Abstract: An insertable flashlight adapter device for use in an ordinary flashlight having a lamp includes a disc-like shaped housing unit. Electronic circuitry is disposed within the housing unit for selectively operating the flashlight in at least three different modes. The electronic circuitry has a voltage comparator for determining which one of the at least three different modes the flashlight is being operated. The electronic circuitry also has logic and control means for selectively interrupting current to the flashlight lamp so as to cause the at least three different modes of operation. The logic and control means includes a first timer for monitoring a first time interval between mode changes in the voltage comparator and a second timer for monitoring a second time interval between a power-ON and power-OFF state of the flashlight lamp.

Abstract: A system for dimming one or more light sources includes a first light source that emits a light of a first brightness according to an operating condition of the first light source, a second light source that emits a light of a second brightness according to an operating current of the second light source, wherein the light of the first brightness is different than that of the light of the second brightness, and one or more components that references the operating condition of the first light source, wherein, in response to the referenced operating condition of the first light source, the one or more components modifies the operating current of the second light source to substantially match the light of the second brightness to the light of the first brightness. A method for dimming one or more light sources is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a light source block with semiconductor light sources connected in series to each other. A resistor is connected in parallel with one or more of the semiconductor light sources and is connected to two detecting target portions in portions linked to respective electrodes of the semiconductor light sources. A ground fault detecting circuit is connected to one of the two detecting target portions disposed on a ground potential side. The light source block has one of its terminals connected to a power supply and its other terminal grounded. By detecting a change in the voltage through the ground fault detecting circuit, a ground fault can be detected.

Abstract: A device and method for illuminating an electrically powered decorative lighting system with a plurality of individual light elements that can be positioned in or on surrounding plants, windows, or other display areas to simulate fireflies. The plurality of light emitting elements, such as LEDs or fiber optic cables, are arrangable with mounting devices or can be suspended or attached to any surrounding structure to provide an ornamental lighting effects. Electrical power is provided with rechargeable batteries charged with a solar panel. One preferred embodiment uses insulation-displacement connectors and an insulation-displacement connector ribbon cable to attach the light emitters to a microprocessor control which creates unique and varied timing patterns for the various light emitters to simulate fireflies.

Abstract: A substrate splitting apparatus and a method for splitting a substrate using the substrate splitting apparatus are provided. The substrate splitting apparatus includes a servo motor, a transmission device, a substrate breaking bar, and a stage. One end of the transmission is directly or indirectly coupled to the servo motor while the other end is coupled with the breaking bar. The stage has a load-lock surface and the load-lock surface faces the breaking bar. The servo motor drives the transmission device to move the breaking bar toward the load-lock surface. A substrate with a pre-crack on the bottom is disposed on the load-lock surface. The servo motor drives the substrate breaking bar to move towards or away from the pre-crack. The method of splitting includes the following steps: forming a pre-crack on the substrate; controlling the servo motor to drive the breaking bar to move towards the substrate; and controlling the breaking bar to press the substrate at the pre-crack.

Abstract: A motor control device includes at least one operating unit that is provided corresponding to at least one motor to operate the at least one motor, and a control unit that, each time at least one control cycle arrives in which the at least one motor is operated, sets a manipulated variable of the at least one motor to the at least one operating unit that operates the at least one motor of which the at least one control cycle arrives.

Abstract: An actuator (20) comprises a rotor (22); an electromagnetic circuit (24) configured to produce bidirectional torque on the rotor; and, a rotation limitation assembly (26). The rotor (22) comprises a rotor shaft and plural magnets (80) affixed to the rotor shaft. In an example embodiment the rotation limitation assembly (26) comprises at least one stationary clockwise boundary (40) configured to limit clockwise rotation of the rotor (22); at least one stationary counterclockwise boundary (42) configured to limit counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (22); and a rotor stop arm (50) connected to the rotor and configured to selectively abut the clockwise boundary (40) and the counterclockwise boundary (44) and thereby limit the rotation of the rotor to a predetermined angle about an axis of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling a motor and a brushless motor using the same are provided. The brushless motor includes three phase coils, wherein the first terminals of all the phase coils are coupled to a common node. The method includes following steps: among the above-mentioned three phase coils, when there is no current flowing through the first phase coil of the above-mentioned three phase coils and a current flows from the second terminal of the second coil to the second terminal of the third phase coil, detecting the voltage at the second terminal of the first phase coil to be a first specific voltage; detecting the voltage drop of a DC sensing resistor to be a second specific voltage; and utilizing the first specific voltage, the second specific voltage and the DC voltage supplied to the motor to estimate zero crossing points for controlling the motor.

