of said portable device 10.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable electronic device is provided with a retainer port for removably receiving one or more attachable wireless audiophones for in situ charging of at least one of a first or second attachable wireless audiophone on the hand-held, portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a retainer port configured to mate with a first connector of a first attachable wireless audiophone including at least one of a speaker or a microphone at a hand-held, portable electronic device having a device housing with a surface is provided. The retainer port may comprise at least one of a first or a second port socket configured for removably retaining the first attachable wireless audiophone on the hand-held, portable electronic device. The first port socket to communicatively receive the first connector of the first attachable wireless audiophone for in situ charging thereof when the hand-held, portable electronic device is connected to an electrical power source for recharging.

Abstract: A charging and power-supply device includes a base, at least one power socket, a board located on the base, and a conductive wire. The power socket is located on the base. The board is rotatably pivoted with the base via a pivoting unit. The conductive wire is electrically connected with the power socket. When the board is rotated above the base, the board is on a slope. It is convenient to place the portable device on the board to charge the portable device. There is a receiving space formed between the board and the base for receiving the wire of the portable device. When the board is rotated below the base, the board is stacked and placed under the base to reduce the occupied space when the charging and power-supply device is shipped or packaged.

Abstract: A charging device for a portable phone is provided which is capable of achieving its improved usability by making the device small-sized, improving its portability, and enabling instant telephone speech even in a state in which a battery of the portable phone has been exhausted. The charging device for a portable phone for charging a rechargeable battery housed in a portable phone includes the first charging section to charge the rechargeable battery housed in the portable phone and the second charging section to charge the lithium-ion battery built in the first charging section in which the first and second charging sections are connected so as to be freely detachable and attachable from or to each other and can be disconnected from each other.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a secondary cell, a selection unit, a judging unit, an elapsed time period comparing unit, and a control unit. The selection unit selects either a first operation state or a second operation state. The control unit controls the selection unit to switch from the first operation state to the second operation state when the elapsed time period is longer than a predetermined time period. The control unit also controls the selection unit to switch from a second operation state to a first operation state either (a) when judged as being in an used state by the judging unit while the second operation is selected (b) when a voltage of the second cell becomes equal to or less than a second voltage threshold value which is smaller than a first voltage threshold value while the second operation state is selected.