Abstract: A device for driving a single phase motor is provided. The device controls the rotation of the single phase motor according to at least a control signal. The single phase motor driving device includes a control apparatus and a detection apparatus. The control apparatus detects the rotation or stopped rotation of the single phase motor, and outputs a detection signal and at least the control signal. The detection apparatus coupled to the control apparatus generates a first comparison signal and a second comparison signal according to the detection signal, compares the first comparison signal with the second comparison signal to generate a comparison result, and then further outputs a rotation signal or a stopped rotation signal according the comparison result; wherein the control apparatus generates the at least the control signal according the rotation signal and the stopped rotation signal.

Abstract: A motor control system in which one numerical control device controls a first-type amplifier without a DSP and a second-type amplifier with a DSP, and the cost of which has been reduced by reducing the number of interface circuits (serial bus control circuits) to be provided in the numerical control device has been disclosed.

Abstract: A machine includes an operator seat and an armrest adjacent the operator seat. The machine may also include a control system, which may include a control handle extending at least partially upward from the armrest. The control system may also include a force feedback device drivingly connected to the control handle and operable to supply feedback force to the control handle. The force-feedback device may include at least one of an actuator or a brake. Additionally, the control system may automatically adjust the magnitude of the feedback force supplied to the control handle by the force feedback device in at least some circumstances.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a stepper motor, a component attached to the stepper motor, and a controller to control the stepper motor. The controller controls the stepper motor to be accelerated or decelerated, at driving frequencies that do not match a resonant frequency, in order to avoid a resonance between the stepper motor and the component, by selecting a speed control table that has the driving frequencies, which avoid the resonance. Thus, the image forming apparatus can avoid the resonance between the stepper motor and the component, minimize vibration and noise, and prevent malfunctions of the component. The image forming apparatus further comprises a first storage unit to store a resonant frequency of the component and, a second storage unit to store speed control tables having different driving frequencies, which are set according to speed control periods.

Abstract: A solar energy charging device for a computer allows the computer to be combined with a simple charging circuit and a chargeable battery, use solar energy to charge the chargeable battery, provide power sufficiently provided by a solar energy battery through the chargeable battery and need not use a general battery so that the battery is unnecessary to be replaced to reduce the use amount of general batteries to conform to the environmental protection requirement.

Abstract: A motorbike is mounted with a fuel cell system which includes a cell stack, a secondary battery which is charged by the cell stack and a controller which has a CPU. After receiving an operation stop command which is issued from a main switch, the CPU estimates a charging time for a charge rate of the secondary battery to attain a target value, based on a voltage of the secondary battery and a charge current which are detected based on detection signals from a voltage detection circuit and an electric current detection circuit, as well as based on a charging time estimation table stored in a memory. The charging time estimated by the CPU is displayed in a display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable charger device that includes a chamber to hold at least one rechargeable charging battery, and at least one controller. The controller is configured to determine a first charging current level to apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery such that the at least one rechargeable charging battery achieves a first predetermined charge that is reached within a first period of time of 15 minutes or less, apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery a first charging current substantially equal to the determined first charging current level, determine a second charging current to apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries, and apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries a second charging current substantially equal to the determined second charging current level, the second charging current being drawn from the at least one rechargeable charging battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for charging a rechargeable battery having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell. The method includes determining a corresponding battery capacity based on identification information received from the rechargeable battery, determining a charging current level to apply to the rechargeable battery based on the determined corresponding battery capacity such that the battery achieves a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of 15 minutes or less, and applying a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to the battery.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a battery, a main body, a charging section, an obtaining section, and a controlling section. The battery has first information with which charging of the battery is controlled. The main body operates with the battery as a power supply. The charging section charges the battery. The obtaining section obtains the first information from the battery. The controlling section controls the charging section based on the obtained first information and causes the charging section to perform a charging according to another battery.

Abstract: Chargers for charging a rechargeable battery determine a current level to apply to the rechargeable battery such that the battery has a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of between 4-6 minutes and apply a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to battery and terminating the charging current after a period of charging time substantially equal to the particular period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for loading/unloading one or more rechargeable batteries. The mechanism includes one or more charging compartments configured to receive one or more rechargeable batteries and a first actuator configured to cause the one or more rechargeable batteries to be displaced from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for charging a rechargeable battery that includes at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method includes measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the battery, and determining a charging current to be applied to the battery based on the at least one measured electrical characteristic.

Abstract: Charging a rechargeable battery having one or more rechargeable cells includes determining a current level to apply to the battery such that the battery has a pre-determined charge that is reached within a specified period of time that is less than about 15 minutes and applying a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charger device. The charger device includes a housing, defining a volume, that includes a power conversion module to provide output power of between 3-300 W, and a controller configured to determine a current level to direct to one or more rechargeable batteries, and cause the output power to be directed to the one or more rechargeable batteries at a charging current substantially equal to the determined current level. A ratio of the output power directed to the one or more rechargeable batteries and the volume is equal to at least 10 W/in3.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system including a synchronous drive system having a resonance control module. The resonance control module includes a primary coil module with a primary LC circuit. The resonance control module seeks and detects the resonant frequency of the primary LC circuit. The synchronous drive system further includes a switching coil amplifier for selectively energizing the primary coil to keep the primary LC circuit operating at or as close as possible to its natural resonant frequency. The inductive power transfer system may further include a secondary receiving unit. The secondary receiving unit includes a secondary LC circuit coupled with the primary LC circuit for inductively receiving power. The secondary LC circuit includes an LC filter and a rectifier unit for operating the secondary LC circuit at a mutual resonance with the primary LC circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of charging a battery mounted on a robot while allowing the robot to remain stably still in the state of standing on its legs is provided. Driving a first connector backward while it is connected with a second connector would cause a body of the robot to tilt as if being pulled by the first connector. However, it is possible to prevent the posture of the robot from becoming unstable by utilizing the fact that the connected state of first signal terminals and second signal terminals is maintained in that state. The backward driving of the first connector is restricted when a charge control unit is capable of communicating with a control system via the first signal terminals and the second signal terminals. This prevents the undesirable event that the posture of the robot becomes unstable due to the first connector being driven backward unconditionally.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a portable terminal device, such as a cell phone terminal device, and an adaptor in which the portable terminal device is disposed thereon. The portable terminal device includes a projection on an end of its bodies matching with a shape of a hook incorporated in the adaptor on which the portable terminal device is set. A battery charger to charge the portable terminal device set thereon includes a terminal electrically connected with a charging terminal of the portable terminal device, a wall for holding the portable terminal device set thereon, and a hook incorporated in a main body of the battery charger, hinged at an end of the portable terminal device, having a shape matching with the projection formed on the body of the portable terminal device.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrical power supply unit for an electronic device of a bicycle, comprising three battery elements with a positive pole and a negative pole is provided. The battery elements are arranged in such a way that through switching means it is possible to realize a first operating configuration wherein the battery elements are connected in series for the delivery of energy to the electronic device, and a second operating configuration wherein the battery elements are individually recharged by a respective source of a recharging device.

Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a standard size primary high energy density battery cell assembly and a voltage regulator integrated within the battery cell assembly. A method for providing a standard size primary high energy density battery cell assembly includes integrating a voltage regulator circuit into a standard size primary high energy density battery assembly and regulating an output voltage of the high energy density battery cell assembly to match an output voltage of a standard primary battery. Embodiments of the present invention may integrate a voltage regulator into a commercially available primary high energy density battery cell. The voltage regulator as in one embodiment of the present invention may be used to downscale the output voltage of the high energy density battery cell. The high density battery assembly as in embodiments of the present invention may be used in existing equipment currently powered by standard primary batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery. The battery includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough, and a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore, the voltage converter configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.

Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as the pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.

Abstract: A fully-charged battery capacity detection method includes a capacity variation detection step, an open-circuit voltage detection step, a remaining capacity determination step, a remaining capacity variation rate calculation step, and a fully-charged capacity calculation step. The capacity variation detection step calculates a capacity variation value (?Ah) of a battery between first detection timing and second detection timing. The open-circuit voltage detection step detects first and second open-circuit voltages (VOCV1, VOCV2) of the battery at the first and second detection timing, respectively. The remaining capacity determination step determines first and second remaining capacities (SOC1 [%], SOC2 [%]) of the battery based on the first and second open voltages (VOCV1, VOCV2), respectively. The remaining capacity variation rate calculation step calculates a remaining capacity variation rate (?S [%]) based on the difference between the first and second remaining capacities (SOC1 [%], SOC2 [%]).

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery having an internally integrated voltage converter module. The battery includes at least one electrochemical cell having an internal bore, a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the at least one electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore, the voltage converter configured to convert a first voltage produced by the at least one electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage, a set of terminals being electrically coupled to the voltage converter, and a bypass circuit coupled between one of the terminals of the set of terminals and the at least one electrochemical cell to direct charging current applied from an external source to the at least one electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for controlling over-voltage conditions in an electrical generator by rapidly discharging the generator field winding current into a discharge resistor upon the detection of the over-voltage. A field discharge transistor is switched by a soft switching circuit to direct the generator field winding current to the discharge resistor. A hysteresis circuit detects when a point of regulation voltage exceeds a first threshold triggering the discharge of the generator field winding current. The hysteresis circuit also detects when the point of regulation voltage goes below a second lower threshold and triggers the field discharge transistor to bypass the discharge resistor and return to a normal mode.

Abstract: A sampling method with adjusting duty ratios is provided and includes the following steps. A first working pulse signal which has a pulse-width duty ratio D in a switching period Ts is provided. A first adjusting period comprising first N successive switching periods of the first working pulse signal is set, wherein N is a natural number larger than 1. A second working pulse signal which has second N successive switching periods with their corresponding pulse-width duty ratio D1, D2, . . . , DN to drive the switch in the converter circuit is provided and the measured signal is generated, wherein the sum of D1, D2, . . . , DN substantially equals to N·D and the second N successive switching periods constitute a second adjusting period.

Abstract: Switch mode power converter system and method thereof. The system includes one or more isolation boxes including at least a first isolation box, an input primary winding for receiving an input signal for the switch mode power converter system, and an output secondary winding for generating an output signal for the switch mode power converter system. The switch mode power converter system is configured to convert the input signal to the output signal. One of the input primary winding and the output secondary winding is substantially enclosed in the first isolation box, and the other of the input primary winding and the output secondary winding is not enclosed in the first isolation box. The first isolation box is conductively connected to a constant-voltage source.

Abstract: A method for regulating a voltage in an integrated circuit device includes providing a first regulated output based upon a first voltage input range and subsequently receiving the first regulated output and providing a second regulated output based upon a second voltage input range of the first regulated output. A circuit is further provided that operates accordingly. Additionally, a clipper circuit is provided at the input to protect for over voltage conditions that may results, for example, from a charging battery to cause an output voltage of the battery to substantially exceed ordinary output voltage levels.

Abstract: A device coupled to a primary AC voltage and a load includes an input, an inductive element coupled thereto, and a generator of a PWM control signal. A capacitor is coupled in parallel to the load. A first bidirectional switch couples the load and primary AC voltage during conduction phases. A second bidirectional switch discharges energy from the load during off phases of the first bidirectional switch. A first driving circuit for the second bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a first PWM signal applied between control and conduction terminals of the second bidirectional switch. A second driving circuit for the first bidirectional switch, input with the PWM control signal, generates a second PWN signal, in phase opposition with the first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the first bidirectional switch. An electric decoupling circuit is between the generator and the second driving circuit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a voltage regulator assembly comprises a first voltage regulator circuit selectively coupled to a first input voltage and comprising a first inductor, a second regulator circuit selectively coupled to the first input voltage and comprising a second inductor to inductively couple the second regulator circuit to the first voltage regulator circuit, a bypass switch coupled to the second regulator circuit, and a controller coupled to the bypass switch comprising logic to activate the bypass switch when a load on the voltage regulator assembly falls below a threshold. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and method of regulating is provided. A converter circuit includes a primary switching element and an auxiliary switching element. The auxiliary switching element is for transferring a reflected voltage signal. A transformer includes a primary and a secondary, the primary is coupled with the converter circuit. The primary and secondary each include a single winding. An output rectifier circuit is coupled with the secondary of the transformer. A resonant circuit is included in the converter circuit and is coupled with the primary. The resonant circuit includes one or more resonance capacitors that are configured for providing a transformer resonance. The transformer resonance comprises the reflected voltage signal, the capacitance of the one or more resonance capacitors and a parasitic capacitance of the transformer. The reflected voltage signal is reflected from the secondary to the primary.

Abstract: A hierarchical control for an integrated voltage regulator may include a voltage regulator circuit with a plurality of parallel voltage cells, with each of the cells having a plurality of phases of interleaved voltage converters, and a feedback control associated with the cells to set identical current references for the phases. A multi-rail embodiment has a plurality of parallel voltage regulator circuits each with a plurality of parallel voltage cells, with each of the cells having a plurality of phases of interleaved voltage converters, and a feedback control associated with the circuits to sense parameters of the circuits and set identical parameter references for the phases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regulating voltage levels. The apparatus includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor are each coupled to a first current source and a second current source. Additionally, the apparatus includes a third transistor coupled to the second transistor and configured to receive a first voltage from the second transistor, and a fourth transistor configured to receive the first voltage from the second transistor and generate an output voltage. Moreover, the apparatus includes an adaptive system coupled to the fourth transistor. Also, the apparatus includes a delay system coupled to the third transistor and configured to receive a sensing current from the third transistor and generate a delayed current associated with a predetermined time delay. Additionally, the apparatus includes a current generation system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-ringing switching regulator, comprising a variable resistor, a transistor, and an inductor electrically connected to a common node, in which the variable resistor is electrically connected with an input voltage, the transistor is electrically connected to ground, and the inductor is electrically connected to an output terminal, whereby the input voltage is converted and transmitted to the output terminal according to the resistance variation of the variable resistor and the switching of the transistor.

Abstract: The DC/DC converter is that which is constituted so as to have a failure detecting circuit in which a first capacitor and a second capacitor are connected in series, a plurality of switches are switched according to a predetermined operating mode to select an inductor, the first capacitor and the second capacitor, allowing them to function, thereby performing any one of the boost, buck, and conducting operations of input voltage.

Abstract: A current source circuit includes a voltage output section which outputs a voltage signal; a current source section and a conversion section. The current source section has at least one current source block comprising a plurality of current sources, each of which outputs an output current. The conversion section is provided between the voltage output section and the current source section and outputs a reference current to the plurality of current sources of the at least one current source block based on the voltage signal such that the output current from each of the plurality of current sources is set based on the reference current.

Abstract: A constant voltage circuit that is capable of realizing high speed response with respect to an abrupt change in an input voltage or a load current is disclosed. The constant voltage circuit includes a first error amplifier with a high direct current gain and a second error amplifier with high speed responsiveness with respect to a change in an output voltage. The constant voltage circuit uses the first and second error amplifiers to conduct operation control of an output voltage control transistor in response to a change in the output voltage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing harmonic inductive power, and more particularly for delivering current pulses providing a desired amount of pulse energy in high frequency harmonics to a load circuit for inductive heating of an article. By controlling the shape and/or frequency of such current pulses, the apparatus and method can be used to enhance the rate, intensity and/or power of inductive heating delivered by the heater coil and/or to enhance the lifetime or reduce the cost and complexity of an inductive heating power supply. Of particular significance, the apparatus and method may be used to significantly increase the power inductively delivered to a ferromagnetic or other inductively heated load, without requiring an increase of current in the heater coil. This enables new heating applications, and in some known applications, decreases the energy consumption or cooling requirements and/or increase the lifetime of the heater coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DC-DC converter, which includes a power stage driven by a pulse width modulator, a first error amplifier with a first input coupled to a first reference voltage source and a second input coupled to a current sink through which a current is fed from an output of the power stage to receive a first feedback voltage (FB1), a second error amplifier with a first input coupled to a second reference voltage source and a second input coupled to the output of the power stage to receive a second reference voltage (FB2), and switching means (SW1) for connecting a control input of the pulse width modulator with the output of the first error amplifier in a current regulation mode and with the output of the second error amplifier in a voltage regulation control mode.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a DC-DC converter configured to regulate an output voltage based on an externally input instruction, and a discharge circuit connected to an output capacitor of the DC-DC converter, wherein the discharge circuit includes a switch element configured to switch between a conductive state and a nonconductive state according to an instruction, and a capacitor-resistor (C-R) circuit configured to charge electric charge accumulated in the output capacitor of the DC-DC converter when the switch element is conductive and to discharge the electric charge to ground when the switch element is nonconductive.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and method of regulating is provided. A converter circuit includes a primary switching element and an auxiliary switching element. The auxiliary switching element is for transferring a reflected voltage signal. A transformer includes a primary and a secondary, the primary is coupled with the converter circuit. The primary and secondary each include a single winding. An output rectifier circuit is coupled with the secondary of the transformer. A resonant circuit is included in the converter circuit and is coupled with the primary. The resonant circuit includes one or more resonance capacitors that are configured for providing a transformer resonance. The transformer resonance comprises the reflected voltage signal, the capacitance of the one or more resonance capacitors and a parasitic capacitance of the transformer. The reflected voltage signal is reflected from the secondary to the primary.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a multi-phase converter with dynamic phase adjustment is provided.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a control system. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to drive a load based on a set-point of the load, a measured load characteristic and a supply voltage of the load. The controller is configured to determine a duty cycle based on the load characteristic, the set-point, and the supply voltage. The controller is further configured to drive the load in response to the duty cycle.